Yushima Tenjin Chrysanthemum Exhibit: A Photographic Visit
My first visit to the Yushima Tenjin Chrysanthemum Exhibit was in 2018. Officially, it’s known as the Bunkyo Chrysanthemum Festival (文京菊まつり, Bunkyō Kiku Matsuri). I got completely immersed in a world of floral artistry. This annual event, held throughout November, transforms the historic shrine into a living gallery of color and form.
The festival experience: A timeless scene in Tokyo
From the moment I stepped through the gates, the shrine was alive with chrysanthemums. They weren’t just in pots; they cascaded down wooden structures, climbed trellises, and stood in sculpted arrangements. They seemed to defy nature. One display was memorable. Three Edo-period dressed models were covered in tiny chrysanthemums against an island backdrop.
A photographer's challenge: Composition on paved grounds
While the number of flowers was incredible, a creative challenge for photographers is that the grounds are largely paved. To capture a more natural feel, I focused on the architecture and bamboo displays to frame the blossoms, avoiding the concrete below.
The gear: A Fujifilm X-T2 and one versatile lens
For this shoot, I relied solely on my trusted Fujifilm X-T2. My lens was the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 lens. It allowed me to capture wide shots of the festival atmosphere one moment and then zoom in to isolate the intricate details of a single flower the next. I could do everything without the fuss of changing lenses in the crowd. Its weather resistance also gave me peace of mind in the unpredictable autumn weather.
Final thoughts and your next step
My 2018 visit was an incredible introduction to one of Tokyo’s great autumn traditions. Flower and photography enthusiasts should add the Yushima Tenjin Chrysanthemum Festival to their travel itinerary. You can find the festival dates on the official Go Tokyo website.
The festival evolves every year. To plan your own trip and get the most current information, be sure to read my Complete Photographer’s Guide to the Yushima Tenjin.
