Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival 2025

After a six-year hiatus, I finally returned to the Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival. The event celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. This century-old tradition of horticultural artistry, held since 1915.

The festival draws visitors from all over to witness its stunning displays. A wave of guilt washed over me as I realized my last visit was in 2019, but it was a sweet return to a beloved and free event.

Yellow chrysanthemum bonsai styled over a dark rock, featuring white award banners with Japanese calligraphy. — *Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival 2025 bonsai display*

Kengai, daruma, & fukusuke displays

The festival showcased an incredible variety of chrysanthemums. I marveled at the exquisite bonsai displays and the dramatic, cascading kengai style. Unique flower varieties like daruma and fukusuke were also on display, each a testament to the growers’ skill.

Magenta chrysanthemum dome in a dark pot, Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival 2025.

Where were my ozukuri?

However, one of my favorites was missing, or at least I couldn’t spot one during my visit: the large, domed ozukuri. These magnificent displays, where hundreds of blossoms are cultivated from a single plant, are always a highlight for me at the Shinjuku Gyoen festival. I had hoped to see one here.

Pale bronze chrysanthemum with inward-curving petals, Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival 2025.

Three large pink globular chrysanthemums against a bamboo backdrop, Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival 2025.

Shooting through nets

My only other small complaint was the use of nets in some areas. As a photographer, having a net between my lens and the beautiful chrysanthemums was an annoyance. That made shooting them difficult, and I was unable to bring you satisfactory photos of them.

A dense, overhead view of many bright yellow chrysanthemums packed together, filling the frame.

Flower of Japan’s imperial house

Did you know the chrysanthemum is the official flower of Japan’s Imperial Household? This fact adds another layer of significance to the displays at Hibiya Park.

Three large lavender globular chrysanthemums with curved petals, Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival 2025.

If you have ever attended this festival, I would love to hear about your experience. Please share your favorite displays and memories in the comments below!

Large yellow globular chrysanthemums in sharp focus, with blurred purple and white flowers in a dark background.

A pink chrysanthemum with a yellow center stands in sharp focus against a dark, blurred garden background.

Where is Hibiya Park?

Hibiya Park is conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo, making it easily accessible. It’s just a short walk from the following stations:

Kasumigaseki Station (Marunouchi, Hibiya, and Chiyoda Lines)
Hibiya Station (Hibiya, Chiyoda, and Toei Mita Lines)
Yurakucho Station (JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, and Yurakucho Lines)

There is a full article about Hibiya Park on the website, so please check it out.

A dense cluster of deep red chrysanthemums with yellow centers and green leaves, captured from a high angle.

Was Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival 2025 worth it?

Yes, it was. It’s good to see these flower festivals in the heart of the city, especially when they are in a beautiful park like those at Hibiya. While the display area isn’t huge, it was of high quality. My only complaint was the absence of the ozukuri domes. For more information about this event, consult the official website.

Large white and purple globular chrysanthemums bloom in orderly rows within a traditional greenhouse exhibition. — *Ogiku chrysanthemums*

My photography gear for this shoot

Camera body: Canon EOS R5
Lenses: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM