#Japan #Tokyo #Ueno Toshogu #Dahlia Festival #Autumn Flowers

Experience the Autumn Dahlia Festival at Ueno Toshogu Shrine

From September 19 to November 3, 2026, Ueno Toshogu Shrine will host a special event, the "Autumn Garden of Dahlias" at the Ueno Botanical Garden. Renowned as a sacred site dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu and other Edo-era leaders, the shrine is nestled in the sprawling Ueno Park, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Last year, approximately 20,000 people explored the beauty of dahlias in this unique garden.

The festival will showcase over 120 varieties and 200 plants of dahlias, featuring the unique "NAMAHAGE Dahlia" series from Akita Prefecture, renowned for its distinct colors and shapes. Early blooms will greet visitors, with the main display expected to reach full splendor around mid-October, as the heat of summer wanes.

You can keep up with the blooming progress daily through the official Instagram account: Ueno Botanical Garden Official Instagram.

Special NAMAHAGE Dahlia Series

The NAMAHAGE Dahlia series is a unique local variety born in Akita in 2012. With new types added each year, this series has grown to over 40 varieties, of which approximately 10 will be on display at the festival.

Featured Dahlia Varieties:

• - Uwakigokoro: This rare variety showcases a whimsical mix of deep red, pink, and white flowers.
• - Kurochou: A highly sought-after breed, recognized for its dark red, almost black color.
• - Mary Evelyn: This variety features elegantly arranged petals layered with smaller inner petals.
• - Other notable displays include:

- Oosuiseki: Large blooms, featuring formal decorative styles.
- Kisei-seki: Medium to large semifloral blooms.
- Moko Purple: Small blooms resembling anemones.
Please note that some varieties may not be on display due to growing conditions.

Enjoy Autumn in a Picturesque Setting

Throughout the garden, visitors can enjoy stunning views complemented by traditional Japanese umbrellas and the historical Five-story Pagoda of Kan'ei-ji Temple, creating a unique atmosphere to admire the dahlias. Last year's festival offered delightful photo opportunities with dahlias and the pagoda in the background.

Photography Spots

Various seasonal decorations, potted plants, and bonsai arrangements will be thoughtfully positioned throughout the garden, making for perfect autumn-themed snapshots.

Complementary Autumn Flora

In addition to dahlias, other autumn flowers like Waremokou, Fujibakama, and Cosmos will also bloom successively, enriching the garden's beauty and offering visitors a diverse array of colors and textures.

A Message from the Head Gardener

Shingo Ono, the head gardener of the Ueno Toshogu Shrine Botanical Garden, expresses excitement for the upcoming festival: "As we prepare for the 'Autumn Garden of Dahlias,' we have been diligently tending to the dahlias and surrounding flora. This season promises vibrant colors and unique shapes to admire, making for a peaceful experience amidst the historical and natural beauty of the garden. We hope attendees enjoy this special autumn paradise."

Event Details

• - Event Duration: September 19 (Saturday) to November 3 (Tuesday, holiday) – Open daily
• - Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission)
• - Entrance Fee: Adults (junior high school students and above) ¥800; All-day entry ticket ¥2,000; Free for children under elementary school age.
• - Organizer: Ueno Tourism Association, supported by Taito City
• - Location Address: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007
• - Contact Number: 03-3822-3575 (Botanical Garden)
• - Access: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit, 5-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station Ikebukuro Exit, and a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Nezu Station Exit 2.

About Ueno Toshogu Shrine Botanical Garden

Established in 1980 to commemorate Japan-China friendship, the Ueno Toshogu Shrine Botanical Garden features a stroll-style Japanese garden with seasonal blooms. Currently, it houses 110 varieties of peonies in spring and 40 varieties of winter blooms, alongside the impressive 120 varieties of dahlias each autumn, offering a tranquil escape filled with Edo-style charm within the bustling city.

For more information, visit Ueno Botanical Garden Official Website or check out their official Instagram to stay updated.