Best time to travel to Japan

Wisteria Tunnels in Japan

Visit the hundred-year-old wisteria gardens during bloom and see their unbelievable beauty

Best time: mid-April–mid-May

Wisteria Tunnels
Wisteria Tunnels
Wisteria Tunnels
Wisteria Tunnels
Wisteria Tunnels

Wisteria bloom is almost as popular in Japan as iconic Sakura Matsuri. Late spring is the time when the Japanese celebrate the short wisteria blooming season by walking under the clusters of pale red, purple, and white flowers that blend together into a sea of pastel hues.

When does wisteria bloom in Japan?

Japan wisteria season usually starts from around mid-April and swells by the end of the month and at the beginning of May. By mid-May, the blooming fades away. That being said, you should always double-check the current condition, as the exact timeframe is always up to Mother Nature.

Where is wisteria flower tunnel in Japan?

Ashikaga Flower Park

Ashikaga Flower Park, located in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, two hours away from Tokyo, is the biggest and the best place in Japan to enjoy the magical wisteria bloom. These flowering plants were grown in Japan for centuries. Ashikaga even has a wisteria tree that is over 150 years old. The garden is famous for its rare Yae Wisteria trellis, and iconic Kibana wisteria tunnel visitors. At night, wisteria tunnels have dazzling illuminations that makes the experience even more magical to walk within. Overall, the park has more than 350 different wisteria trees of various colors.

Kawachi Wisteria Garden, Kitakyushu

Wisteria grows in many private and public gardens all over Japan. In addition to Ashikaga, you can see some impressive flower displays in Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Kitakyushu, about 5 hours away from Tokyo. The garden is home to over 150 flowering wisteria plants of about 20 different colors (white, violet-blue, blue, purple, and pink). Colorful and graceful, wisteria tunnels of Kawachi attract thousands of visitors during the blooming season.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo

In Tokyo, you can enjoy magical wisteria blooms at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Koto ward. There are about 100 blooming trees at the shrine. Every May, Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival gathers thousands of people at this historic site.

Wisteria, or fuji in Japanese, plays an important role in Japan's culture and traditions. Fuji Musume or Wisteria Maiden is the famous classical dance of the Kabuki theater. Pictures of Wisteria Maiden are popular and are believed to bring good luck.

Practical info

When do the flowers of wisteria usually bloom in Japan?

Typically, the wisteria season in Japan begins in mid-April. The blooming reaches its peak by the end of April to the beginning of May, while the flowers usually fade away by mid-May. One should double-check their timing of visit as the blooming season is dependent on nature and changes from time to time. Show more

What are some well-known places in Japan where wisteria flower tunnels can be found?

Japan's famous flower parks, Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture and Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Kitakyushu, are two of the most sought-after wisteria flower tunnel locations in Japan. Additionally, Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo also boasts a hundred blooming trees of wisteria flowers, a place worth visiting for nature lovers. Show more

What are some cultural significances of wisteria flowers in Japan?

In Japanese culture, wisteria flowers, also known as 'fuji', symbolize respect, longevity, beauty, and perseverance. The city of Kyoto is associated with its ancient capital and wisteria blossoms. Kabuki theatre and traditional Japanese art feature wisteria flowers in various forms. Thus, the flower is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and tradition. Show more

At what location in Japan can individuals view wisteria tunnels illuminated at night?

The Ashikaga Flower Park in Japan offers neon-light illuminated views of its wisteria tunnels. Visitors can enjoy the vivid colors and magical beauty of flowers every day during the blooming season, making it a unique and enriching experience worth exploring. Show more

What is the timeframe for the Ashikaga Flower Park wisteria festival in Japan?

The Ashikaga Flower Park wisteria festival is typically held during the blooming season, from mid-April to mid-May. Apart from the gorgeous displays of wisteria flowers, visitors can participate in various events, including Japanese tea ceremonies, flower arrangement classes, and nighttime illumination shows. Show more

Are there any lodgings nearby the Ashikaga Flower Park in Japan?

Accommodations are available in nearby towns of Ashikaga and Ota, offering visitors a range of hotels, ryokans (Japanese traditional-style inns), and guesthouses to choose from. As April and May are peak visiting months, it is recommended to book lodgings in advance. Show more

Is public transportation available to reach Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Japan?

Public transportation is available for visitors to reach Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Japan. The nearest station is the JR Yahata Station in Kitakyushu, which is accessible by train and bus. One can take a bus or hire a taxi from the station to reach the garden. As the bus service runs infrequently, it is advisable to check for timings in advance. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin