The Chrysanthemum Panel Exhibition is being held at the Art Gallery on the first floor of the Shinjuku Gyoen Information Center from October 27 (Tue) to November 15 (Sun), 2026.

The annual Chrysanthemum Exhibition, held in the Japanese Traditional Garden from November 1 to 15, is one of Shinjuku Gyoen’s cherished autumn traditions, with a history closely connected to the Imperial Family.

Through photographs, panels, and videos, the Chrysanthemum Panel Exhibition introduces the history of the event, the distinctive features of its chrysanthemum beds, and the traditional techniques used to cultivate and train the plants.

 

The Imperial History of the Chrysanthemum Exhibition

The Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Shinjuku Gyoen dates back to 1878, when a chrysanthemum-viewing event for the Imperial Family was held at Akasaka Palace.

The exhibition moved to Shinjuku Gyoen in 1929. After the garden opened to the public in 1949, it became a beloved autumn tradition enjoyed by visitors from all walks of life.

Historical photographs offer a fascinating glimpse into the exhibition’s origins as an Imperial event and its development over the years.

 

Highlights of the Chrysanthemum Exhibition

The seven chrysanthemum beds in the Japanese Traditional Garden each feature distinctive varieties, cultivation styles, and artistic arrangements.

For example, the Edo-giku bed features chrysanthemums whose petals change shape as the flowers bloom. The Ogiku bed showcases large, colorful blooms arranged in diagonal lines using a technique unique to Shinjuku Gyoen called “tazuna-ue,” inspired by the pattern of a horse’s reins.

Photographic panels introduce the special characteristics of each chrysanthemum bed and highlight what to look for when visiting the exhibition.

 

The Cultivation Techniques Behind the Exhibition

The Ozukuri bed features hundreds of flowers blooming from a single plant. Creating this spectacular display requires more than a year of careful cultivation and meticulous work.

Photographs and diagrams explain how the Ozukuri bed and the Kengai bed, with its cascading arrangement of flowers, are carefully cultivated and shaped.

The chrysanthemum varieties used in the exhibition also undergo a breeding and selection process that takes an average of four years.

At Shinjuku Gyoen, traditional cultivation techniques and historic chrysanthemum varieties are carefully preserved, while new varieties are developed and cultivation knowledge is shared with experts in Japan and abroad.

A video presentation also shows the work involved in preparing the chrysanthemum beds and scenes from the Chrysanthemum Exhibition.

We recommend visiting the Chrysanthemum Panel Exhibition alongside the Chrysanthemum Exhibition in the Japanese Traditional Garden, which opens on November 1. Together, they offer a deeper appreciation of not only the beauty of the flowers but also the rich history and remarkable craftsmanship behind them.

Information about chrysanthemum exhibitions at other venues and multilingual brochures for Shinjuku Gyoen’s Chrysanthemum Exhibition are also available.

We hope you’ll stop by and explore the exhibition!

 

◆ Chrysanthemum Panel Exhibition ◆
Dates: October 27 (Tue) – November 15 (Sun), 2026
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Art Gallery, 1F, Shinjuku Gyoen Information Center
Admission: Free
Closed: Open every day during the exhibition period

◆ Chrysanthemum Exhibition ◆
Dates: November 1 (Sun) – November 15 (Sun), 2026
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Garden closes at 4:30 PM)
Venue: Japanese Traditional Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen
Admission: Regular admission to Shinjuku Gyoen is required.
Closed: Open every day during the exhibition period

Learn more about the Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Shinjuku Gyoen.