Nezu Shrine

Nezu Shrine

Enjoy a patchwork of colors in the azalea garden of Nezu Shrine

In spring, the azalea garden that stretches across the grounds of Nezu Shrine welcomes visitors with a spectacular view of the colorful blooms. About 3,000 azalea plants of about 100 varieties are in full bloom, creating a patchwork of red, white, pink, and purple hues. The historic shrine pavilions and torii (gateway to the shrine) and the colorful azaleas are a special sight, a perfect blend of Japanese taste and the beauty of spring. The view of the azalea garden from the hill is also exceptional, making it a popular springtime photo spot.

Key points for photography

The key to photographing azalea garden is to be aware of the overlap of colors and the difference in elevation, and to compose your shot based on the assumption that the garden will be crowded. Since the azalea garden is crowded with many people during the peak season, choosing a composition looking up from a low vantage point or a viewpoint looking down from a high vantage point will help to express the expanse of flowers while minimizing the presence of people in the shot. If a shrine building or torii gate is used as a background, place the azaleas as the main subject and the building as a complement to make the picture more cohesive. Aim for the relatively free morning hours to capture the gorgeous spring scenery unique to Nezu Shrine in the subdued light.

Best viewing and photography timing

Best Season

Recommended times

Access & Basic Information (Check Before Shooting)

Item Details
Address 1-2-2-2 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
subject azalea
Admission fee Yes
Admission Time Yes
Parking lot None (coin parking nearby)
Restroom Yes

The day I visited this place in the past

Route taken on April 20, 2025

Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Torii gate and azalea

This photo shows the moment the sun shines on the torii gate and the shadows falling on the azaleas in the foreground.
Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Azalea Tunnel Road

This photo shows a view of a road lined with colorful azaleas.
Year 2025

Azalea and Torii (shrine gate) seen from the hill

This photo was taken from a slightly higher vantage point, looking down on the azalea and the torii gate together in vivid color.
Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Red azalea and expansive view

In this photo, I put red azaleas in the foreground and captured the landscape stretching out behind them.
Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Teramon Gate over azalea

This photo was taken so that the temple gate can be seen through the azalea blossoms.
Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Red azalea and back view of spectators

In this photo, I focused on the red azalea in the front and slightly blurred the people in the background.
Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Focus on the purple azalea

In this photo, I focused on the purple azalea and softly blurred the background to accentuate the flower's presence.
Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Azalea depth

This photo shows colorful azaleas and the view behind them.
Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Azaleas stretching far and wide

In this photo, I focused on the many azaleas blooming in the distance and intentionally blurred the foreground to express depth.
Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Tricolor azalea and flow of people

This photo shows lovely azaleas in a mixture of red, white, and pink, and the bustling area behind them.
Year 2025

Nezu Shrine|Torii gate and gingko over azalea

I took this photo of the ginkgo tree and the torii gate seen through the azaleas.
Sponsored Links