#Japan #Tokyo #Botanical Garden #Ueno Toshogu #Dahlia Festival

Explore the Dahlia Autumn Festival at Ueno Toshogu Shrine

Tokyo's Ueno Toshogu Shrine, which honors Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tokugawa Yoshimune, and Tokugawa Yoshinobu, is set to host its much-anticipated Autumn Dahlia Festival from September 20 to November 3, 2025. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this vibrant event that showcases over 100 varieties and more than 200 dahlia plants, promising a spectacular display of colors as the foliage transforms for the season.

The festival will reach its peak bloom around mid-October when the weather begins to cool, making it an ideal time for visitors to witness the spectacular show of dahlias in full bloom. Throughout the festival, attendees can check the daily bloom updates on the official Instagram page: Ueno Botanic Garden.

A Tapestry of Colors and Forms

Dahlias, originating from Mexico, are known for their diverse shapes and a wide range of vibrant colors. They were introduced to Japan during the Edo period and are affectionately known as “Tenjiku Botan” due to their resemblance to peonies. Visitors can expect to see:

• - Fuwakigokoro: A unique variety featuring a playful mix of deep crimson, pink, and white blooms.
• - Kurochou: A dark red variety that significantly contributed to the popularity of dahlias in Japan.
• - Mary Evelyn: Notable for its perfectly arranged petals with smaller petals layered within.

A Scenic Setting

The festival not only highlights the beauty of these stunning blooms but also features the historic Five-Storied Pagoda of Kangen-ji Temple, among other authentic Edo period structures, creating an enchanting backdrop filled with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the garden while enjoying dahlias blooming beneath traditional Japanese umbrellas set up within the garden. The past year's event showcased breathtaking photos of dahlias in the foreground of this historic pagoda, offering a glimpse into the beauty that awaits this fall.

Capture the Moment

In addition to the dahlias, the garden will offer various seasonal displays, including potted arrangements and bonsai suitable for photography. Visitors can explore the garden filled with a variety of blooms, including:

• - Waremokou: A traditional Japanese flower often found in gardens this season.
• - Fujibakama: Known for its late summer blooms, adding a touch of elegance.
• - Cosmos: Brighten the scenery with their cheerful, eye-catching blossoms.

Practical Information

Event Details:

• - Festival Duration: September 20 (Saturday) - November 3 (Monday, Holiday)
• - Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
• - Entrance Fees: Adults (Middle School age and above) 800 yen; Festival Pass 2,000 yen; Free for elementary school children and younger.
• - Organizer: Ueno Tourism Association, Supported by Taito City

Location: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo, 110-0007, Japan
Contact: 03-3822-3575 (Botanical Garden)
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit or Keisei Ueno Station Ikonohashi Exit; 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Nezu Station Exit 2.

A Lasting Tradition

The Ueno Toshogu Shrine Botanical Garden was established in April 1980 to celebrate Japan-China friendship, showcasing a range of blooms, including 500 peonies in spring and 160 in winter. Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, this lush green space offers visitors a serene retreat steeped in Edo-period charm, where they can relax and enjoy the beauty of the flowers throughout the year.

For additional information, visit the official website or check out their Instagram for the latest updates and highlights.