Are you searching for the most breathtaking and colorful seasonal experiences that Tokyo has to offer during the spring? While Japan is world-famous for its fleeting cherry blossoms, mid-to-late April brings a spectacular second wave of floral beauty that completely transforms the city’s historic sacred spaces. From the elegant, cascading purple curtains of wisteria to the vibrant, rolling hills of manicured azalea bushes, Tokyo’s shrine festivals offer a deeper, more tranquil look into traditional seasonal celebrations.
In this Tokyo Spring Flower Festival Itinerary, we share our firsthand experience chasing these spectacular blooms across two of the city’s most beloved historic shrines in a single day. Arriving fresh from an international flight, we took a family day trip with my parents-in-law to witness the stunning wisteria trellises at Kameido Tenjin Shrine—set against the dramatic backdrop of the modern Tokyo Skytree. Following that, we headed across town to capture the ocean of 3,000 blooming shrubs at the Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri). Read on for our essential practical tips, transport advice, and photography hacks to help you plan your own minimalist flower walk!
Tokyo Spring Flower Itinerary at a Glance
Our latest spring adventure in Japan began on a bright Sunday morning, touching down at Tokyo Narita Airport after an overnight flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with Vietjet Air. With a packed 10-day itinerary ahead of us, we were eager to waste no time diving straight into the seasonal beauty of the capital.
Travelling as a family with my parents-in-law, we wanted to create a relaxed yet deeply rewarding first day that balanced iconic floral sights with comfortable logistics. Our solution was a perfectly timed double-header: visiting Kameido Tenjinja Shrine, widely celebrated for hosting the finest wisteria displays in Tokyo, followed by a cross-town journey to the historic Nezu Shrine for their famous Japanese azalea festival.
Quick Trip Logistics
- Total Trip Duration: 10 days based around Tokyo and the Kanto region.
- The Route: Tokyo Narita Airport ➔ Kameido Tenjinja Shrine (Koto Ward) ➔ Nezu Shrine (Bunkyo Ward).
- Family Travel Tip (Bus vs. Walking): While Kameido Tenjinja is about a 15-minute walk from the north exit of JR Kameido Station (Chuo-Sobu Line), we opted for a more accessible alternative since we were travelling with family. We hopped on the convenient Metropolitan Bus right from the front of the station and got off at the Kameido Tenjin-mae stop, which dropped us just moments away from the shrine gates.
Kameido Tenjin Shrine: Cascading Wisteria and Skytree Views
This Shinto shrine in Koto-ku, Tokyo, is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane. In the past, the shrine was also known as Tozaifu Tenmangu Shrine or Kameido Zaifu Tenmangu Shrine, as opposed to the head shrine, Kyushu Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
After passing through the torii gate, there is the Shinji Pond with two drum bridges over it.
Cross the two drum bridges and go straight ahead to reach the main shrine.
Omikuji and amulets are sold next to the main hall.
The main shrine and Sky Tree can be seen from the precincts of the temple at the same time.
Wisteria trellises are set up around the Shinji Pond, which attracts many people in spring when the drooping wisteria flowers bloom.
Wisteria Festival at Kameido Tenjinja Shrine
Around 50 wisteria plants are planted in the grounds of the shrine, which are at their best from mid-April to May each year. During this period, the Wisteria Festival is held and the wisteria trellises are lit up at night.
This year (2023), the wisteria festival started on Saturday 15 April. We visited on 17 April. It was a little early for all the wisteria to be in full bloom, but the early wisteria were stunning.
We visited the wisteria festival at Kameido Tenjinja Shrine
We went to the wisteria festival at Kameido Tenjinja Shrine. Even though it was around midday on a Monday, many people were there. It is probably more crowded in the evening when it is lit up and on Saturdays and Sundays.
Access to Kameido Tenjinja Shrine
It takes about 15 minutes on foot from the north exit of Kameido Station on the JR Chuo Sobu Line. This time I went with my parents-in-law, so we took a bus from in front of the station. Take the Metropolitan Bus and get off at Kameido Tenjin-mae.
The Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival: A Sea of 3,000 Vibrant Shrub Varieties
The Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo Ward was holding the Tsutsuji Festival at this time of year. The poster for it was posted at Kameido Tenjinja Shrine, so we decided to go there the same day.
As soon as you pass through the torii gate, azaleas can be seen on the left. The azalea garden is said to have 3,000 azalea plants of more than 100 varieties.
You need to pay 300 yen to enter the azalea garden (cash only), but you could also enjoy the splendour of the azaleas without entering.
Photographer’s Tip: Why You Should Visit Nezu Shrine in the Morning
However, the azalea garden is located on the west side of the grounds, and the western sun backlit the garden in the evening when we visited, making it difficult to take good photographs. It is best to visit in the morning!
Next to the azalea garden is the tower gate, and behind it is the Karamon gate. There were many worshippers queuing up to visit the shrine inside.
The Tsutsuji Festival is held from 1 to 30 April, but the best time to see the azalea flowers is from mid to late April. As there are many varieties, visitors can enjoy the changing azaleas from early to late bloomers during the festival.
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