My first visit to the Yushima Tenjin Chrysanthemum Exhibit was in 2018. Officially it’s known as the Bunkyo Chrysanthemum Festival (文京菊まつり, Bunkyō Kiku Matsuri).
This was one of those events that got me completely immersed in the world of flower photography. This annual event, held throughout November, transforms the historic shrine into a living gallery of color and form.
Yushima Tenjin’s festival experience
From the moment I stepped through the gates, the shrine was alive with chrysanthemums. They weren’t just in pots; they cascaded down wooden structures, climbed trellises, and stood in sculpted arrangements.
The flowers seemed to defy nature. One display was memorable. Three models dressed in Edo-period attire were covered in tiny chrysanthemums against an island backdrop.
Composing photos on paved grounds
While the number of flowers was incredible, a creative challenge for photographers is that the grounds are largely paved. To capture a more natural feel, I focused on the architecture and bamboo displays to frame the blossoms, avoiding the concrete below.
My photography gear for the 2018 event
For this shoot, I relied solely on my trusted Fujifilm X-T2. My lens was the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 lens. It allowed me to capture wide shots of the festival atmosphere one moment and then zoom in to isolate the intricate details of a single flower the next.
I could do everything without the fuss of changing lenses in the crowd. Its weather resistance also gave me peace of mind in the unpredictable autumn weather.
Is the chrysanthemum festival worth visiting?
My 2018 visit was an incredible introduction to one of Tokyo’s great autumn traditions. Flower and photography enthusiasts should add the Yushima Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival to their travel itinerary.
The festival evolves every year. To plan your own trip and get the most current information, be sure to read my [Yushima Tenjin Photography Guide].
