Serene Nezu Shrine with lush azalea gardens, a vibrant Japanese oasis of colorful flowers.
A serene Japanese shrine surrounded by vibrant azalea gardens in full bloom.

The Azaleas of Nezu Shrine

The biggest azaleas explosion is at Nezu Shrine : there are some 3,000 shrubs of about ten different colours, just that !

The Nezu Shrine has been established 1900 years ago close to Sentagi in Tokyo. In 1706, it was moved a few hundred meters away, to Nezu. But, in spite of its age, this lovely old temple doesn’t apparently deserve to appear in tourist guidebooks. Nevertheless, during one month, every year, all photographers from Tokyo meet there and bang their lenses against each other.

Nezu Shrine.

Now, Sakuras are all green and frustration is at its maximum level: time fled too fast, it rained too much, wind blew too strong, too much work, too many excuses anyway and BAM!, we weren’t able to take all photos we wished to. Fortunately, azaleas are coming to give us a chance to catch-up.

Nezu Shrine.

Like sakura and AKB48 posters, azaleas are planted in key places to please the walkers. But the biggest explosion of these is at Nezu Shrine : here there are some 3,000 shrubs of about ten different colours, just that ! Here we go, I will take you for a tour of the very flowery Tsutsuji Matsuri, the Azaleas Festival.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Nezu Shrine.

Too many flowers? Not enough ruins ? Colours overdose? Morbid deficiency? Tell me everything!

Article translated from French to English by Marion Varenne. If you find any mistakes, please tell us in the comments.

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

commentaires

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

Instagram

Emerald embrace, In the circle of bygone— Nature's quiet reign.  エメラルドの抱擁、 過ぎ去りし円の中で— 自然が静かに統治する。  #haikyo #urbexjapan #offbeatjapan #forgottenplaces #ancientvibes #naturetakeover #japan
Dusky bottles sigh In the silence of lost time, Light whispers secrets. 光が囁く、 失われた時の中、 くすんだ瓶のため息。 #offbeatjapan #japan #haikyo #urbexjapan #hiddenhistories #forgottenplaces #mysteriouslight #vintagevibes
Winding path of dreams, Terracotta whispers soft, Lanterns guide the heart. 夢の小道、 素焼きの囁き、 灯籠が心を導く。 #offbeatjapan #japan #historicvillage #traditionaltown #serenesettings #culturalheritage #lanternlight
Emerald circle, Teal whispers 'round stories told— History afloat. エメラルドの輪、 話を語る青の囁き、 歴史が浮かぶ。 #offbeatjapan #japan #mysticalisland #naturelovers #hiddenjapan #historicaltreasures #uniquepaths
A magical night at an abandoned onsen, where milky blue waters blend with glowing lights in a peaceful forest. Tradition and nature meet in this perfect spot for relaxation and serenity.幻想的な夜、廃墟の温泉で。乳白色の水と光が森の中で静かに調和しています。伝統と自然が融合し、リラックスと穏やかさがここにあります。#onsen #japantravel #serenescape #traditionmeetsnature #abandonedplaces #offbeatjapan #japan
A captivating night scene in Japan where ancient traditions meet modern city lights. This balance of the old and new is what makes urban life here so unique and beautiful. 静かな夜、日本の都市で古と現代の光が交わる情景。この古と新の調和が、ここ日本の都市の魅力を引き立てます。 #UrbanJapaneseNights #TraditionMeetsModern #NeonAndLanterns #TokyoVibes #CulturalContrast #OffbeatJapan #Japan
From the weathered castle roof, witness the timeless beauty of Japan as a quaint town rests peacefully amid rolling hills and a golden sky. 🌄🏯---古びた城の屋根から、静かに横たわる谷の町と黄金の空を背景に見渡す日本の時を超えた美しさ。🌄🏯---#offbeatjapan #japan #castleviews #historicjapan #sunsetmagic #explorehistory #tranquility
A pop of color brightens the roadside with this charming fruit-shaped bus stop, showcasing Naoshima's unique blend of art and practicality, where every corner holds a piece of its creative spirit.カラフルなフルーツ型のバス停が道端を彩ります。直島では、アートと実用性が見事に融合し、創造的なスピリットがあちこちに漂っています。#Naoshima #offbeatjapan #artisland #creativebusstop #uniquearchitecture #tangerinedream #japan