Wisteria Flowers in Japan: 10 Enchanting Locations in 2024

Symbolizing longevity, good luck, and kindness, wisteria flowers have been treasured in Japan since ancient times. From famous ukiyo-e woodblock prints to award-winning parks, these enchanting flowers are beloved and continue to captivate audiences to this day.

From one of CNN's top 10 destinations in Japan to rural gardens and shrines adorned with red lanterns and lights, you will discover a wisteria paradise with Japan's top 10 wisteria parks and gardens.

Top 10 Wisteria Locations in Japan

1. Kurosawa Wisteria Park in Tomioka (Gunma)
2. Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi)
3. Kawachi Wisteria Garden (Fukuoka)
4. Sera Kogen Flower Park (Hiroshima)
5. Tennogawa Park (Aichi)
6. Okazaki Park (Aichi)
7. Nakayama Kumano Shrine in Yanagawa (Fukuoka)
8. Chosenji Temple (Saitama)
9. Karatsu Castle (Saga)
10. Kameido Tenjin Shrine (Tokyo)

1. Kurosawa Wisteria Park in Tomioka, Gunma

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Situated in the idyllic countryside of Tomioka, the Kurosawa Wisteria Garden is an ideal escape from the crowds near Tokyo! Just a short 13-minute drive or taxi journey from Tomioka City, this garden is a must-see on any Tomioka itinerary.

Also referred to as the Niagara Wisteria Garden, these wisteria trees have been thoughtfully arranged on a hillside. Their diagonal purple vines sway gently, showering the fields of green with a cascade of purple petals.

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Encompassing 5,000 square meters, visitors can wander through a lush array of wisteria and relax on benches atop the hill, gazing in wonder at the mesmerizing sight of wisteria seeming to crest overhead and cascade down the slope in a stunning wave.

Set on a 100-meter incline, the garden offers easy enjoyment for all ages, with the optimal time for a visit being from early to mid-May.

Kurosawa Wisteria Garden
Location: Gunma Prefecture, Tomioka City, Warabi 1039 Map
Hours: 8:30 - 16:30
Wisteria Festival 2024: April 24 - May 7
Website: https://www.tomioka-silk.jp.e.wv.hp.transer.com/_spot/sightseeing/detail/kurosawa-fuji.html

2. Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi

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Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi, a must-visit for anyone in Tokyo during springtime, is a renowned flower park close to the city, celebrated for its captivating winter illuminations and magnificent grand wisteria trees.

Within the park's boundaries flourish around 350 wisteria trees boasting delicate white, pink, and purple blooms, transforming the area into a floral haven.

Since its establishment in 1968, Ashikaga Park has garnered global acclaim, earning a spot on CNN's Top 10 Dream Destinations Around the World in 2014. Today, it stands out as a globally recognized tourist attraction, showcasing 94,000 m² of meticulously curated seasonal blooms, stunning illuminations, and an array of delectable seasonal cuisine.

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The park's focal point is a venerable 160-year-old wisteria tree that spreads its graceful purple vines across a 1,220 m² wisteria trellis, designated as a national monument in Tochigi Prefecture.

This singular wisteria tree alone stands as reason enough to make the journey to the park. During wisteria season, visitors can also appreciate the presence of 5,000 azalea plants, lupines, and captivating 80-meter white and yellow wisteria tunnels.

While Ashikaga Flower Park is renowned for its acclaimed winter illuminations, the spring season offers its own enchantments as the wisteria trees are adorned with vibrant hues throughout the park, casting a magical glow on picturesque bridges and reflective water surfaces, evoking a realm of blossoms and beauty.

The Great Wisteria Festival 2024 at Ashikaga Flower Park
Event dates: April 13 (Sat) - May 15 (Wed)
Light-up dates: April 18 (Thu) - May 15 (Wed)

Admission fees (*vary depending on the wisteria's stage of blooming)
Adults: 1,000 - 2,200 yen
Children: 500 - 1,100 yen

Event website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/fujinohana_special2024/en/index.html

Ashikaga Flower Park

329-4216 607 Sakomacho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture

Ranked #1 in Japan in the illumination spot popularity ranking! Enjoy the colorful and sparkling beautiful scenery at Ashikaga Flower Park!...

3. Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka

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Kawachi Wisteria Garden, recognized as one of Japan's 31 most exquisite destinations by CNN, continues to astound all who visit! Transforming its surroundings into an enchanting, dreamlike realm, this private garden's resplendent wisteria beckons visitors to immerse themselves in a world of wonder.

From 100-meter tunnels adorned with cascading pink, purple, and white petals to a labyrinth of swaying wisteria branches that play with light and shadow upon the ground, the garden creates an atmospheric spectacle that captivates the senses.

