Why Kameido Tenjin Started My Love for Flower Festivals

My journey into photographing Tokyo’s flower festivals began at Kameido Tenjin. I was new to blogging and searching for inspiration, and the stunning beauty of the wisteria there gave me exactly what I needed.

Luckily, Tokyo has lots of them and they are easy to find. Once I started going, I came to appreciate them. Now I go whenever I can. And the first flower festival I went to was at Kameido-Tenjin. It was a good experience.

Kameido Tenjin is a major Tokyo shrine famous for its flowers, especially its magnificent purple wisteria. These climbing vines hang from huge latticework trellises that arch over serene ponds. The scene is made even more iconic by the shrine’s bright red “drum bridges”—replicas of the originals lost in WWII—which create beautiful reflections in the water below.

During festivals, the bridges are crowded with people because they are excellent vantage points. The drum bridges are a must for photographers. From the top, you can use a wide-angle lens (like a 16-55mm) to compose a classic shot that includes the purple wisteria trellis, the path, and the Tokyo Skytree in the background. Be prepared for crowds, so you may need to wait for a clear shot.

Luckily, in 2017, I went when the wisteria were in full bloom, and the weather was great. And the fragrance of the flowers was very pleasant. I’ve become quite a fan of this festival. These days, I visit it at least twice a year.

An unforgettable moment

There is one moment that will stay with me forever from this festival. Someone brought along a falcon! They put it on a pole and let people take photos. That was a first for me. And it was the last time I saw one until I went to Hama Rikyu Gardens for a New Year’s event. Yes, it took a long time to shoot another of those birds again.

The Kameido Tenjin wisteria festival is a beautiful event. Flower photographers love it. I go every year without fail. You should see it at least once!

Photo gear for this shoot

Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

Planning your own visit? For current festival dates, opening hours, and access information, please see our complete guide to the Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival here.