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
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.
*This content was originally published on Japan Web Magazine (https://jw-webmagazine.com/katsushika-iris-festival-2025/) on June 23, 2025 and is republished here for our newsletter readers.
