Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival 2025

Three large, two-toned purple chrysanthemums with cascading petals, displayed on supported stems against a dark background.

After a six-year hiatus, I finally returned to the Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival. The event celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. This century-old tradition of horticultural artistry, held since 1915, draws visitors from all over to witness its stunning displays. A wave of guilt washed over me as I realized my last visit was in 2019, but it was a sweet return to a beloved event.

Key displays to photograph: Kengai, daruma, and fukusuke

The festival showcased an incredible variety of chrysanthemums. I marveled at the exquisite bonsai displays and the dramatic, cascading kengai style. Unique flower varieties like daruma and fukusuke were also on display, each a testament to the growers’ skill.

A dense bed of vibrant, small yellow chrysanthemums in full bloom, captured from a top-down perspective.
A large, dome-shaped bouquet of vibrant magenta chrysanthemums in a dark pot, set against a gray and black background.

The missing ozukuri: A note on varieties

However, one of my favorites was missing, or at least I couldn’t spot one during my visit: the large, domed ozukuri. These magnificent displays, where hundreds of blossoms are cultivated from a single plant, are always a highlight for me at the Shinjuku Gyoen festival. I had hoped to see one here.

A large, yellow chrysanthemum in full bloom at the Hibiya Park Chrysanthemum Festival 2025.

Photography challenges: Shooting through nets

My only other small complaint was the use of nets in some areas. As a photographer, having a net between my lens and the beautiful chrysanthemums was an annoyance. That made shooting them difficult, and I was unable to bring you satisfactory photos of them.

A close-up of a light purple chrysanthemum with a green center, surrounded by its green leaves and other blurred blooms.

The imperial connection: Photographing Japan’s official flower

Did you know the chrysanthemum is the official flower of Japan’s Imperial Household? This fact adds another layer of significance to the stunning displays at Hibiya Park.

Vibrant yellow chrysanthemums in focus, part of a display with purple and white blooms softly blurred in the background.

If you have ever attended this festival, I would love to hear about your experience. Please share your favorite displays and memories in the comments below!

A single, large yellow chrysanthemum with uniquely curled and cascading petals, tinged with red, against a dark, plain background.

Hibiya Park location and access

Hibiya Park is conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo, making it easily accessible. It’s just a short walk from the following stations:

  • Kasumigaseki Station (Marunouchi, Hibiya, and Chiyoda Lines)
  • Hibiya Station (Hibiya, Chiyoda, and Toei Mita Lines)
  • Yurakucho Station (JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, and Yurakucho Lines)

We have a full article about Hibiya Park on the website, so please check it out.

Large, white, cascade-style chrysanthemums displayed in the foreground with other colorful varieties blurred behind.
A lush, dense bush of small, vibrant red chrysanthemums with yellow centers, captured from a top-down perspective.
Three large, elaborate purple-pink chrysanthemums with cascading petals in front of a rustic, bamboo-like screen.

Gear report: Canon R5 and lens choice

  • Camera body: Canon EOS R5
  • Lenses: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
Picture of Rohan Gillett
Rohan Gillett

Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5 these days. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.

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