Featuring 22 varieties of wisteria, the garden showcases a breathtaking array of vibrant hues under the sun, providing a picturesque backdrop perfect for photography enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy the remarkable wisteria structures and distinct species that abound in the garden, including an expansive vine that blankets 3,300 m² of the landscape.

Kawachi Wisteria Garden dazzles visitors annually from late April to early May. Given its popularity and status as a private garden accessible only at specific times, it is advisable to secure tickets in advance online and confirm the dates of your planned visit for an unforgettable experience.

Kawachi Wisteria Garden 2024 Viewing: April 20 - May 6

Kawachi Wisteria

2-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 805-0045

4. Sera Wisteria Garden in Hiroshima

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Abounding with 1,000 enchanting wisteria trees, Sera Wisteria Garden is part of Sera Kogen Farm, a must-see destination for those exploring Hiroshima! Nestled in the serene countryside town of Sera, this flower park offers a breathtaking setting to revel in seasonal blooms and various events throughout the year.

From mid-April to May, visitors are treated to a vibrant display of colors as 12,000 lupines paint the fields in shades of pink and purple, harmonizing with the majestic wisteria that spans a remarkable 35,000 meters across the park grounds.

The allure of Sera Wisteria Garden extends from day to night, inviting guests to meander through 10 distinct wisteria zones, featuring winding wisteria pathways and captivating wisteria tunnels.

As dusk descends, the park transforms into a magical wonderland with spectacular illuminations, where the wisteria steals the show! Here, the mesmerizing purple-lit petals casting their glow over serene white, Zen-like rock gardens create an ambiance straight out of a fairy tale, captivating visitors with its surreal beauty and charm.

Sera Kogen Farm
Location: Hiroshima, Sera district, Sera, Betssako 1124-11 Map
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Wisteria Festival 2024: April 27 - May 19
Website: https://sera.ne.jp/en/g_about/

5. Tennogawa Park in Tsushima, Aichi

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A hidden gem near Nagoya, Tennogawa Park stands as a spectacular and easily accessible destination for travelers from late April to early May. Enriched by the allure of wisteria blossoms, this park's Maruike Pond becomes a radiant spectacle, a remnant of the Tenno River that once meandered through the region.

As the wisteria season unfolds, delicate purple petals grace the park, painting the waters of Maruike Pond in a mesmerizing hue. By day, these reflective waters create ethereal purple pathways, while by night, the park transforms into a magical realm illuminated by the Owari Tsushima Wisteria Festival's dazzling lights.

Prominent features of the park include a striking vermillion red traditional Japanese bridge, moss-covered rock pathways tracing the river's edge, and enchanting nocturnal illuminations.

During the festival, visitors can savor delectable fare from temporary food stalls, groove to live music, marvel at the incredible illuminations, and wander through wisteria blankets spanning 5,034 square meters.

Annually, the wisteria flowers unfurl their splendor from mid-April to early May, with illuminations from 18:00 to 21:00. Please be advised that blooming schedules and festivities may vary annually; therefore, it is advisable to confirm details in advance of your visit.

Tennogawa Park
Location: Aichi Prefecture, Tsushima, Miyagawacho 1 Map
Hours: open 24 hours
Wisteria Festival 2024: April 13 - 29
Website: https://tennogawa-park.com/

6. Okazaki Park in Aichi

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Embracing Okazaki Castle, the historic birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, lies the picturesque Okazaki Park, a haven for the renowned Gomangoku Wisteria Festival.

Encompassing 1,300 square meters, the park's wisteria trees grace the castle's surroundings and paths, diffusing tranquil fragrances and blossoms, offering visitors a peaceful respite from their bustling routines.

Annually, from late April to early May, the park becomes a vibrant tapestry of celebrations, where guests can bask in the brilliance of nocturnal illuminations, whimsical umbrella displays, and the splendor of 90 cm purple wisteria vines during the Gomangoku Wisteria Festival.

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Okazaki Park has been designated a natural monument of Aichi Prefecture, a testament to its enduring beauty and cultural significance.

A journey from Nagoya Station to Okazaki Park is just under an hour, allowing visitors to revel in attractions such as the Mikawa Warriors and Ieyasu Museum, the Ninomaru Noh Theatre, and the historically rich Okazaki Castle within the park's vicinity.

Okazaki Park
Location: Aichi Prefecture, Okazaki, Koseicho 561-1 Map
Hours: open 24 hours
Official website: https://okazaki-kanko.jp/okazaki-park/

Wisteria Festival 2024: April 19 (Friday) - May 5 (Sunday)
Wisteria Light-up: 18：00～21：00
Event website: https://okazaki-kanko.jp/okazaki-park/program/672 (Japanese)

7. Nakayama Kumano Shrine in Yanagawa, Fukuoka

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The Nakayama Grand Wisteria at Nakayama Kumano Shrine in Yanagawa City paints a mesmerizing picture each April with its lively display of purple blossoms.

