Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo has always strived to be an oasis in the heart of the city. Thanks to its expansive garden spreading over a historical hill, not only does it bring nature and the seasons closer to us, but it also serves as a gateway to Japanese culture. Visit at any time of the year, and you’ll be able to enjoy soothing seasonal sites along with special events and menus that let you experience the seasons through all five senses.

Taking inspiration from the traditional Japanese calendar, in which a year has not four but 24 seasonal divisions, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo invites its guests to experience seven different seasons every year, each one with its own features and highlights.

Camellia Season (January to February) 

Soon after New Year’s, in January-February, the camellias in Chinzanso Garden come into bloom. Also known as “winter roses,” these graceful blossoms come in various shades ranging from pure white and soft pink to deep red. The hill in Chinzanso Garden, called Tsubakiyama (“Camellia Mountain”) has been mentioned in historical chronicles from the mid-14th century as a famous location to view camellias. Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo has strived to restore the scenery associated with the Camellia Mountain. Visitors can currently enjoy the blooms of about 2,300 trees and one hundred camellia varieties in the garden.

The Camellia Season reaches its peak in February-early March, when it is celebrated with a camellia-themed art installation in the garden and other special events. 

Within the grounds of Shiratama Inari Shrine, visitors can find a display of ema, or wooden plaques left as symbolic offerings at shrines. It is a long-standing custom in Japan to inscribe one’s wishes on an ema and hang it at a shrine, especially at the start of the new year. This tradition is especially prevalent among students preparing for exams.

The tsubaki-ema are exclusive camellia-shaped wooden plaques, only available at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo. How about making a wish for the New Year at Shiratama Inari shrine in Chinzanso Garden?

Cherry Blossom Season (February to April) 

Chinzanso Garden is home to around one hundred sakura trees of twenty varieties. The Cherry Blossom Season starts here as early as February when the Kawazu-zakura trees go into bloom and reaches its peak in late March when the popular Somei Yoshino variety blossoms. The 2-kilometer sakura alley along the Kanda River, a prime cherry blossom viewing spot that neighbors Chinzanso Garden to the south, is at its most beautiful also around this time.

The ephemeral light pink blooms against the background of historical monuments such as the Three-Story Pagoda, which has withstood several centuries, brings a feeling of awe in viewers’ hearts. During this season, in the evenings, the Tokyo Sea of Clouds has a soft pink hue to match the color of the cherry blossoms.

The delightful cuisine offered at the nine dining facilities within the hotel is prepared with fresh spring ingredients and offered in gorgeous arrangements that reflect the seasonal sites.

One of the season’s highlights is the Sakura Afternoon Tea at lobby lounge Le Jardin. The curated menu showcases a variety of cherry blossom-inspired sweet and savory dishes, capturing the essence of spring in every bite.

The Season of Fresh Greenery (May) 

By early May, Chinzanso Garden is filled with fresh greenery. The temperature outside is pleasant, making this the ideal season to explore the garden by foot. 

Seasonal flowers such as Japanese irises, azaleas, and hydrangeas bloom throughout the grounds, adding vibrant touches to the scenery. Adding to the spring charm is a display of 100 colorful koinobori (carp streamers), traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Children’s Day on May 5th and symbolize strength, growth, and good fortune.

Around this time, a bamboo lantern installation adds a warm, enchanting glow to the garden in the evening. To fully take in the garden’s transformation from day to night, consider staying overnight at the hotel.

From May to October, guests can also unwind at the Twilight Bubble Terrace, held on the terrace of the lobby lounge Le Jardin. This elegant outdoor event offers free-flowing champagne and sparkling wines, making it the perfect way to enjoy a balmy evening surrounded by the serene beauty of the garden.

Firefly Season (May to June)

Fireflies are deeply loved in Japanese culture and Chinzanso Garden is one of the very few firefly viewing locations in Tokyo. At peak times, about 500 fireflies can be spotted around Benkei Bridge, the Kokosei Well, and the area around the waterwheel in the evenings. 

The Firefly Season at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo lasts from around late May until late June. The magic of the living, blinking lights is enhanced by the sea of clouds and the bamboo lantern installation.

Every year during this season, the hotel hosts its annual Firefly Evening events. These include festive dinners held in the Banquet Hall that can be enjoyed by visitors who come to see the fireflies, as well as special restaurant menus and accommodation plans.

Cool Summer Season (July to August)

The summer months of July-August tend to be extremely hot in Tokyo. However, the garden of Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo becomes a haven from the heat.

One of the seasonal highlights is Sea of Clouds Splash, a playful twist on the hotel’s signature Tokyo Sea of Clouds. Powerful jets shoot mist high into the air near Gojo Waterfall. The gentle, cool mist is perfect for beating the heat. After sunset, it is illuminated in calming shades of blue, offering a visually soothing escape from the summer swelter.

Visitors can not only bask in the refreshing shade of the trees in the garden, but also enjoy the traditional sound of summer: glass wind chimes.

During the Cool Summer Season, the hotel hosts outdoor events that give visitors a chance to enjoy the evening breeze with drinks and refreshing treats – the perfect combination for a memorable summer evening in Japan.

Autumn Season (September to November)

While the splendid colors of the fall foliage can be enjoyed in late November, the autumn season in Chinzanso Garden starts around late September when the evening air is filled with the songs of crickets and grasshoppers. Visitors can enjoy a scented version of the Tokyo Sea of Clouds during this time of year.

Winter and Holiday Season (November to December)

The highlight of Chinzanso Garden from mid-November is the Forest Aurora, a multilayered light display inspired by the northern lights. The aurora is the latest addition to the garden ahead of the hotel’s 70th anniversary. Viewing the Tokyo Sea of Clouds and the Forest Aurora several times during the same evening is an experience that can only be enjoyed at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo.

In the garden, the pine trees are covered with yuki-tsuri, a system of ropes that protects the branches from breaking under the weight of snow. Yuki-tsuri are a winter feature often seen in traditional Japanese gardens.

The holiday season in December brings light displays and festive Christmas decorations all around the hotel. It’s one of the best times of the year to visit with the entire family and create wonderful memories of the joyous holiday season.

*Images are for illustrative purposes.
*Updated on June 19, 2025