The 46th Ueno Toshogu Shrine Spring Peony Festival
The Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden is set to host the 46th iteration of its celebrated Spring Peony Festival. Located within the grounds of Ueno Toshogu Shrine—a significant historical site built to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tokugawa Yoshimune, and Tokugawa Yoshinobu—the festival offers visitors a chance to observe the daily transformations of peonies as they bloom progressively amidst the warming spring weather. This annual event provides a wonderful opportunity to witness nature’s artistry unfold.
During the festival period, attendees can admire an extensive collection comprising over 500 peony plants, representing 110 distinct varieties sourced internationally from Japan, China, the United States, and France, among other nations. Beyond the commonly seen red and pink cultivars, the garden features rarer specimens that are sure to capture attention. Notably, visitors can enjoy the unique green-flowered ‘Marimo,’ a variety resulting from a natural cross-pollination between Chinese and Japanese peony types. The sheer diversity and scale of the display present a compelling reason to visit.
◆ Rare Varieties Viewable This Season
Among the notable rare varieties available for viewing this spring are:
- [Zipangu] A striking yellow thousand-petaled peony, which can be enjoyed not only for its visual appeal but also for its very elegant fragrance.
- [Akagane no Kagayaki (Copper Glow)] A particularly rare variety of peony, distinguished by its unusual yellow-tinged orange petals, offering a distinct color profile within the garden.
◆ Experience Peonies Amidst Authentic Edo Architecture
A significant aspect that enhances the appeal of this festival is its unique historical setting. From vantage points within the peony garden, visitors are afforded views of authentic Edo-period architecture, most notably the impressive Former Kaneiji Five-Storied Pagoda. The presence of traditional stone lanterns lining the approach to the Toshogu Shrine, combined with a meticulously maintained Japanese rock garden, allows for an experience of viewing peonies within an atmospheric Edo context—an ambiance difficult to replicate elsewhere.
◆ Abundant Photo Opportunities and Complementary Flora
The garden provides numerous opportunities for capturing memorable photographs. Colorful carp streamers (koinobori) are displayed alongside the peonies and other flowering plants, offering vibrant, seasonal photo compositions. Additionally, carefully arranged potted plants and bonsai are thoughtfully prepared and positioned throughout the garden, contributing further to its overall aesthetic appeal. Complementing the main peony display, other flowers such as rhododendrons and approximately 20 different varieties of herbaceous peonies bloom sequentially. This ensures that there are varied points of visual interest and highlights evolving daily throughout the festival’s duration.
Please be sure to check the official website for the most current details regarding the event.
Basic Information
- Venue/Nearest Station:
Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden
Accessible from Keisei Ueno Station. - Location:
9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
MAP - Event Period:
2025/04/05 (Saturday) – 2025/05/06 (Tuesday/Holiday)
Open every day during the specified period. - Time:
Opens 9:00 / Closes 17:00 (Last entry permitted at 17:00) - Fees:
- Adults (junior high school students and above): 1,000 yen
- Groups (15 persons or more): 800 yen per person
- Period Entry Ticket (valid for multiple entries during the festival): 2,500 yen
- Elementary school students and younger: Free admission
- Contact:
Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden
03-3822-3575 - Official Website:
https://uenobotanen.com/
Please note that published content may be subject to change. It is advisable to check the official website of the venue or organizer for the latest information before your visit.
What is Ueno Toshogu Shrine?
Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and was built in 1627. The shrine is notable for its architecture, particularly the honden (main hall), which is decorated with carvings and gold leaf typical of the Edo period. The shrine’s surroundings include a pond and gardens, offering a quiet space away from the city. Ueno Toshogu Shrine hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Spring Peony Festival, which attracts visitors to see the peony flowers in bloom.
