Spring in Japan is synonymous with stunning floral displays, and Tokyo is home to several incredible festivals celebrating this vibrant season. From the delicate petals of cherry blossoms to the stunning purples of wisteria, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to experience. Here are the Top 5 Spring Flower Festivals in and around Tokyo that you won’t want to miss.
1. Ukima Park Tulip Illumination
Ukima Park (浮間公園) is a hidden gem for spring flower lovers. During the cherry blossom season, the park transforms into a pastel wonderland as over 100 cherry trees line the water. After the sakura (cherry blossoms) fade, the park continues to impress with its thousands of tulips in all colors. In the evening, these tulips are illuminated from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The contrast of the tulips with the cherry blossoms creates a beautiful, almost surreal atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both daytime and evening visits. Primroses at Ukima Park are also illuminated from mid- late april.
- Ukima Park
- 2 Chome-14 Funado, Itabashi City, Tokyo 174-0041
- Late March to early April (Cherry Blossoms), April to May (Tulips)
- Admission: Free
- Train: 1 minute walk from JR Saikyo Line Ukimafunado Station
- Car: Paid Parking available near the park
2. Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival
The Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival is a must-see during spring in Tokyo. This festival features over 3,000 azaleas in full bloom, creating a vibrant sea of colors within the historic grounds of the shrine. The shrine’s traditional design, combined with the vivid pink, purple, and red blossoms, creates a serene and culturally significant setting. The festival is not only a celebration of spring but also a time when visitors can appreciate the rich history of Nezu Shrine (根津神社), which dates back to 1706. The festival is an excellent opportunity to enjoy both natural beauty and Japanese tradition.
- Nezu Shrine
- 1 Chome-2-2 Yayoi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0032
- Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm *However, on April 1st the gardens will open at 11am
- Dates: April 1st to April 30th
- Admission: ¥500 (free for children under elementary school age accompanied by a guardian)
- Train: 5-minute walk from Nezu Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- Car: Limited parking, best to use public transport
3. Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki Prefecture) Nemophila
Known for its stunning nemophila (baby blue eyes) flowers, Hitachi Seaside Park (ひたち海浜公園 ) is a spectacle of blue during the spring season. Covering an area of approximately 3.5 hectares, the park is covered in millions of tiny, delicate flowers, creating a breathtaking, blue-tinted sea of blossoms. This park is famous for its seasonal flower displays, with the nemophila bloom being one of the most iconic sights. If you’re looking to experience a truly magical view, the sprawling fields of blue are an absolute must-see.
- Hitachi Seaside Park
- 〒312-0012 Ibaraki, Hitachinaka, Mawatari, 字大沼605-4
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM–5 PM Closed Tuesdays
- Dates: 1st Apr–1st Jun, 2025
- Admission: During this period, fees are ¥800 for adults. Admission is free for junior high school students and younger.
- By Train: To get to Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo, take the Joban Line to Katsuta Station. From Shinagawa, the limited express takes about 1.5 hours, while from Ueno, it takes around 75 minutes. If you're on a regular train from Ueno, it takes about 2 hours.
- By Bus: Once you arrive at Katsuta Station, take a seasonal bus (about 15 minutes) from stop no. 2 at the station’s east exit to the park's West Gate.
- By Car: If you're driving, you can reach Hitachi Seaside Park by car, though note that the drive from Tokyo can take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. There are parking lots available at the park
4. Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival
The Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival is famous for its stunning wisteria displays, which create an enchanting tunnel of purple flowers hanging from trellises and trees. The shrine is home to some of the oldest and most impressive wisteria plants in Japan. Visitors can stroll through the fragrant flower-filled paths, taking in the beauty of this traditional festival. The Kameido Tenjin Shrine (亀戸天神社) itself is known for its connection to the deity of learning, which makes this event especially significant for students and families.
- Kameido Tenjin Shrine
- 3 Chome-6-1 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0071
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM
- Dates: Mid-April to late April
- Admission:Free
- Train: 15-minute walk from Kameido Station (JR Sobu Line)
- Car: Limited parking, public transport recommended
5. Fuji Shibazakura Festival
For a truly unforgettable spring experience, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival offers an incredible sight: over 800,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) flowers blooming against the backdrop of Mount Fuji (富士山). The vibrant pink, white, and purple flowers create a mesmerizing contrast with the majestic mountain, offering visitors a picture-perfect setting. The festival has become a major attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the stunning view, the seasonal food stalls, and the many activities that take place in this picturesque location.
- Fuji Motosuko Resort
- 212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0338
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM
- Dates: 12th April–25th May, 2025
- Admission: ¥1000–1300 (Adults), ¥500–700 (Children)
- The Fuji Shibazakura Festival site is accessible by bus from Kawaguchiko Station. From Kawaguchiko Station, a special Shibazakura Liner shuttle bus runs direct to the festival venue roughly every hour.
- Car: 2 hours from Tokyo, parking available
Final Thoughts
Tokyo and its surrounding areas offer some of the most beautiful and unique flower festivals in Japan. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate cherry blossoms, the vibrant azaleas, or the ethereal wisteria, there’s something for everyone. Each of these festivals offers its own distinct atmosphere and cultural significance, making them unforgettable experiences during your spring travels in Japan.
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Kiwi Content Creator living in Kansai. I love to travel with my family and share our adventures through photography and writing.
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