Updates July 10, 2023 : The flowers are now on FULL BLOOM mode in our visit yesterday.

Tokyo has a couple of Lotus flowers spots with my favorite one being the Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park. The summer festival in Ueno Park is accompanied by beautiful lotus in the Shinobazu Pond which bloom late July to mid August.

The Shinobazu Pond is a pond within Ueno Park, and a historically prominent Shitamachi (suburb) feature often appearing in history and works of art. The park occupies the site of the former Kanei-ji, a temple closely associated with the Tokugawa shoguns.

Ueno Park is a spacious public park and the Shinobazu Pond at the back side occupies significant space with the lotus flowers green carpet completely enveloping the pond in summers. Contrasted with the resident high rise building which have come up in the background and the Bentendo Temple, the pond is best visited mid July to early August which is late in terms of the lotus bloom at other locations in Tokyo.

The best time is to visit in the early morning and since I went a bit later at 11:00 a.m, the petals flowers were ready to close themselves! Go early and enjoy amidst the calm waters of Shinobazu Pond, the lotus flowers reign supreme, emerging gracefully from the murky depths. These magnificent blooms, with their vibrant hues of pink, white, and yellow, stand as a symbol of resilience and transformation.

Depending on the time, you can also catch a collaboration of Lotus (their season starting) and the Hydrangea flowers (on their season end)

Shinobazu Pond and its lotus flowers not only inspire personal growth but also offer a sanctuary for reflection and inner peace. Sitting on the banks of the pond, watching the lotus petals dance with the gentle breeze, I find solace in the present moment. The world slows down, and the worries and stresses of everyday life seem to fade away.

In this tranquil setting, I find clarity and perspective. Shinobazu Pond becomes a canvas for introspection, allowing me to delve deep into my thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. It’s a place where I can reconnect with nature, with myself, and with the things that truly matter in life.

As I entered the enchanting realm of Shinobazu Pond, I found myself captivated not only by the blooming lotus flowers but also by the presence of numerous girls elegantly dressed in colorful kimono attire. The air buzzed with excitement as these ethereal figures added an unmistakable charm to the already serene surroundings.

The kimono, with its flowing lines, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors, is an iconic symbol of Japanese tradition and elegance. It carries within it a rich cultural heritage and a sense of timelessness that transcends generations. Seeing the kimono-clad girls wandering gracefully amidst the lotus blooms at Shinobazu Pond, I couldn’t help but feel transported to a bygone era, where grace and refinement were cherished values.

The sight of the kimono girls at Shinobazu Pond reminded me of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural traditions. In a rapidly changing world, it is moments like these—where past and present seamlessly blend—that allow us to connect with our roots and appreciate the significance of our shared human heritage.

Ah, I can’t believe I almost forgot to mention the enchanting water fountain adorned with lotus flowers at Shinobazu Pond. As I wandered further along the pathways, a mesmerizing sight came into view—a beautiful water fountain gracefully spouting water, surrounded by delicate lotus flowers.

In addition to the captivating scenery of Shinobazu Pond and the presence of kimono-clad girls, there was also a unique corner that caught my attention—the Ema corner adorned with foreign language writings. Ema, small wooden plaques traditionally used in Shinto shrines, serve as a means for visitors to write down their wishes or prayers. It was a delightful surprise to find a collection of ema at Shinobazu Pond bearing inscriptions in various foreign languages. This multicultural display highlighted the universal desire for hope, dreams, and aspirations that transcends language barriers. It was a beautiful reminder of the pond’s ability to touch the hearts of people from all walks of life, bringing together diverse cultures and fostering a sense of unity and connection.

You can also enjoy various food items and snacks on the various stalls which line up the Shinobazu Pond. Chocolate Banana a local favorite. Various stalls with antique goods also can be purchased in the summer festival time. So its not only the lotus flowers, but also various activities which will keep busy there.

In the evening the boat rental was already closed and the blue hour illumination with the city lights was making its presence.

I have regularly visited the Chiba Koen which is also a famous spot for lotus flowers, but Ueno beat it hands down with the number of flowers and overall activities to do.

The night time beautiful view of Bentendo with the small lotus flowers around.Japanese lotus flowers are unique. The leaves in India are a bit smaller and the petals also quite thin, while in Japan, the leaves are bigger and the petals not slender but round type. A final bow at the Benzaiten Temple and back home..