As cherry blossoms fade, Tokyo’s spring landscape lights up again with the vivid blooms of tsutsuji (Japanese azaleas). From April to May, these colorful shrubs brighten roadsides, gardens and parks across the city. First popularized in the Edo period, azaleas have since become iconic symbols of Japanese spring – both at home and abroad. Below, we’ve rounded up the best azalea gardens in Tokyo where you can enjoy these striking flowers at their peak.
Nezu Shrine: Tokyo’s Most Iconic Azalea Festival
Known for one of central Tokyo’s most stunning azalea displays, this shrines garden comes alive each April with around 3,000 blooming azalea plants. Featuring nearly 100 varieties – including rare cultivators found only here – this garden is a must-visit during spring. To avoid crowds during the popular festival period, early morning visits are recommended.
In addition to the blossoms, several events are held over the festival such as: a parade of mikoshi floats, a demonstration of matoi pole handling, and an antique market.
A special limited goshuin is also avaliable for purchase (¥1,000 during the festival).
Admission: ¥500 to enter the hillside garden during the Azalea Festival
Access: Nezu Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) 5-minute walk. Sendagi Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) 5-minute walk. Todaimae Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line) 5-minute walk.
Meiji Jingu Inner Garden
While Meiji Jingu is best known as one of Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrines, its inner garden is a seasonal haven for flower lovers. Among the garden’s highlights are the vibrant azaleas, which bloom in April within the Tsutsuji-yama area – a section aptly named for these flowers. Even if you miss the early-blooms, other azalea varieties continue into May, making it a great late-spring destination. In addition to azaleas, the garden features a beautiful display of irises and waterlilies as the seasons progress, offering a peaceful and picturesque retreat in the heart of the city.
Admission: ¥500 (Meiji Jingu Shrine is free to visit)
Access: Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Meiji-jingumae Station (Chiyoda Line)
Karasuyama Tsutsuji Park
Located in Setagaya ward, Karasuyama Tsutsuji Park may be small in size – just 1,000 square meters – but it bursts with color during azalea season. The park features 32 varieties of azaleas and satsuki, a native Japanese azalea that blooms slightly later in the season. Despite its compact layout, the garden offers a stunning floral display that makes it a hidden gem for flower lovers looking to enjoy a quiet stroll among the blooms.
Admission: FREE
Access: Chitose-Karasuyama Station (Keio Line) 14-minute walk
Heisei Tsutsuji Park
Heisei Tsutsuji Park in Nerima Ward is a true azalea paradise, offering one of Tokyo’s largest and most diverse azalea displays. The park features approximately 10,000 azalea plants, creating a vibrant and colorful spectacle from late April through May. Among the highlights are the early-blooming Sakura Genka Azalea and the Kurume Azalea, known for its dense clusters of soft reddish-pink blossoms that reach full bloom in late April. With such an impressive range of species and a peaceful setting, Heisei Tsutsuji Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the full beauty of this flower.
Admission: FREE
Access: Nerima Station (Toei Subway Oedo Line) 4-minute walk.
Imperial Palace East Garden
Just steps away from central Tokyo and Otemachi Station, the Imperial Palace East Garden offers a peaceful escape with seasonal blooms. In April, the Ninomaru Garden comes alive with vibrant azaleas in shades of white, pink, purple and red. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional Japanese strolling garden and lush forested areas amid the historical remains of Edo Castle.
Admission: FREE
Access: Takebashi Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line EXIT 1A) 5-minutes on foot.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet neighbourhood or a grand shrine bursting with color, Tokyo offers a variety of breathtaking spots to enjoy azaleas in full bloom. From historic sites like Nezu Shrine to lesser-known gems like Heisei Tsutsuji Park, each location showcases the vibrant beauty in its own unique way. As the cherry blossoms fade, these azalea displays ensure that spring lingers just a little longer. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of Japan’s most beloved seasonal flowers.
Also Check out..
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Park: Features a stunning azalea garden with over 1,000 azalea bushes.
- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden: A traditional Japanese strolling garden with a variety of azaleas in bloom.
- Sumida Park: A scenic riverside park where azaleas bloom beautifully among the pathways.
- Inokashira Park
- Hama-Rikyu Gardens: Historic gardens with a lovely display of azaleas admist traditonal landscapes.
- Tama Zoological Park: Offers a unique experience with azaleas blooming alongside wildlife exhibits.
- Showa Kinen Park: A large park with extensive azalea gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
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