Kameido Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival photography review

Large red torii gate framing a stone path and red bridge with visitors under a bright, cloudy sky. — *A huge torii gate waited to greet visitors to the 2021 Kameido Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival.*

A visit to the Kameido Tenjin Shrine Chrysanthemum Festival in 2021 left me with mixed feelings. The shrine is renowned for its wisteria and plum blossoms, but the autumn floral display, though pleasant, didn’t reach the same heights. It prompted a reflection on what could have been.

Tall chrysanthemum tower at the Kameido Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival surrounded by garden displays and visitors.

For those unfamiliar with Kameido Tenjin, a grand torii gate greets visitors. It leads them to two red drum bridges that arch gracefully over ponds. These ponds are famously adorned with wisteria trellises, creating a breathtaking scene in the spring. The main shrine building stands at the end of this picturesque path, with the chrysanthemum exhibition held in a small area to its right.

A dome-shaped Ozukuri display of yellow and white chrysanthemums on wire frames against a bamboo screen.

A small display for such a famous shrine

The event was good, but not outstanding. I left with a sense of disappointment. The expectation, set by the shrine’s magnificent wisteria festival, was for a grand spectacle of chrysanthemums. This anticipation was not met.

Visitors at Kameido Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival walking toward the main shrine hall under a bright, cloudy sky.

In comparison, the chrysanthemum festivals at Zenyoji Temple and Yushima Tenjin Shrine were more impressive. Both of these locations seemed to offer a more immersive floral experience. The former boasted a magnificent display of chrysanthemums centered around a large, 600-year-old pine tree, with flowers adorning the entire temple grounds.

Yellow chrysanthemums on wood at the Kameido Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival against a blurred purple backdrop.

The latter is also known for its extensive and creative arrangements. It features over 2,000 chrysanthemum plants. A notable feature is the display of life-sized dolls clothed in intricate chrysanthemum blooms. The flowers were arranged throughout the shrine grounds, creating a captivating and immersive experience for visitors.

Red arched bridge and flowered tree trunk in a garden display of white, yellow, and red chrysanthemums.

Was this a missed opportunity?

With its unique layout, including the beautiful ponds, Kameido Tenjin had the potential for a more imaginative chrysanthemum display. Could they have spread the flowers throughout the grounds, incorporating them around the ponds and bridges? Would that have created a more dynamic and engaging festival to draw larger crowds?

Yellow chrysanthemums in focus with the blurred Tokyo Skytree in the distance under a bright, cloudy sky.

Yes, the distant view of the Tokyo Skytree provides a modern backdrop to the traditional shrine. But the primary allure of Kameido Tenjin for many is its floral beauty. That should be the focus.

Large display of yellow and orange chrysanthemums at the Kameido Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival under a wooden roof.

Was this chrysanthemum festival worth it?

Ultimately, the visit to the Kameido Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival was a conflicting experience. While it provided an enjoyable opportunity for flower photography, the scale and impact of the festival were lacking. A question remained. Could more have been done to elevate this autumn event to the same celebrated status as the shrine’s plum blossoms?

White, yellow, and purple chrysanthemums on display at the Kameido Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival.

Photography gear used for this shoot

Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
Lenses:
- Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS
- Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

For those who have visited, your thoughts and impressions are welcome. By the way, to find out more about this shrine, read [Kameido Tenjin: A Hiroshige Masterpiece in Tokyo].