Bunkyo Azalea Festival

The Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri) is one of the five flower festivals of Bunkyo Ward, centered at the historic Nezu Shrine. From early April through early May, the shrine’s hillside garden showcases over 3,000 azalea plants representing approximately 100 varieties. These meticulously pruned bushes create a vibrant landscape of pink, red, and purple hues. For a small admission fee, visitors can wander through the expansive azalea garden and witness traditional performances on the main stage. This seasonal event highlights the natural beauty of the shrine’s Edo-period architecture and its iconic hillside scenery.

The azalea garden requires a 500 yen admission fee, which allows access to the winding paths that offer elevated views of the shrine’s main buildings. A major highlight of the visit is the Senbon Torii, a tunnel of miniature red gates that runs directly alongside the blooming hillside. In addition to the floral displays, the festival grounds feature a small tea area by the pond where guests can purchase manju (sweet dumplings) and amazake (sweet rice wine). Traditional entertainment, including Shinto music and local folk dances, is frequently scheduled on the shrine’s outdoor stage during the peak weekend periods.