An Autumn Tradition: The 2021 Omiya Hachimangu Chrysanthemum Show

After a two-year hiatus, I was delighted to once again attend the annual chrysanthemum show at Omiya Hachimangu. An early start and a long walk brought me to the shrine just as the morning’s gray skies began to clear.

A more intimate display

This year’s exhibition was more intimate, consolidated into a single, uncluttered booth rather than the usual two. This thoughtful change allowed the beauty of each flower to truly shine. The chrysanthemums themselves were in pristine condition, and I was thrilled with the photographic results. My only wish was that there had been more of these stunning blossoms to admire.

Future chrysanthemum adventures

This visit has inspired me to explore other chrysanthemum displays in the coming week. With any luck, I’ll soon share my experiences from Shinjuku Gyoen and Yushima Tenjin, and perhaps even a new location I have yet to discover.

A worthwhile visit in Suginami

If you find yourself in the Suginami area, I highly recommend a visit to Omiya Hachimangu. While the chrysanthemum display may be modest in size, the serene beauty of the shrine itself makes it a worthwhile destination. Should you go, I would love to hear your thoughts.