Japanese Irises and Kimonos at Ninomaru Garden

Women in traditional kimonos and face masks admire purple irises in a lush Japanese garden.

Imagine a serene garden in the heart of Tokyo, where deep purple irises stand like royalty, their elegance matched only by the graceful figures in traditional kimonos passing by. This was the scene that greeted me at Ninomaru Garden, a corner of the Imperial Palace East Gardens.

Photographers behind a bamboo rail capture a field of purple and white irises in bloom.

Exploring Ninomaru Garden in the Imperial Palace East Gardens

Ninomaru Garden itself is a lovely, tranquil space. As part of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, admission is free. Inside, you’ll find trees from every prefecture in Japan, a serene pond with gliding carp, and seasonal flowers like azaleas and sunflowers. But on this particular afternoon, my focus was on the irises.

Masked visitors in kimonos admire purple irises from behind a bamboo railing in a lush garden.

Photographing Japanese Irises in bloom

The Japanese irises, with their velvety, deep purple petals, were particularly striking. They stood tall and elegant, their vibrant color a perfect subject against the bright, overcast sky, absorbing the light with little glare.

Visitors admire blooming irises from a walkway in a lush Japanese garden with a serene pond and dense trees.

I went to Horikiri Shobuen to see them earlier in the morning. That left me wanting to see more, so I went to the East Gardens. I knew its Ninomaru Garden had them. There aren’t many, but the display is excellent. The shogun might have once looked at them!

A close-up of a vibrant purple iris in full bloom, flanked by two buds against a soft-focus garden background.

Capturing kimonos in a Japanese garden setting

Just as I was absorbed in photographing the irises, a group of visitors in elegant kimonos appeared. Their presence added a timeless grace to the garden. The soft blues and purples of their attire perfectly mirrored the hues of the flowers, creating a scene straight out of a classic Japanese painting. They were there for only a short time, but their presence was a photographic highlight of the afternoon.

Visitors admire a large field of vibrant purple and white irises blooming in a lush, wooded garden.

All good things come to an end. That group soon left.  With the threat of rain and me with no umbrella, I departed too. I don’t mind getting wet, but I didn’t want to take chances with my camera, which is only water-resistant. It’s not waterproof.

Masked visitors view irises from a garden path beside a tranquil lily pond, surrounded by lush, towering trees.

Visitor information for Ninomaru Garden

Located in the heart of the city, Ninomaru Garden is the perfect free retreat for any flower lover. Here’s the essential information you need to plan your visit.

  • Location: In the Imperial Palace East Garden, Chiyoda City, Tokyo.
  • Access: A short walk from multiple stations. The closest subway gates are:
    • Otemachi Station (Exit C13a) – 5-minute walk
    • Takebashi Station (Exit 1a) – 5-minute walk
  • Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (entry until 4:30 p.m.). Hours can vary slightly by season, so it’s always best to check the official website.
  • Closing Days: The garden is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and during the New Year period (Dec 28 – Jan 3). If a national holiday falls on a Monday, the garden will be closed on the following Tuesday instead.
  • Admission: Free of charge.
  • Official Website: You can find the most up-to-date information on the Imperial Household Agency website.
Masked visitors, including a woman in a traditional kimono, photograph vibrant purple Japanese Irises in a scenic garden.

Photography gear for this shoot

Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3

Fujifilm Lenses: 

  • XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR 
  • XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

Date of Photos: 5 June 2022

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