Bunkyō Azalea Festival

Overview

The Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri) is a festival featuring azaleas, held each spring at Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. In the "Tsutsuji-en" (azalea garden) within the precincts of Nezu Shrine, about 3,000 azalea plants of some 100 varieties are planted across a vast site of about 2,000 tsubo, and the azalea festival is held in step with their blossoming. The sight of azaleas in a riot of color blooming as if to cover the slope is overwhelming, and the garden is known as one of the leading azalea spots in Tokyo. The gorgeous view woven by the vermilion shrine buildings and the azalea flowers is a scene that symbolizes Nezu Shrine in spring. In 2026 it marks its 55th occurrence, and as a spring event representative of Bunkyo Ward that has continued for more than half a century, it draws many people from far and wide as well as from the local area.

History and Origins

Nezu Shrine, the setting of the Bunkyo Azalea Festival, is a venerable shrine located in Nezu, Bunkyo Ward. Its present shrine buildings were constructed in the Edo period, and with seven structures designated as Important Cultural Properties of the nation still extant, it is known as a precious shrine that conveys the form of Edo-period shrine and temple architecture to the present day. The vermilion-lacquered gongen-zukuri shrine buildings and the tower gate fascinate viewers when seen together with the azalea flowers.

The azaleas of the Tsutsuji-en have an origin that dates to the Edo period. The azaleas planted in the precincts are said to have been transplanted in that era from Joshu Tatebayashi (present-day Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture), and from that time the spot was renowned enough to be called "Tsutsuji-ga-oka" (azalea hill). Tatebayashi was a place long known as a famous azalea spot, and the fact that azaleas from that land were brought to Nezu in Edo became the foundation of the present-day famous spot. Ever since, the azaleas have been carefully cultivated in the precincts of Nezu Shrine, and today they number some 100 varieties and 3,000 plants. The presence of diverse varieties, such as the Fuji-tsutsuji that bears tiny flowers like beans and the Hana-guruma characterized by petals like a pinwheel, is also a charm of this azalea garden. The azaleas handed down through this long history sustain today's Bunkyo Azalea Festival.

Highlights

The greatest highlight is the some 100 varieties and 3,000 azalea plants that fill the Tsutsuji-en. The garden is a vast one extending over about 2,000 tsubo, and when the azaleas planted across the entire slope bloom in unison, a view spreads out as if a carpet of flowers in many colors had been laid down. Because azaleas are low shrubs, they can be appreciated from close to the flowers, and being able to enjoy their colors and forms up close is another feature. Because the blossoming period differs slightly from variety to variety, one can enjoy flowers reaching their peak one after another throughout the festival period.

Because diverse varieties such as the Fuji-tsutsuji and the Hana-guruma are gathered, even though all are called azaleas, one can compare the various differences in the size and hue of the flowers and the shape of the petals. The view of the azaleas blooming against the backdrop of the vermilion shrine buildings, in which the solemnity of the shrine and the gorgeousness of the flowers resonate together, creates a scene one wishes to capture in a photograph. During the festival period, in addition to the Tsutsuji-en, a plant market and stalls also color the precincts, bustling with many worshippers and flower viewers. Being able to spend a spring day wrapped in the beauty of flowers and shrine buildings is the joy of this festival.

Event Information and Access

The Bunkyo Azalea Festival is held, in step with the blossoming of the azaleas, in April each year. The 55th occurrence is held from Wednesday, April 1, to Thursday, April 30, 2026, with the entry period for the Tsutsuji-en set for the same period. The garden's opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (with the garden opening at 11:00 a.m. on the first day only). The venue is Nezu Shrine in Nezu, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo.

Because the peak viewing of the azaleas shifts from year to year depending on the blossoming conditions, visitors are advised to confirm the blossoming status and garden-opening information through official announcements from Nezu Shrine. Access is convenient by subway, located within walking distance of stations on several lines. Because many visitors are expected during the period, visiting outside the crowded hours is one idea.

Things to See Nearby

The area around Nezu in Bunkyo Ward, where Nezu Shrine is located, is part of the district known as "Yanesen," comprising Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi. Old townscapes retaining the atmosphere of the old downtown, distinctive shops, and alleys are scattered about, making it a popular area for strolling. Walking the surrounding town after enjoying the flowers at the azalea festival allows one to encounter the old-fashioned charm of Tokyo. Nezu Shrine itself can be visited outside the azalea season as well, allowing leisurely appreciation of the solemn shrine architecture designated as Important Cultural Properties of the nation. This neighborhood, also known as a place associated with literary figures, is an ideal place for a stroll fragrant with history and culture.

Related Information

The Bunkyo Azalea Festival is a spring festival that originated with azaleas transplanted from Joshu Tatebayashi in the Edo period and has been carried on for more than half a century in the precincts of Nezu Shrine, which holds Important Cultural Properties of the nation. The view woven by the Tsutsuji-en, where some 100 varieties and 3,000 azalea plants bloom, and the vermilion shrine buildings is widely cherished as one of the foremost azalea spots in Tokyo. Because the festival period, the garden's opening hours, and the peak viewing change from year to year, it is best to confirm the latest information through official announcements from Nezu Shrine before visiting.

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