Experience the Spirit of Edo at the Sugamo Nakayama Road Chrysanthemum Festival

The charming neighborhood of Sugamo in Tokyo is set to come alive as it hosts the 33rd Sugamo Nakayama Road Chrysanthemum Festival from November 6 to 14, 2025. This annual event commemorates a longstanding tradition that dates back to the Edo period, where the beloved “Sugamo Chrysanthemums” were cherished by the common folk. As home to many horticulturists in the past, Sugamo is a veritable hub of gardening history which the festival seeks to preserve and celebrate.

This year, the festival will be held at the serene grounds of the Edo Rokujizoson Shinjō-ji temple and Taishō University Sugamo Kamuon-do. Visitors will be treated to a stunning display of chrysanthemums, including unique arrangements like three-stem, kengai (cascade), bonsai, and chihayafuru blooming types. Each year, the festival features a different theme, and this year's focus is the adorable character Sugamon, the official mascot of the Sugamo Jizo Shopping Street.

Members from local shops, community residents, and students from Taishō University have all come together to prepare for this handcrafted event, truly embodying the spirit of the neighborhood. Don’t miss the chance to visit Sugamo and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of autumn!

A Special Welcome Awaits

The festival will also host a special tea ceremony on the opening day, featuring traditional matcha tea served by the tea ceremony club of Taishō University. This offering will be available while supplies last, providing a unique taste of Japanese culture amidst the floral festivities. Beyond the primary event site, chrysanthemums will be displayed at various locations including Sugamo Daikōji Shrine, Sugamo Station South Exit Square, Sugamo Regional Cultural Creation Center, and along the Nakayama Road.

Festival Highlights: Together in Celebration

Event Name: 33rd Sugamo Nakayama Road Chrysanthemum Festival

Dates: November 6 (Thursday) to November 14 (Friday), 2025

Locations:

- Edo Rokujizoson Shinjō-ji
- Taishō University Sugamo Kamuon-do

Chrysanthemum Viewing Tea Shop

During the festival, the Chrysanthemum Viewing Tea Shop will operate from November 6 to November 12, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Inspired by the tea houses of the Edo and Meiji periods, visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as dango (sweet rice dumplings), warabi mochi (bracken starch cake), sweet sake, and green tea sourced from shops along the Sugamo Jizo Shopping Street. Make sure to drop by!

Street Performers Bring Joy

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, street performers recognized as Heaven Artists by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will present their entertaining acts during the festival from November 6 to November 12, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Their humorous performances and incredible skills promise to bring joy and laughter to all attendees, intertwining the beauty of chrysanthemums with heartwarming entertainment.

Opening Ceremony: A Festive Start

On November 6 at 11 AM, the festival will officially kick off with an opening ceremony at the Edo Rokujizoson Shinjō-ji temple. Honored guests will include the mayor of Toshima, local district leaders, and chrysanthemum exhibitors, alongside traditional taiko drummers from the local organization Konyu enhancing the festive mood.

Join Us in Sugamo

Organized by the Sugamo Chrysanthemum Festival Committee with support from local temples, Taishō University, and the Sugamo Credit Union, the festival promises a vibrant cultural experience that captures the essence of Edo Japan. Whether you are a local or a traveler, this festival is a perfect opportunity to explore the charm of Sugamo.

For more information, contact the Sugamo Jizo Shopping Street Promotion Association:
Location: 4-22-8 Sugamo, Toshima City, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3918-2101 (Weekdays 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM)
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