After the cherry blossoms fade, azaleas bloom at Tokyo's Nezu Shrine where 3,000 azaleas are in full glory

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 

In spring in Tokyo, right after the cherry blossom season comes the azalea season, and the top spot for azalea viewing is Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo Ward. With over 300 years of history as a renowned destination for azalea appreciation, it is said that Nezu Shrine was built over 1,900 years ago by Yamato Takeru for worship. Within the approximately 2,000-tsubo azalea garden, there are various types of azaleas, including the vine azalea with bean-sized flowers, the rice cake azalea with windmill-like petals, and the precious Tang Ship Azalea, commonly known as black azalea. Around 50 varieties totaling 3,000 azalea plants burst into bloom. The "Bunkyo Azalea Festival" (Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri) is held annually from early April to early May. Visitors can reach Nezu Shrine by taking the subway and exiting at Nezu Station, then walking about 5 minutes following the signs.

Nezu Shrine is the largest among the Edo-period shrines, with highly representative architecture. Seven structures, including the shrine’s honden (main hall), haiden (worship hall), and karamon (Chinese-style gate) built in the gongen-zukuri style (one of the ancient shrine architectural styles), are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan and are highly worth seeing. When the azaleas are in bloom, the hillsides are dyed into a magnificent tapestry by over 3,000 clusters of colorful flowers, making it 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 flowers in a festive atmosphere.