Tokyo Snapped is supported by its readers. As an Amazon and Klook Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. [Full Disclosure].
The Bunkyo Azalea Festival at Nezu Shrine in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward is one of my favorite flower festivals because it’s so much fun. What I love most are the colors, the reds, whites, and pinks that day were so vivid! This beautiful and historic place is usually bustling with people. These photos are from my visit in 2019, which was a memorable year for the festival.
Shooting azaleas at Nezu Shrine
While some bushes hadn’t bloomed yet, the overall effect on the hill was superb. The azaleas were a sea of color, and I dare say they were the prettiest I’d seen up until that date.
Going in the afternoon was the best idea, as the sun illuminated all the important things. If you visit in the morning, be aware that the hill can cast more shadows.
The weather was perfect, not too cold or warm. I certainly couldn’t make any complaints about the temperature.
Was Bunkyo Azalea Festival 2019 worth it?
As you can see from the photos, the crowd in 2019 was unusually small. While I had hoped to capture the typical bustling atmosphere, this visit turned out to be an exception. To experience the event’s true popularity, I’d recommend visiting on a weekend or public holiday.
By the way,I’m republishing this article in 2026, and I’m reflecting on the festival. Back in those days, entry was ¥500 and now you can pay up to ¥1000, depending on when you enter. Also, those pre-pandemic days the number of visitors was much smaller. Now Tokyo is dealing with overtourism and the number of international (and domestic) guests to the Bunkyo Azalea Festival is skyrocketing. Things have changed so much.
The shrine’s azaleas are beautiful, but over the last couple of years, the massive increase of visitors and the price increase might have a negative effect on the event. Will the event lose its appeal? I hope not, but we’ll have to wait and see. The Bunkyo Azalea Festival has been a favorite of Tokyoite flower lovers for many years.
For more on the shrine’s history, photos, and tips for the best time to visit, be sure to read my guide to Nezu Shrine. Have you ever been to the Bunkyo Azalea Festival? Tell us about it in the comments below.
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
- Lenses:
- Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
- Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
