Japan is home to an incredible variety of seasonal flowers, but some of the most famous spots require long day trips to reach. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy stunning floral displays. Tokyo offers plenty of beautiful, lesser-known flower spots that are easily accessible within the city. Here’s where to find the best alternatives in town.
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Spot #1: Toneri Park – Nemophila
Hitachi Seaside Park is undoubtedly the most famous spot in eastern Japan for seeing nemophila, or Baby Blue Eyes. The only thing is that it’s a 2 hour journey one-way from Tokyo, meaning you’ll likely spend as much time on the road if making a day trip.
For those not wanting to lose a day, but still wanting to see the vivid blue flowers, you can catch a smaller spread at Toneri Park in Tokyo’s Adachi Ward. First opened in 1981, the park commemorates the 50th anniversary of Emperor Hirohito’s ascension.
During the spring season, it showcases a bed of illuminated nemophila as part of the Tokyo metropolitan government’s “Flower and Light Movement” initiative. The park also features around 1,000 cherry trees.
Season: April
Cost: Free
Getting there: Toneri Park is located around a 1-minute walk from Toneri-Koen Station on the Nippori-Toneri Liner.
Spot #2: Kameido Tenjin Shrine – Wisteria
Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture is renowned for its stunning wisteria curtains that bloom in a succession of colours. They start pale pink then turn purple, white, and yellow, allowing visitors to enjoy their beauty for almost an entire month. You can enjoy the sight of more than 350 wisteria trees in full bloom. However, as getting to the park requires a few transfers from Tokyo and takes nearly 2 hours, so some may not be up for the trek.
Enter Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Known as one of the best flower spots in Tokyo for viewing wisteria, the purple blossoms drape over a peaceful pond, creating beautiful reflections on the water. While not as expansive as Ashikaga, the wisteria vines date back to the Edo period (1603–1867). You can also enjoy the nostalgia of Tokyo’s shitamachi old-town atmosphere as you walk over from the station.
Season: April-May
Cost: Free
Getting there: The shrine is around a 15-minute walk from Kameido or Kinshicho stations on the JR Sobu Line, or Kinshicho Station on the Hanzomon Line.
Spot #3: Nezu Shrine – Azalea
Shiofune Kannon Temple is a vast Buddhist temple located in the western Tokyo city of Ome. Despite technically being in Tokyo, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours one way from central Tokyo to get there. Quite the journey.
The good news is that you can see an equally beautiful expanse of azaleas at Nezu Shrine in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward.
Nezu Shrine holds deep spiritual and cultural importance in Japan. Recognized as one of the Ten Great Shrines of Tokyo, it is among the city’s most revered Shinto sites. During the festival, more than 3,000 azaleas of over 100 varieties blanket around 6,600 square meters in vibrant color.
Season: April-May
Cost: While entering the shrine grounds and seeing the famed row of vermilion torii gates is free, the azalea festival costs 500 yen per person. Be prepared for long lines if the weather is good, although from experience the line does move pretty fast.
Getting there: Nezu Shrine is around a 5-minute walk from Nezu or Sendagi stations on the Chiyoda Line, or Todaimae Station on the Namboku Line.
In Summary
While I am in no way suggesting that the Tokyo flower spots are better than the renowned parks, they do offer a satisfying and beautiful alternative. With transport costs increasing and many tourists also running on right schedules, it may not feasible to dedicate a day to visit flowers. In which case, why not try the three spots above if you are in town for spring?
If flowers are your thing, make sure you check out the Top 5 Carpet-style Flower Festivals In and Around Tokyo.