This is a blog post about how to spend a day in Tokyo during the spring.
Are you visiting Tokyo during the spring? Don’t miss the Nezu Shrine Azaleas in full bloom!
The Nezu Shrine Azalea Garden Festival is held every spring when the azalea garden is blooming. The garden has remained largely unchanged since Edo-Period Japan, a time that was considered the golden age of Japanese horticultural art.
Below, you’ll find a 1-day Japan travel itinerary showing you how to spend a day in Tokyo if you want to see the garden in all its glory.
This exact itinerary is featured in the following YouTube video.
➡️ Find more Japan travel tips and discover places to visit in Japan on my YouTube channel.
Spring Tokyo 1-Day Travel Itinerary
What time do you start the day?
During your Japan research, you’ve probably heard you must head to locations early to avoid the crowds. This is one of those places.
I say that because the main areas within Nezu Shrine are narrower and get congested during peak times.
The Azalea Garden at Nezu Shrine opens at 9:30 am, but the Inari torii gates are open 24/7.
đź“Ť Otome Inari Shrine (Nezu Shrine)
I recommend starting your day at the Otome Inari Shrine to beat the crowds.
The gate pathway here is much smaller than the infamous Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, so there’s less space to spread out during peak hours.
The Nezu Shrine torii gate pathway is lined with vermilion torii gates leading to an Inari shrine, which is dedicated to the deity of rice and agriculture.
History of the Torii Gates
The torii gates serve as a symbolic entrance to the Inari shrine.
The significance of the color is to ward off evil spirits, remove impurities, and bring power. It also symbolizes vitality and protection.
Although it’s a popular tourist destination, the gates are considered a place for quiet reflection and provide a glimpse into some of Japan’s Shinto practices.
➡️ Check out this 4-day Kyoto travel vlog to see what it’s like to visit Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari & more!
đź“Ť Nezu Shrine
Nezu Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Tokyo and was established in 1705.
The Japanese government has designated it an Important Cultural Property as it’s one of the few shrines in Tokyo that survived the war and significant natural disasters.
The shrine largely retained its original structures, making it a precious example of Edo-era architecture for visitors to see firsthand.
Nezu Shrine hosts various traditional Shinto festivals and events throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience Japanese religious culture.
đź“Ť Mystery Coffee Nazoya Cafe
I recommend the Mystery Coffee Nazoya Cafe for a simple breakfast if you have time to kill. The prices here are reasonable, and open tables are available on two floors.
It’s also one of the few restaurants in the area open early in the morning.
đź“Ť Nezu Shrine Azalea Garden
The Nezu Shrine Azalea Garden boasts over 3,000 azalea bushes, ranging in variety and color.
The Azalea festival is held every spring and is one of the highlights of Tokyo’s spring calendar.
Admission
When we visited, the garden opened at 9:30 am, and admission was 500 yen (cash only).
I recommend arriving at least a half hour before the garden opens to line up if you want to avoid a long wait time to get in.
History of the Garden
The garden was believed to have been developed during the Edo period, a time of relative peace, stability, and prosperity.
This allowed for the development of cultural activities and the arts, including elaborate gardens. The period was even known as the golden age of horticulture.
Azaleas are native to Japan and were popular during the Edo period because of their vibrant colors.
The cultivation of azaleas became a fashionable hobby among the samurai and wealthy merchant classes.
Over the years, the garden’s design has been carefully maintained and remained largely unchanged, making the Nezu Shrine Azalea Garden a wonderful living representation of Japanese horticultural art.
đź“Ť Tokyo National Museum
After visiting the garden, head over to the nearby Ueno area. There are many things to do in Ueno Park, but I suggest visiting the Tokyo National Museum first.
The Tokyo National Museum is one of Tokyo’s most visited cultural attractions and for a reason.
It attracts millions of visitors annually and offers a comprehensive overview of Japanese history and culture.
Admission
Admission to the museum when we went was 1000 yen for Adults & 500 yen for University Students.
I would check the Tokyo National Museum’s Visitor Information page for museum hours, special exhibition ticket prices, and holiday closures.
Note that the museum is typically closed on Mondays.
History of the Museum
The Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s oldest and largest museum.
It was established in 1872 as part of Japan’s efforts to modernize and create Westernized institutions following the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
The museum became a cultural hub in Tokyo after it moved to its current location in Ueno Park in 1881.
Its collection grew rapidly thanks to donations made from private investors, the Imperial family, and discoveries made from archaeological sites across Japan.
Tips for visiting the museum
The museum has multiple buildings, but I recommend starting in the main building straight ahead when you enter the grounds.
The sheer size and number of exhibitions available can be overwhelming which is why I suggest starting with the main event first!
Why it’s worth visiting
If you’re a history buff or have any interest in Japanese history, this is the place for you.
The Tokyo National Museum plays a significant role in preserving Japan’s heritage.
Its collection includes over 110,00 items ranging from ancient statues, pottery, and samurai armor to Edo-period paintings and Meiji-era artifacts.
I’m so glad I went because it felt like an essential place to visit for someone who wants to learn as much as possible about her Japanese heritage.
đź“Ť Ueno Park
The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park. Ueno Park was originally the location of temple grounds, but after the Battle of Ueno and the Meiji Restoration, it became one of Japan’s first public parks.
In 1873, the Japanese government sought to modernize the country and introduce Western-style public parks.
Over time, it became a cultural and educational hub, housing several important museums and institutions like:
- Tokyo National Museum
- National Museum of Western Art
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
- National Museum of Nature and Science
- Ueno Zoo (Japan’s first zoo)
Ueno Park is also a popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot. So, if you’re in Tokyo during Sakura season, make sure to stop by.
đź“Ť Shinobazu Pond & Benten-do Hall
When visiting Ueno Park, I recommend heading over to the Shinobazu Pond.
This large pond was originally intended to enhance the spiritual ambiance of the temple associated with the Tokugawa shogunate and was modeled after Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake near Kyoto.
The temple on the island is dedicated to the goddess of all things that flow, including water, words, wealth, music, and wisdom.
Today, the pond serves as a habitat for various species of birds and aquatic life.
I tend to avoid Japan in the summer, but if you go, the pond’s lotus flowers bloom in the summer and are supposed to be incredibly beautiful.
It is also a popular spot to paddle around in boats.
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