The Chrysanthemum Festival at Yushima Tenjin Shrine this year

Autumn is the season of chrysanthemum festivals in Japan. In the Kanto region most are on at some point during October and / or November. Perhaps the best known Chrysanthemum festival in the Kanto region is at Yushima Tenjin Shrine in Bunkyo, Tokyo. Their annual  Chrysanthemum Festival is on for the month of November each year, including in 2025.

There are approximately 2000 chrysanthemum flowers used at the Yushima Tenjin Shrine's chrysanthemum festival, known as a 'kiku matsuri' (菊まつり). The festival is also sometimes called Bunkyo Chrysanthemum Festival and is one of the 'five great flower festivals of Bunkyo' along with their plum blossom, spring blossom, azalea and hydrangea flower festivals. 

One of the special features of the chrysanthemum festival at Yushima Tenjin is the chrysanthemum dolls or mannequins; a doll / mannequin head with a body made of chrysanthemum flowers! 

Yushima Tenjin shrine attracts visitors all year round, but particularly during the flowering periods and the entrance exam period. It is particularly famous as a place to pray for entrance exams, as the shrine is dedicated to the God of learning. The shrine is located conveniently close to Yushima Station which is on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and the JR Tohoku Line. Yushima Tenjin Shrine reviewed on City-cost.