Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden - Image 1
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Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden

4.4
·410 reviews·Taito City, Japan

A seasonal floral paradise within Ueno Toshogu Shrine, showcasing hundreds of vibrant peonies and other blooms. A tranquil escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late April to early May

Peak spring peony bloom

CrowdMedium
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Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden - Image 1

Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden

Best Time

Late April to early May

Peak spring peony bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A seasonal floral paradise within Ueno Toshogu Shrine, showcasing hundreds of vibrant peonies and other blooms. A tranquil escape.

4.4
(410 reviews)

"A beautiful garden that was in full bloom in late April. Worth the money. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🌸 Check Opening Dates

The garden opens only twice a year. Verify exact dates for Spring & Winter festivals before your visit!

🤫 Peaceful Escape

Find a quiet moment to chill and soak in the Edo atmosphere amidst lush greenery. Great for photographers!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spring Peony Bloom

Spring Peony Bloom

Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden

Witness over 500 peonies in 110 varieties burst into a riot of color. A true spectacle of nature's artistry.

Winter Peony Display

Winter Peony Display

Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden

Experience the delicate beauty of 160 peonies across 40 varieties, offering a unique winter floral charm.

Complementary Flora

Complementary Flora

Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden

Beyond peonies, enjoy early rhododendrons, irises, and bleeding heart flowers for a multi-seasonal botanical treat.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Peony Perfection

This garden blooms only twice a year! Plan your visit for the Spring Peony Festival (March-May) or Winter Peony Festival (September-November) to see over 500 peonies in vibrant color. Dates vary, so check ahead!

Beware of Imposters at Ueno Toshogu

A Reddit user warned of fake monks at Ueno Toshogu Shrine selling items. Be vigilant and only purchase from official sources. The garden itself is a peaceful escape, but stay aware of your surroundings.

Best Times

When
Late April to early May
Why
Peak spring peony bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
September to November
Why
Winter peony festival
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you ever seen one of these scammers while traveling in Tokyo/Japan?😤🇯🇵 Lately their favorite spot is Ueno Toshogu Shrine but they have been seen around most major temples in Tokyo! ⛩️ 🚨 They are targeting foreigners specifically and apparently they are not even Japanese! The safest way to support a Shrine or temple is to buy Omamori, Omikuji or whatever items they sell inside the temple. ⭐️ I...
@bunnytokyo
44K likes • 249.8K views

🌸 Check Opening Dates

The garden opens only twice a year. Verify exact dates for Spring & Winter festivals before your visit! Reddit

🤫 Peaceful Escape

Find a quiet moment to chill and soak in the Edo atmosphere amidst lush greenery. Great for photographers! Reddit

Ueno Toshogu garden à Tokyo ! — 🇫🇷->🇬🇧 Un petit jardin connu pour ses floraisons de pivoines et de dahlias en plein cœur de Tokyo, à Ueno ! Attention, il n’est pas ouvert souvent dans l’année, donc regarder leurs infos avant d’y aller. — 📍Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden En ce moment : exposition de dahlias Ouvert jusqu’au 31 octobre de 9h30 à 16h30 tous les jours Entrée : 800¥ — Si vous en avez l’occa...
agoradventure
817 likes • 18.5K views
. 積雪の様子です。 【第四十二回 上野東照宮 冬ぼたん】 2024/1/1(月) ~ 2/25(日) 午前9時30分 ~ 午後4時30分(入苑締切) 42nd UENO TOSHOGU WINTER PEONY GARDEN 2024.1.1Sat - 2.25Sun 9:30-16:30 #上野東照宮ぼたん苑 #冬ぼたん #ぼたん #牡丹 #Peony #Flower #Ueno
utbotanen_official
378 likes • 4.2K views

♿ Wheelchair & Stroller Friendly

Easily navigate the garden with strollers or wheelchairs. Kids will enjoy it too! Reddit

💰 Worth the Admission

Many visitors find the entry fee well worth it for the stunning floral displays and tranquil setting. Reddit

Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden event! These winter tree peonies are on display from Jan. 1 to mid-Feb. They are wrapped in straw bocchi to protect them from wind, cold, and snow. . . . . . . . . . . #japan #japan_focus #japan_of_insta #thisisjapan #explorejapan #discoverjapan #tokyo #tokyojapan #thisistokyo #discovertokyo #exploretokyo #japanphotography #japanphoto #japanphotos #japanphotographer #toky...
justin.bouken
167 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌸 Check Opening Dates

The garden opens only twice a year. Verify exact dates for Spring & Winter festivals before your visit! Reddit

🤫 Peaceful Escape

Find a quiet moment to chill and soak in the Edo atmosphere amidst lush greenery. Great for photographers! Reddit

♿ Wheelchair & Stroller Friendly

Easily navigate the garden with strollers or wheelchairs. Kids will enjoy it too! Reddit

💰 Worth the Admission

Many visitors find the entry fee well worth it for the stunning floral displays and tranquil setting. Reddit

⚠️ Beware of Scams

Be cautious of fake monks selling items. Report any suspicious activity to shrine staff. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(410 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden for its stunning floral displays, especially during its limited opening seasons. Many highlight the tranquil atmosphere and its value as a peaceful escape within Tokyo. The garden's accessibility and beauty make it a worthwhile visit for those who appreciate nature and Japanese gardening.

"View @ Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden.
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Opened in April 1980 on the historic premises of the Ueno Toshogu Shrine, this garden symbolizes horticultural finesse and celebrates the enduring international ties with Japan's neighbours.
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The peony, revered as the "king of flowers", symbolizing bravery, honor, and good fortune, plays a central role here, the delicate blooms and vibrant colors enhancing the ambience.
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The garden's collection is a multi-layered botanical narrative, featuring a dynamic display of seasonal varieties. During spring, over 500 peonies across 110 varieties burst into bloom, while in winter, 160 peonies across 40 varieties offer a contrasting yet equally enchanting spectacle.
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Visitors may also view complementary floral displays, highlights of which include early-blooming rhododendrons, irises, and bleeding heart flowers.
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The Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden operates on a carefully curated schedule, opening only twice annually, during the Spring Peony Festival (between March to May) and the Winter Peony Festival (between September to November), thereby emphasizing the fleeting precious nature of its floral displays. Opening dates vary."

Ivan Teh

"The gardeners in this Ueno Toshogu Shrine Peony Garden have done an excellent job to maintain the peony which the peony flower can’t survive more than couple days"

Wilbur Lo

"Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden was opened in April 1980 on the grounds of Ueno Toshogu Shrine to commemorate Japan-China friendship❤️
The Japanese garden is designed for walking around, and 500 peonies of 110 varieties are cultivated in spring, and 160 peonies of 40 varieties are cultivated in winter🥰🥰🥰
Despite being in the heart of Tokyo, you can immerse yourself in the Edo atmosphere in the lush greenery of Ueno😄"

仁仁

What People Like

Beautiful peony blooms
Peaceful and tranquil atmosphere
Worth the admission fee

What People Dislike

Limited opening seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The garden is located within the grounds of Ueno Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park, Tokyo. You can reach Ueno Park via the JR Yamanote Line, Keisei Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, or Hibiya Line to Ueno Station. From the station, it's a short walk through the park to the shrine and garden.

Yes, Ueno Park is very well-served by public transport. Ueno Station is a major hub, making it easy to access from various parts of Tokyo.

Follow signs for Ueno Toshogu Shrine. The peony garden is located on its grounds. It's a well-known landmark within the park.

While there are parking lots in Ueno Park, they can get busy. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access.

Yes, you can take a taxi directly to Ueno Toshogu Shrine. The driver will likely know the location within Ueno Park.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The garden is only open twice a year for specific festivals: the Spring Peony Festival (typically March to May) and the Winter Peony Festival (typically September to November). Opening dates vary each year, so it's crucial to check their official schedule.

There is an admission fee to enter the peony garden. Visitors have found it to be 'worth the money' for the experience. Reddit

Information on advance ticket purchases is not widely available. It's best to plan to purchase tickets upon arrival during the festival periods.

Specific discount information is not readily available. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter upon your visit.

