Overview
Step into Tokyo’s timeless serenity on this guided tour of Nezu Shrine, one of the city’s oldest Shinto sanctuaries, founded nearly 1,900 years ago and miraculously unscathed by earthquakes and wars.
Are you Visiting Japan soon?
Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.
Contact Jasumo Now →Nestled in Bunkyo Ward’s quiet hills, this Edo-period gem showcases Gongen-zukuri architecture akin to Nikko Toshogu, with ornate Romon and Karamon gates, a latticed Sukibei wall, and the Honden main hall. Wander a 200m vermilion torii tunnel echoing Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, leading to Otome Inari’s prosperity deity.
Every spring (early April–early May 2026), the Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri) transforms Tsutsuji-yama hill into a floral symphony of 3,000 azaleas across 100 varieties—pink, white, and red blooms cascading like a living tapestry. Your English-speaking guide unravels legends of Prince Yamato Takeru and Tokugawa ties, plus cultural rituals and games. With a 2–3-hour tour from Tokyo Station (easy JR access), this intimate experience suits history buffs, families, or photographers—book for April 2026 festival peak (15–20°C, cherry-adjacent magic).
Why Choose This Experience?
- Edo Architectural Jewel: Nezu’s Gongen-zukuri gates and 200m torii tunnel rival Nikko—rare survivor of 1923 quake and WWII bombs.
- Azalea Spectacle: Tsutsuji Matsuri’s 3,000 blooms (early April–early May 2026)—Bunkyo’s top spring event, vibrant hillside carpet.
- Mythic Lore: Guide’s tales of Susanoo deity, Tokugawa patronage, and imperial blessings—Shinto depth for all ages.
- Cultural Immersion: Rituals, games, performances—interactive shrine life beyond photos.
- Tokyo Ease: 2–3 hours from Tokyo Station—quiet neighborhood escape, no crowds.
- Seasonal Harmony: April 2026 azaleas align with cherry season—mild 15–20°C, floral frenzy.
Highlights
- Gongen-zukuri Gates: Romon’s two-story carvings, Karamon’s curved roof—Edo splendor (~¥0 entry).
- Vermilion Torii Tunnel: 200m path to Otome Inari—Fushimi Inari echo, prosperity prayers.
- Tsutsuji-yama Azaleas: 3,000 blooms in 100 varieties—pink/red/white cascade (April–May 2026 festival).
- Honden Main Hall: Ishi-no-ma-zukuri shrine—Susanoo deity, Tokugawa history.
- Sukibei Latticed Wall: 200m enclosure—elegant mystery around the precincts.
- Guided Rituals: English insights, cultural games, performances—living Shinto.
Pricing
From ¥122,379 per person
Includes
- A (BASIC): 2–3-hour guided tour, English guide, Shrine access, Festival entry (~¥0).
- B (AZALEA): Tour, Guide, Shrine access, Festival rituals/games (~¥500).
- C (FAMILY): Tour, Guide, Shrine access, Kid-friendly activities, Snacks (~¥300).
- D (PHOTO): Tour, Guide, Shrine access, Guided photo stops, Torii tunnel focus.
Note: Prices for 2026; child (4–12) 50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Donations (¥100), snacks (~¥500) self-paid. Book early April 2026 for festival; year-round.
Itinerary
Starting location:
Tokyo Station (JR Nezu 10-minute walk)
On foot (2–3 hours)
Nezu Shrine
Guided tour, Sightseeing (2–3 hours)
- Romon/Karamon gates, torii tunnel, Honden hall, Sukibei wall—Edo architecture.
Tsutsuji-yama Hill
Guided tour, Sightseeing (included in shrine time)
- 3,000 azaleas blooming (early April–early May 2026)—rituals, games, performances.
Otome Inari Sub-Shrine
Photo stop, Visit (15 minutes, optional)
- Torii tunnel end, prosperity deity.
Arrive back at:
Tokyo Station or agreed central location
Note: Total ~2–3 hours; meet Tokyo Station 9:00 AM. April 2026 festival peak; times adjust for group.
What to Expect
Meet your English guide at Tokyo Station (9:00 AM, 10-minute JR walk to Nezu), diving into the shrine’s 1,900-year history—founded by Prince Yamato Takeru for Susanoo, relocated 1705 by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. Spend 2–3 hours exploring Gongen-zukuri gems: Ornate Romon gate’s carvings, Karamon’s Chinese curve, Honden’s Ishi-no-ma style, and 200m Sukibei lattice.
Ascend the vermilion torii tunnel to Otome Inari, echoing Fushimi Inari’s mysticism. In April–May 2026, Tsutsuji-yama’s 3,000 azaleas burst in the Bunkyo Festival—pink/red/white blooms frame rituals, games, and performances (~¥0 entry).
Guide shares Tokugawa tales, imperial blessings, and quake survival lore. Return ~12:00 PM to Tokyo Station—serene for culture seekers (Shinto depth), families (kid rituals), or photographers (azalea torii), with 15–20°C April mildness (socks for omamori).
Pre-Departure Notice
- Meeting Point: Tokyo Station (9:00 AM)—10-minute JR to Nezu; lateness forfeits (100% fee).
- Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify dietary needs/allergies, kid ages. April 2026 festival.
- Weather: Tours run rain/shine (ponchos); heavy storms adjust (no refunds). Azaleas weather-dependent.
- Health: Light walking (~1–2km, stairs); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Comfortable shoes.
- Children: Ages 4+ full access (reduced rates); under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise torii.
Good to Know
- Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised on stairs. Festival kid-friendly.
- Group Size: Private (1–6); customizable.
- Attire: Comfortable shoes, layers (15–20°C April); camera for azaleas.
- Duration: ~2–3 hours; festival early April–early May 2026.
- Accessibility: Torii stairs uneven; limited wheelchair—notify. English guide.
- Photos: Azalea tunnel prime—guide tips for blooms.
- Sustainability: Respect shrine—no litter; follow rituals.
Reviews
“Nezu’s torii tunnel was magical—azaleas exploded in pink! Guide’s Edo tales engaging, festival games fun for kids. April 2026 must!”
“Family serene escape: Sukibari wall’s elegance, Honden’s calm. English guide paced perfectly—Shinto rituals came alive!”
“Photographer’s haven: 3,000 azaleas framing torii—guide’s history deepened shots. Mid-April blooms unreal; Tokyo Station easy.”
FAQs
When’s the azalea festival?
Early April–early May 2026—3,000 blooms in 100 varieties, Bunkyo’s spring highlight.
Are shrine entries included?
Yes—¥0 entry; donations (¥100) optional for omamori.
Suitable for kids or beginners?
Yes—ages 4+ love games; under 4 free (lap-held). Easy stairs, kid rituals.
What if weather affects blooms?
Light rain fine (ponchos); heavy storms adjust (no refunds). April peak reliable.
How much walking is involved?
~1–2km shrine paths; guide paces—comfortable shoes needed.
Can I bring camera gear, photo tips?
Yes—torii/azaleas prime; guide suggests golden-hour for pink/red frames.
What cultural activities at festival?
Rituals, games, performances—guide explains Shinto prayers, omamori charms.
Planning a Group Trip to Japan?
From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.
Contact Jasumo Now →
Leave a Reply