Have you narrowly missed out on cherry blossom season in Japan? There’s no need to feel frustrated because the perfect consolation awaits at Nezu Shrine in Tokyo. From mid-April to mid-May, visitors arrive at the annual Azalea Festival to rejoice in the explosion of flowers presented by none other than Mother Nature herself.
Nestled in the Bunkyo ward, Nezu Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary steeped in history and cultural significance. Founded over 1,900 years ago, it offers a tranquil retreat amidst lush greenery and traditional architecture.
However, during one month, every year, this otherwise peaceful place of worship attracts its fair share of visitors who have only one thought in mind: azaleas. Nezu Shrine explodes into a kaleidoscope of colours as thousands of azalea bushes burst into full bloom, showcasing over 100 varieties.
The Azalea Festival, known locally as “Tsutsuji Matsuri,” is a salutation to nature’s surprising and ever-changing landscape in Spring, a season celebrated for its renewal and rejuvenation.
For those wishing to clap their eyes on the city’s most dazzling display of these beautiful plants in a momentary state of unfurling, this floral festival is the place to go.
Attending the Azalea Festival
I attended on one of the first days of the festival. As I pottered up the path in anticipation, I prayed that my visit wasn’t too early. If you arrive too early many of the azaleas might not have flowered yet, and if you arrive too late the numbers might already have diminished.
I need not have worried. As I walked beneath the large torii gates which mark the entrance, a kaleidoscope of colours began to emerge from the hillside. Unfolding before me laid a vision of bauble-shaped bushes spanning far across the temple grounds in amazing technicolour.
In some ways, the spectacle reminded me of the Flower Carpet Festival in Brussels, an event that only takes place every two years, over the course of a single weekend in August. However, there is a big difference. While the ‘flower carpet’ in Brussels is man-made, created by the perfect arrangement of nearly 1 million flowers, the Azelea Festival in Tokyo is solely nature’s own creation.
I wandered with amazement through winding paths adorned with vibrant hues of azalea blossoms. From delicate pinks to crimson reds, the sight is truly breathtaking and offers endless opportunities for nature and photography enthusiasts.
Tokyo being Tokyo, I expected the place to be heaving. To my surprise it wasn’t which made visiting all the more pleasurable. Of course there were people, but not that many that I could roam around easily without getting caught in a traffic-jam of people.
It certainly must have helped that I was here on a weekday, but generally speaking, despite it being one of the oldest shrines in the city, it isn’t featured heavily in tourist guides.
Exploring the grounds of Nezu Shrine
Beyond the Azalea Festival, Nezu Shrine is a lovely place to explore any time of the year. While it was busier than usual during my visit, most of the time it’s a place that provides a quiet and tranquil spot. In the world’s most populous city, sometimes you need somewhere to reset.
Even when the azaleas are not in full bloom, the gardens provide a picturesque setting for a stroll. Moss-covered pathways lead to torii gates and serene ponds inhabited by shimmering coy fish.
Visitors can admire the intricate details of the shrine’s architecture, from ornate wooden carvings to intricately painted murals that depict scenes from Japanese mythology.
Practical information & location
Location: Nezu Shrine is located at 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0031, Japan. The nearest station is Nezu Station, accessible via the Chiyoda Subway Line.
Azalea Festival opening hours: The Azalea Festival typically takes place between mid-April to mid-May. However, sometimes it can be earlier if the weather is warm and the flower bloom earlier. The exact dates are confirmed each year.
Festival hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