The garden will be closed to the public outside of the designated Spring and Winter Peony Festival periods. You will not be able to access the peony displays.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. The garden is described as 'a photographer's dream' with its beautiful blooms and tranquil setting. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, standard etiquette applies. Avoid using flash photography that might disturb other visitors or the plants. Tripods might be restricted during peak times to ensure smooth visitor flow.

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer lighting, ideal for capturing the delicate details of the peonies. Visiting during the week can also mean fewer crowds, making it easier to get unobstructed shots.

Drone usage is typically prohibited in shrine grounds and public gardens in Tokyo due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume this is not permitted.

You can capture close-ups of the diverse peony varieties, wider shots of the garden's layout, and incorporate the surrounding shrine architecture into your photos for a more layered composition.

🎫 🌸 Onsite Experience

Take your time to stroll through the garden, appreciating the variety and staging of the peonies. It's a great opportunity to slow down from a busy sightseeing schedule. Reddit

Yes, children will enjoy the colorful flowers and the peaceful atmosphere. The garden is also stroller-friendly, making it accessible for families with young ones. Reddit

Restrooms are available within the Ueno Toshogu Shrine complex. There are no cafes directly within the peony garden, but Ueno Park has numerous dining options nearby.

Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much they wish to linger and photograph. It's a relatively compact garden.

The garden is part of the Ueno Toshogu Shrine complex, which features beautiful lanterns and architecture. Ueno Park itself offers many attractions, including museums, a zoo, and Shinobazu Pond.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden is a great spot for families. It's wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it easy to navigate with little ones. Reddit The vibrant colors of the peonies are sure to capture children's attention, and the peaceful atmosphere of the garden and surrounding shrine offers a calming experience amidst a busy Tokyo itinerary. It's a wonderful opportunity for kids to connect with nature and learn about different flowers.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Described as 'a photographer's dream,' the garden offers stunning opportunities for capturing the beauty of peonies. Reddit The variety of blooms and the tranquil setting provide excellent subjects for both close-up shots and wider landscape compositions. Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive photography practices.

🌸 Botanical Garden Lovers

For those who appreciate horticulture, the Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden is a must-visit. The garden showcases over 110 varieties of peonies in spring and 40 in winter, demonstrating a deep commitment to botanical diversity. Reddit The inclusion of complementary flora like rhododendrons and irises adds further appeal, offering a rich and varied display of seasonal flowers. The meticulous care by the gardeners ensures a beautiful and educational experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Symbolism and Cultivation of Peonies

The peony, often called the "king of flowers," holds significant cultural weight, symbolizing bravery, honor, and good fortune in Japanese and Chinese traditions. Its delicate blooms and vibrant colors are central to the Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden's appeal. The garden meticulously cultivates over 500 peonies across 110 varieties during spring and 160 peonies across 40 varieties in winter, showcasing the dedication of its gardeners. Reddit

Peonies are known for their relatively short blooming period, making the garden's twice-yearly openings particularly special. The gardeners' skill is highlighted by their ability to maintain these ephemeral beauties, ensuring visitors can witness their splendor. The garden's design allows for a walking tour, immersing visitors in the multi-layered botanical narrative. Reddit

Beyond the star attraction, the garden also features complementary floral displays, including early-blooming rhododendrons, irises, and bleeding heart flowers. This ensures a rich botanical experience, even outside the peak peony seasons, offering a continuous display of horticultural finesse.

A Tranquil Oasis in Bustling Tokyo

Despite its location in the heart of Tokyo, the Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden offers a serene escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in an Edo-era atmosphere amidst lush greenery. Reddit The garden's tranquil setting provides a welcome respite from the city's energetic pace, making it an ideal spot to slow down and appreciate nature's beauty. Many visitors find it a perfect place to 'chill out and soak up Japan.' Reddit

The surrounding Ueno Toshogu Shrine complex adds to the historical ambiance, with its beautiful copper lanterns and intricate architecture. This combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage creates a unique and peaceful experience. The garden's design encourages a leisurely stroll, allowing visitors to fully absorb the peaceful surroundings and the artistry of Japanese gardening. Reddit

This peaceful environment is also noted for its accessibility, being wheelchair and stroller-friendly, which further enhances its appeal to a wide range of visitors, including families. The quietude allows for reflection and a deeper connection with the natural and historical elements of the site.

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