#Japan #Tokyo #Ueno Park #Tokugawa Ieyasu #Winter Peony

Discover the Winter Peony Festival at Ueno Park

From January 1st to February 23rd, 2026, Ueno Park will host its much-anticipated Winter Peony Festival at the historic Ueno Toshogu Shrine. Honoring renowned figures like Tokugawa Ieyasu, this festival showcases approximately 160 peonies, beautifully displayed amongst traditional Edo architecture.

The breathtaking display offers visitors a unique opportunity to admire various peony varieties, such as the popular "Yachiyo Tsubaki," "Shima Nishiki," and rare yellow peonies like "Kōkan." Each bloom is cultivated using advanced horticultural techniques to ensure they flourish even in the chilly winter months.

During the festival, the continual blooming of these flowers ensures a long-lasting spectacle, providing a visual feast for nature lovers and photographers alike. Daily blooming information will be updated on their official Instagram, so attendees can keep track of the vibrant blooms.

A Traditional Touch

One of the unique aspects of the festival is the use of “warabocchi,” or straw coverings, which protect the peonies from the winter cold. These coverings are meticulously crafted with various regional styles, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the garden. Visitors will find delightful decorative knots resembling flowers, showcasing local craftsmanship.

Explore Edo Architecture

The venue is not just about flowers; it's set against the backdrop of genuine Edo architecture, including the historic five-story pagoda of the former Kan'ei-ji Temple and stone lanterns lining the path to the shrine. This setting provides an atmosphere steeped in history, where guests can enjoy the serene beauty of a Japanese rock garden alongside the vibrant peonies. Snowflakes sprinkled across the garden add to the scene’s tranquility, making the sight of peonies amidst falling snow particularly enchanting.

Seasonal Flowers

Besides peonies, the garden will feature various other seasonal flowers such as wintersweet, early-blooming plum blossoms, and fortune’s daffodil. From early January, visitors can enjoy the sweet fragrance of wintersweet, while February will bring additional floral beauty with the blooming of daffodils and witch hazel, further enhancing the garden's allure.

Peony Sales

Additionally, during specific dates throughout the exhibition, visitors can purchase potted spring peonies and dahlia bulbs, allowing them to bring a piece of this beauty home.

Festival Details

• - Event Name: 44th Ueno Toshogu Winter Peony Festival
• - Dates: January 1st (Thursday) to February 23rd (Monday), 2026
• - Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry by 4:00 PM)
• - Admission: Adults (middle school and up) ¥1000; groups (15 or more) ¥800; special festival entry ticket ¥2500; free for elementary school students and younger.
• - Organized by: Ueno Tourism Association
• - Supported by: Taito City and the Public Interest Corporation Horticultural Culture Association

Location: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
Contact: 03-3822-3575 (Peony Garden)
Access: A short 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit or Keisei Ueno Station; 10-minute walk from Nezu Station Exit 2.

For more information, visit the official website here or check out the official Instagram.

Embrace the season and escape to Ueno Park for this stunning peony festival, where tradition meets nature in full bloom!