Katsushika Iris Festival: Tokyo’s Early Summer Hidden Gem, Filled with Purple Flowers
Tokyo’s Hidden Flower Festival: A Peaceful Summer Escape in Katsushika Ward
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In early summer, Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward hosts the Iris Festival, a tranquil celebration of blooming irises along the Arakawa River and at Horikiri Iris Garden. It’s a peaceful, traditional alternative to the city’s spring cherry blossoms.
What Is the Katsushika Iris Festival?
The Katsushika Iris Festival is a free annual event in Tokyo celebrating over 200 iris varieties, from Edo-period cultivars to international imports. Held from late May to mid-June at Horikiri Iris Garden, the festival features colorful blooms, cultural performances, food stalls, and evening illuminations in a traditional setting.
Katsushika Iris Festival 2025
Dates: May 26 to June 15
Admission: Free
The Best Place to See Irises in Tokyo: Horikiri Iris Garden
Horikiri Iris Garden in Katsushika has been a beloved destination for iris viewing for over two centuries. Officially established more than 130 years ago, it remains one of Tokyo’s most historic and culturally important flower gardens.
Horikiri Iris Garden was immortalized in Hiroshige’s Edo-period ukiyo-e print Irises at Horikiri. Though modest in size, the garden offers a serene, traditional atmosphere—perfect for a peaceful stroll or capturing seasonal photos among the blooms.
More to Explore Nearby
After the garden, head to Horikiri Waterside Park along the Arakawa River. This quiet riverside area offers additional iris beds and scenic views of Tokyo Skytree rising behind the flowers.
On the way to the garden, stroll along Hydrangea Road, a lovely path lined with blooming hydrangeas that enhance the area’s early-summer charm.
Also nearby is Shibamata, a charming area known for its retro shopping street and the historic Taishakuten Temple.
Why Visit the Iris Festival?
Visiting Tokyo in late May or June? The Katsushika Iris Festival offers a peaceful escape with seasonal blooms, local culture, and a touch of hidden Tokyo charm—just a short train ride from the city center.
This content has been edited and republished from JAPANKURU with permission. The original article was published on June 10, 2025. ©JAPANKURU of Global Daily Co., Ltd All rights reserved.
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Hi! I’m a writer and editor at Japan Web Magazine. Since 2017, I’ve written over 500 articles covering a wide range of Japan-related topics—must-visit travel spots, local food culture, helpful travel tips, seasonal events, anime, manga, and more. I travel all over Japan, from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa. My hobbies, such as hunting for the best ramen shops and keeping up with the latest anime every season, help me share the magic of Japan with people from all over the world. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Japan fan planning your dream trip, I want to help you experience the best of what this country has to offer. After traveling to many countries around the world, I still love Japan the most, and I continue to share information while making the most of my perspective as someone who was born and raised here. [Connect with me] ▷You can find more of my writing and follow my latest thoughts on Japan over on Medium. A bit more about me: [Traveler at heart] ▷Most unforgettable trip: Chichijima Island, a remote island that takes over 23 hours to reach by ferry from Tokyo! ▷Favorite neighborhood in Tokyo: Kagurazaka [Foodie life] ▷Obsessed with sushi and ramen ▷Proud foodie moment: Scored a seat at the legendary Sukiyabashi Jiro [Passionate otaku] ▷Favorite anime: March Comes in Like a Lion and Attack on Titan ▷Manga I live by: One Piece and Slam Dunk
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