Cherry blossom viewing is followed by azalea blossoms—thousands of blooms at Tokyo shrines!

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported
 
Tokyo’s cherry blossoms began blooming early on the 21st, officially kicking off the romantic spring scenery, with full bloom expected in late March to early April. And besides cherry blossom viewing, visitors to Tokyo in the near future can also enjoy the sight of over 3,000 azaleas at Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo Ward, which are set to burst into vibrant bloom. From April 9 to May 5, the “Bunkyo Azalea Festival” (文京つつじまつり) will be held, adding a splash of color to springtime Tokyo.

Nezu Shrine has been a famous spot for azalea appreciation for over 300 years. It is said to have been built by Japan’s legendary hero Yamato Takeru over 1,900 years ago as a place for worship. Within the approximately 2,000-tsubo azalea garden, there are vine azaleas with bean-sized blossoms, rhododendrons with petals resembling windmills, and the prized Tang Ship Azalea (commonly known as black azalea), among about 50 varieties totaling 3,000 plants. The “Bunkyo Azalea Festival” (文京つつじまつり) is held annually from early April to early May. Visitors can reach Nezu Shrine in about five minutes by walking from Nezu Station on the subway, following the signs.

Nezu Shrine is the largest of the Edo-period shrines and features highly representative architecture. Seven structures, including the shrine’s honden (main hall), haiden (worship hall), and karamon (Chinese-style gate)—all built in the Gongen-zukuri (a traditional style of shrine architecture)—have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, making them highly worth seeing. When the azaleas are in full bloom, the hillsides are dyed in a magnificent tapestry of color by thousands of clustered blossoms of various hues. This is the most beautiful season at Nezu Shrine. Next to the blooming flowers, open-air stalls fill the area around the shrine with liveliness, and performances such as guzheng and taiko drumming allow visitors to enjoy the floral spectacle in a festive atmosphere!