It's an Azalea Wonderland at Tokyo's Nezu Shrine
Posted on April 26, 2021
If you happened to miss the sakura season this year, don’t fret because Tokyo has another flower viewing opportunity taking place for you right now! Right after the cherry blossoms have faded away, you’ll start to notice the azaleas popping up around every street corner in all shades of pink and purple. From mid-April to early May, the best place to marvel at the beauty of the azaleas en masse is at Nezu Shrine, located in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward. The selection at Nezu Shrine consists of over 3000 individual flowers and 100 varieties of azaleas, which are a type of rhododendron.
photo by @makoto5004
Although entry to Nezu Shrine itself is free, to fully immerse yourself in the azalea-lined walkways you’ll need to purchase a special ticket for 200 yen.
photo by @yasu_on_0730
Nezu Shrine was built in 1705 and is notably one of the longest standing places of worship in Tokyo. During full bloom, the picturesque pond next to the shrine offers a stunning glimpse of the azaleas’ reflection.
photo by @moamariasoderberg
Every year, Nezu Shrine hosts the Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri) for everyone to enjoy the gorgeous flowers along with great food and traditional Japanese amazake or green tea. Please check locally for event updates due to possible COVID-19 restrictions.
photo by @onedaygetawaysplanner
What a picture perfect spot to share with all your friends and family.
photo by @katewigkeit
photo by @orangebarm
photo by @yasu_on_0730
Does this image remind you of somewhere you might have seen before? Nope, we assure you it’s not Kyoto. These rows of torii gates are standing right in the heart of Tokyo!
photo by @vicky_thf
Once you’re done galavanting in the bushes, you might want to head over to Ueno or Asakusa, which are both within a half hour of Nezu Shrine! Maybe get a taste for some traditional Japanese anmitsu dessert, which we wrote about in a previous article.
Access:
1 Chome-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031
Chiyoda & Odakyu lines – Nezu Station (5 min. walk to the shrine)
Namboku line – Todaimae Station (7 min. walk to the shrine)
Mita line – Hakusan Station (14 min. walk to the shrine)
Written by: Maya Kimura Watts
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