Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Visitors gathered at Nezu Shrine in Tokyo on Saturday to enjoy the annual azalea festival, a popular spring event that highlights both natural beauty and traditional Japanese culture.
The shrine, believed to date back more than 1,900 years, is one of Tokyo’s oldest and is known for its historic architecture and tranquil grounds. Its main buildings, constructed in 1706 during the Edo period, are designated as Important Cultural Properties, preserving rare examples of traditional shrine architecture in Tokyo.
During the spring season, the shrine’s hillside garden transforms into a vibrant display of blooming azaleas.
The festival features more than 3,000 azalea bushes in a range of colors including pink, red and white, creating a layered and picturesque landscape. The carefully maintained garden reflects Japan’s deep appreciation for seasonal change.
Entry to the azalea garden requires a fee for visitors who wish to walk among the flowers and view them up close. Despite this, many visitors gathered to enjoy the scenery and the festival also attracted a large number of international tourists.
Meanwhile, the shrine’s well-known Senbon Torii — a pathway lined with vermilion torii gates — is free to access and attracted long lines of visitors throughout the day.
In addition to the floral displays, the festival also featured cultural performances. During the visit, a demonstration of naginata, a traditional Japanese martial art using a long pole weapon, was held within the shrine grounds. Participants dressed in traditional attire performed disciplined movements, drawing the attention of the crowd.
The festival reflects how seasonal events in Japan continue to connect nature, history and community, offering both locals and international visitors a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
AloJapan.com