Ashikaga Wisteria Festival

With the warm breeze and nature coming to life, late spring features various flower festivals in Japan beyond just cherry blossoms. One of the most remarkable events you can experience during this time is the Ashikaga Wisteria Festival, held annually at Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture. This incredible festival has gained international recognition, attracting visitors worldwide who admire the stunning wisteria flowers in full bloom.

Ashikaga Flower Park

Photo by: PIXTA/ Tozawa Visitors can enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors

Ashikaga Flower Park covers 100,000 square meters. It has over 350 wisteria plants. From mid-April to early May, the flowers bloom beautifully. Visitors can enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors, such as purple, pink, white and yellow. Wisteria holds a special place in Japanese culture. Known as “fuji” in Japan, it symbolizes beauty and grace. The traditional artwork frequently showcases these flowers and various forms of Japanese media, including anime, feature them prominently. Wisteria represents a fleeting beauty, much like life itself, making it a poignant element in Japanese storytelling.

Festival Highlights

Photo by: PIXTA/ genki Ashikaga Flower Park transforms with its stunning night illumination

The Great Wisteria tree is nearly 160 years old and stretches over a 1,000-square-meter area. Its massive blooms create a beautiful canopy that visitors can walk underneath, indulging in nature’s stunning display. The other one is the Wisteria Tunnel. One of the most iconic experiences at the park is walking through the 80-meter-long white wisteria tunnel. This picturesque pathway offers a dreamy stroll under a ceiling of delicate flowers, providing a truly enchanting atmosphere. In addition to the Great Wisteria, you can find several other varieties, including pale pink and deep purple types and the unique black dragon wisteria. 

As day turns to night, Ashikaga Flower Park transforms into a wonderland with its stunning night illumination. The soft, romantic glow fills the garden as many wisteria plants illuminate their surroundings. Visitors can take evening strolls, admiring the luminous blooms that seem to come alive under the stars. 

Other Facilities

Visitors to the park can enjoy various facilities, including peaceful rest areas perfect for relaxing and appreciating the scenery. Cozy cafes serve snacks and refreshing drinks, with the exclusive wisteria soft serve being a must-try. You can also explore shops offering souvenirs like Wisteria cosmetics, sweets, and unique accessories to find the ideal memento for your visit.

Different varieties of wisteria bloom at different times, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly. To appreciate the displays fully, aim to spend at least 90 to 120 minutes exploring the park.