Photographing Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition 2021
Crisp air and a brilliant, cloudless blue sky provided the ideal backdrop for appreciating the vibrant colors of the annual chrysanthemum show at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in 2021. While the warmth of the sun made a jacket unnecessary, it was a small price to pay for such a perfect day dedicated to flower photography. With more time, I could have spent hours immersed in the beauty of the park, but the moments captured were nonetheless rewarding.
The exhibition, a tradition rooted in imperial history, showcases meticulously cultivated chrysanthemums, with the “ozukuri” and “ogiku” displays taking center stage. These masterful creations are a testament to the dedication and artistry of the garden’s cultivators.
The majestic “Ozukuri” (Thousand Bloom) display
“Ozukuri,” or “thousand bloom” chrysanthemums, are truly a sight to behold. These enormous, dome-shaped installations, measuring approximately two meters in diameter, are composed of hundreds of perfectly uniform blossoms grown from a single plant. This remarkable achievement of horticultural skill, a style developed at Shinjuku Gyoen, takes a full year of meticulous pinching and training to perfect.
A long-standing question for many visitors is how these massive floral structures are watered. I finally saw how the gardeners do this and their solution is elegantly simple. They use long bamboo pipes, inserting them deep into the base of the dome to deliver water directly to the roots. This ingenious method ensures the hundreds of blooms remain hydrated and vibrant throughout the show.
Photographing the “Ogiku”: Large-flowered chrysanthemums
One of my displays were the “ogiku,” or large-flowered chrysanthemums. These impressive individual blossoms, known for their puffy, scaly appearance formed by incurved petals, were particularly photogenic, with the pink varieties standing out in their delicate beauty. They represent a classic style of appreciation in Japan.
Unique compositions: The Taiwan Pavilion display
A highlight of the Shinjuku Gyoen exhibition is the creative evolution of the displays each year. For the 2021 event, a novel touch was the placement of vibrant yellow chrysanthemums around the historic Taiwan Pavilion, a first for the exhibition. This thoughtful addition created a stunning visual contrast against the backdrop of the authentic Chinese structure, which was gifted to commemorate the wedding of Emperor Showa.
Tips for shooting in the crowds
The lively atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of numerous elementary and junior high school students, their cheerful energy a delightful counterpoint to the serene beauty of the flowers. Their chaperoned, brisk pace through the displays also proved to be an unexpected advantage for photographers seeking unobstructed shots.
Photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
To plan any trip please read my [Shinjuku Gyoen: A Photography Guide to Tokyo’s Urban Oasis]. If you have experiences and questions about Tokyo’s chrysanthemum exhibitions, leave them in the comments below.
