Chrysanthemum Exhibition 菊花壇展

The chrysanthemum exhibition at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a series of flower displays arranged under awnings. Walk along the winding paths and enjoy the wide variety of colors and unique patterns.

Chrysanthemums are said to have first arrived in Japan sometime in the early ninth century. They evolved over the centuries, and in 1878, the Imperial Household Agency organized the first chrysanthemum exhibition at Akasaka Palace, mainly for the Imperial Family. Exhibition-quality chrysanthemums were first grown at Akasaka Palace, but in 1904, Shinjuku Gyoen also began cultivating them. This chrysanthemum-viewing event has been held at Shinjuku Gyoen since 1929.