The Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri) is an annual spring event held at the Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. From early April to early May, this festival features about 3,000 azalea plants in over 100 varieties.
Nezu Shrine, one of Tokyo’s oldest Shinto shrines dating back to the Edo period, becomes the focal point for visitors from all over the city and beyond during this time. The festival celebrates the beauty of azaleas and features traditional cultural performances, tea ceremony demonstrations, and stalls selling food and crafts, making it a lively community gathering.
The Bunkyo Azalea Festival has a special event called the azalea bonsai exhibition. These trees are carefully taken care of and displayed to show how well they can grow them. The shrine grounds are adorned with temporary stages and booths, hosting many events that offer a glimpse into Japanese traditions and crafts.
While the azaleas are undoubtedly the stars of the festival, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Nezu Shrine itself.
Azalea Garden: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the festival period
Azalea garden entrance: Donation fee 500 yen
Schedule
Mikoshi Togyo
Date: April 7th (Sunday)
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Beside Nezu Elementary School to Nezu Shrine North Exit
Nezu Gongen Taiko Performances
Dates: April 13th (Saturday), 20th (Saturday), and 28th (Sunday)
Times: 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM
Location: Nezu Shrine precincts
Child Procession
Date: April 14th (Sunday); Rain date: April 21st (Sunday)
Time: 10:30 AM
Route: From Nezu Elementary School to Nezu Shrine via Shinobazu Street
Naginata Dedication Practice
Date: April 27th (Saturday)
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Nezu Shrine precincts
Mai Urayasu
Date: April 28th (Sunday)
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Nezu Shrine Maiden
Matoi Parade
Date: April 29th (Holiday/Monday)
Time: 11:00 AM
Route: From Shinobazu Street Fureaikan to Nezu Shrine
Traditional Crafts Exhibition
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays during April
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Nezu Shrine precincts
Food Hygiene Street Consultation
Date: April 19th (Friday)
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Nezu Shrine precincts
Green Feather Donation (Boy Scout Bunkyo Group 3)
Date: April 21st (Sunday)
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Nezu Shrine precincts
Antique Market/Street Stalls
Dates: Every day during the period
Location: Nezu Shrine precincts
Ueki City
Dates: Every day during the period
Location: Nezu Shrine precincts
Bunkyo Ward Tourism Association/Bunkyo Ward “Bunkyo Flower Tour” Project
Event: Quiz & Mission! Bunkyo Flower Festival Exploration Rally
Target Audience: Junior high school students and younger
Dates: April 13th (Saturday) and April 14th (Sunday)
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Nezu Shrine precincts
