A Visit to the Bunkyo Azalea Festival Held in Nezu Shrine in Tokyo

The Azalea Garden in Nezu Shrine, covering an area of about 2,000 tsubo (about 6,600 square meters) and featuring over 3,000 azalea plants of about 100 species, is a famous and representative azalea spot in Tokyo. Each year, the Azalea Festival is held there and this year (2017) will see the 48th Azalea Festival. Different varieties of azaleas vary in flowering seasons, so during the one month of the Azalea Festival, I can be greeted with a riot of color.

Believed to be first established about 1900 years ago, Nezu Shrine, situated in Bunkyo, Tokyo, was reconstructed by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (the fifth shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty) in 1705 and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Unlike other shrines that are normally solemn, Nezu Shrine has a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of rural landscape, which enchants visitors before their stepping into the sea of blossoms.

Most of the visitors will not pay homage to the heiden (main hall) unless they have regained calm.

After paying homage, visitors can move in the direction of the torii (a traditional Japanese gate) to get to the Azalea Garden! The picturesque sando (visiting path) leading from Sembon Torii is apparently endless.

I come here a little too early, when quite a few azaleas haven’t come into full bloom. But the yard in green already feels refreshing. By raising my eyes, I catch the sight of Tokyo Skytree! The lush green grove in bloom and dim Tokyo Skytree in distance form a stunning contrast.

The fairly fragrant Azalea Garden with beautiful azaleas here and there is incredibly beautiful. ♡

While I am climbing the stone steps and appreciating lovely blossoms, I find a location suitable for taking photos...

Here it is!
Let’s ascend a height and look into the distance!
The banks of azaleas encompassing Sembon Torii look like a bewitching painting.

During the Azalea Festival, there are a plant fair, an antique fair and some Yatai food stalls within the boundary of Nezu Shrine. In addition, I would like to recommend amazake teahouses that offer sake manju (a traditional Japanese confection), a specialty of Nezu Shrine! (Business hours: 10:00-16:30)