LET'S ODEKAKEWisteria Wonders: The Best Wisteria Viewing Spots in Japan

In this article we will introduce some of the most spectacular wisteria flower spots in Japan.

Japan, a country renowned for its breathtaking beauty, offers endless opportunities to explore its natural wonders. One such wonder is the enchanting wisteria, a flowering vine that drapes itself in exquisite cascades of purple, blue, and white blossoms. Wisteria viewing, or fuji-matsuri as it is known in Japanese, is a time-honoured tradition in Japan, and this blog will introduce some of the best places to see wisteria.

Ashikaga Flower Park, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is one of the most famous wisteria-viewing spots in Japan. The park boasts an impressive collection of wisteria, including the oldest and largest wisteria tree in Japan, which is over 150 years old. If you have never been anywhere else, this should be your first stop, as it is easy to access from Tokyo and amazingly beautiful.

The park offers numerous varieties of wisteria, with the centrepiece being the Great Wisteria, which spans 1,080 square meters. The park also features an 80-metre-long tunnel of white wisteria and a rare double-petaled wisteria. The wisteria season at Ashikaga Flower Park typically runs from mid-April to mid-May.

Aside from admiring the wisteria, visitors can also enjoy seasonal flower displays and night-time illuminations. There is a small restaurant and a shop selling snacks – we highly recommend the wisteria flavoured soft cream ice-cream.

One point to note about Ashikaga is that it will be crowded in peak wisteria season, so don’t expect a quiet and peaceful experience!

How to Get There:

From Tokyo, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Oyama Station, and then transfer to the JR Ryomo Line to Ashikaga Flower Park Station. The park is a short 5-minute walk from the station.

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden, nestled in the mountains of Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a privately-owned garden known for its spectacular wisteria tunnels.

The garden's two wisteria tunnels, measuring 80 and 220 metres long, are the main attractions, offering visitors an immersive experience as they walk through the vibrant, fragrant corridors. Wisteria viewing at Kawachi Fujien is best enjoyed from late April to early May, with peak bloom typically occurring during the Golden Week holiday.

While the garden primarily focuses on wisteria, visitors can also enjoy other seasonal flowers and indulge in local delicacies at the on-site cafe. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking opportunities, with beautiful mountain trails and stunning views.

How to Get There:

From Fukuoka, take the JR Kagoshima Line to Yahata Station. Then, board the Nishitetsu Bus bound for Kamishigeta and alight at the Kawachi Shogakko-mae stop. From there, it's a 15-minute uphill walk to the garden.

Byakugoji Temple, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is a historic temple that dates back over 1,300 years. The temple is home to an impressive canopy of wisteria trees that are over 100 years old, which bloom in a mesmerizing display of blossoms from late April to early May.

The wisteria here are famous for their long clusters of flowers, growing almost two metres long! The flow down like a waterfall and you can be submerged in their delicate petals. They have night-time illuminations as well as a festival held during the day in May. This temple is good to visit if you are in the Kyoto or Himeji area.

How to Get There:

Take a taxi 8 minutes from JR Ichijima Station or walk.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine, located in Tokyo's Koto Ward, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to admire wisteria. The shrine, dedicated to the scholar and politician Sugawara no Michizane, is famous for its picturesque gardens and vibrant wisteria and plum displays.

The wisteria at Kameido Tenjin Shrine bloom around late April to early May, creating a stunning contrast against the vermilion bridge in the foreground. The shrine's wisteria trellises stretch across the pond, forming a beautiful, reflective scene that has inspired many artists and photographers. People like to photograph Tokyo Sky Tree in the background against the flowers.

Visitors can partake in traditional Shinto rituals, such as offering prayers and drawing omikuji (fortune slips). The shrine also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. Within the vicinity, you can explore Kameido's shopping streets and sample the area's famous Kameido-style sweets, such as kuzumochi and dorayaki. Or if you fancy a walk, head towards Kinshicho and then follow the river walkway towards Sky Tree – there are playgrounds for kids along the way.

How to Get There:

Take the JR Sobu Line to Kameido Station, and the shrine is a 10-minute walk away.

Wake Fuji Wisteria Park, situated in Okayama Prefecture, is a beautiful park dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of wisteria. The park is home to over 150 varieties of wisteria trees, creating a magical atmosphere during the blooming season.

The park offers a variety of wisteria species, including purple, rare pink, and white blossoms. The park's main attraction is a 500-metre-long wisteria tunnel, where visitors can walk beneath a canopy of cascading flowers. The wisteria season at Wake Wisteria Park generally lasts from late April to mid-May.

In addition to wisteria viewing, the park features a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails, making it a perfect destination for a family day out. Visitors can also explore the nearby village of Wake, known for its charming streets, local cuisine, and traditional crafts.

How to Get There:

From Okayama Station, take the JR Sanyo Main Line to Wake Station. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to the park. Alternatively, take the Ryobi bus from Okayama Station and alight at the Wake Kachoen bus stop, which is a short walk away from the park.

Tennogawa Park, located in Aichi Prefecture, is a spacious park offering picturesque landscapes and various seasonal flowers. The park is particularly famous for its wisteria display, drawing numerous visitors during the blooming season.

The park's wisteria garden features around 200 wisteria trees in a stunning array of colours, including purple, pink, and white. The wisteria bloom from late April to early May, with the park hosting an annual Wisteria Festival featuring music performances, food stalls and night-time illuminations.

Apart from admiring the wisteria, visitors can enjoy the park's other attractions, such as the traditional Japanese garden, the rose garden, and the main focus – the pond. The park also offers sports facilities, playgrounds, and picnic areas for families to enjoy.

How to Get There:

From Nagoya Station, take the Meitestu Tsushima Line. Alight at Tsushima Station and walk 15 minutes.

Ushijima Wisteria Garden, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a charming and lesser-known wisteria viewing spot. The garden, owned and maintained by a local family, showcases a diverse range of wisteria varieties, offering a delightful experience for visitors.

The garden features various wisteria trees, including some that are over 1000 years old and is the largest wisteria cluster in Japan. The colours of the blossoms range from deep purple to light pink and pure white, creating a captivating scene. The wisteria bloom from late April to early May, with the peak viewing time depending on the weather.

While the primary focus of the garden is wisteria, visitors can also enjoy other seasonal flowers, such as azaleas and irises. The garden provides a tranquil setting for picnics, leisurely strolls, and photography.

How to Get There:

Take the JR Utsunomiya Line or JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Kuki Station. From there, take the Tobu Bus bound for Ushijima no Fuji-en and alight at the final stop. The garden is a short walk away from the bus stop.

The Kasuga Taisha Shrine boasts more than 200 blooming wisteria trees in early May. So beautiful is this sight that the shrine's symbol is that of a blooming wisteria. This shrine was established by the Fujiawara Clan, who ruled much of Japan from 710 to 1160. This shrine was built on their instruction in dedicated to the wisteria. The oldest tree is known as the "sunazuri no fuji" and is over 700 years old.

The Kasuga Taisha Shrine Manyou Botanical Garden is the highlight where you can see the majority of the wisteria, where you can see flowers that have grown so long they droop to the ground!

How to Get There:

Take a bus bound for Kasuga Taisha Honden from JR Nara Station and get off at Kasuga Taisha Honden.

Japan's wisteria viewing spots are a highlight for flower lovers and visitors will feel like they have stepped into a fairytale. Visitors can enjoy the stunning colours and fragrances of wisteria while also indulging in local delicacies, participating in cultural experiences, and exploring the surrounding areas.