Visit the Azalea Garden at Nezu Shrine, Tokyo

Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo's oldest and most historically significant Shinto shrines. Located in the quiet and charming Bunkyō district, the shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant azalea garden, and iconic red torii gate tunnel. According to legend, Nezu Shrine was established approximately 1,900 years ago by Prince Yamato Takeru. Later, in 1705, Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi relocated the shrine to its current location and rebuilt the main hall in the Ishi-no-ma-zukuri style, inspired by the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Several buildings within the shrine grounds have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. 🌺 Highlights and Activities • Tsutsuji Matsuri (Azalea Festival): Held from early April to early May, featuring over 3,000 azalea plants from more than 100 varieties blooming throughout the shrine grounds. • Red Torii Gate Tunnel: A picturesque pathway through red torii gates leading to the Otome Inari Shrine, reminiscent of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. • Edo-style Architecture: Nezu Shrine is one of the few places in Tokyo that survived the destruction of World War II, preserving its original buildings in pristine condition.