This time of the year transforms the shrine and the adjacent Tachibana Ikoinomori Park into a festive haven, teeming with culinary delights, live jazz performances, photo competitions, locally crafted goods and treats, and the comforting glow of lanterns. Visitors are encouraged to relax and rejuvenate in the chairs set beneath this ancient, majestic tree.

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Acknowledged as a natural monument by Fukuoka, the roots of this 300-year-old wisteria can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868) when its seeds were initially brought to the shrine from Noda, Osaka, by a local liquor store proprietor.

Since then, this venerable tree has thrived, beckoning locals and travelers alike to marvel at its timeless allure season after season. From the picturesque sight of crimson lanterns adorning stone bridges above tranquil waters to the breathtaking expanse of 1,700 m² wisteria blossoms and enchanting illuminated tunnels that transform the nighttime landscape into a whimsical wonderland, this shrine stands out as a must-visit destination for those exploring Kyushu in April.

The Great Wisteria at Nakayama Kumano Shrine
Location: Fukuoka, Yanagawa, Mitsuhashimachi Nakayama 583-1 and Nakayama 547-1 (Tachibana Ikoi no Mori Park) Map
Wisteria Festival 2024: April 14 - 28
Light-up: until 21:00

8. Chosenji Temple in Honjo, Saitama

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Chosenji Temple is a serene location in Saitama's Honjo City that boasts an ancient wisteria tree, earning its place among the esteemed 100 Flower Temples of Eastern Japan.

A well-kept secret, this temple and its wisteria offer a serene retreat away from the crowds, featuring the magnificent Kotsuhata no Fuji, a 650-year-old wisteria tree revered as a designated natural monument of Saitama.

With delicate vines sprawling over 2500m² of temple grounds, this majestic wisteria paints a breathtaking panorama that captivates onlookers from every angle.

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Visitors are invited to wander through a labyrinth of 1-meter-long purple, white, and pink wisteria blooms interwoven with the tranquil settings of the Buddhist temple, complete with statues and tranquil koi ponds.

As you ascend, you can witness the grandeur of this awe-inspiring tree, its branches forming a verdant canopy of purple and green that envelops the temple hall in a mystical embrace.

This enchanting spectacle can be enjoyed at the temple from the end of April to early May, offering a fleeting yet unforgettable experience for those who seek the beauty and tranquility of Chosenji's ancient wisteria tree.

Chosenji Temple
Location: Saitama, Honjo, Kodamacho Takayanagi 901 Map
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Wisteria viewing: late April - early May
Website: https://www.kotuhata.or.jp/

9. Karatsu Castle in Saga

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Perched like a castle adrift on a wisteria sea, Karatsu Castle is a captivating historical marvel that blends floral beauty with traditional Japanese architecture. This castle was constructed by a loyal retainer of general Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Throughout its storied history, Karatsu Castle has witnessed the passage of diverse warlords, reforms, and architectural enhancements.

Dubbed the "Dancing Crane Castle," Karatsu Castle stands out for its iconic roof design resembling the outstretched wings of a crane, a symbolic gesture of grace and elegance. The castle tower, erected in 1966, offers unparalleled panoramas of the castle town, the bountiful natural surroundings, and the picturesque coastal vistas.

Spanning an impressive 500 square meters, the wisteria flowers create a whimsical illusion of the castle floating upon a magical purple tapestry when viewed from the park grounds. These enchanting blooms typically grace the castle from mid-April to mid-May, with some specimens boasting an age of around 100 years.

Explorers in the area can relish fantastic views, vibrant blossoms, the serene embrace of nature, and peruse the castle's museums and quaint shops for a well-rounded cultural experience.

Wisteria viewing at Karatsu Castle: late April

Karatsu Castle Ruins

8 Higashijonai, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture 847-0016

10. Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo

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Kameido Tenjin Shrine is a paradise for wisteria enthusiasts in Tokyo. A renowned destination, this shrine attracts many visitors eager to bask in the splendor of its enchanting purple wisteria that cascade elegantly over the shrine's picturesque arched red bridges, pathways, and halls.

An icon of beauty throughout the ages, Kameido Tenjin Shrine and its wisteria have long been celebrated as one of Japan's cherished scenic jewels, immortalized in the artworks of ukiyo-e masters, the woodblock art tradition.

The wisteria at Kameido Tenjin Shrine provides a picturesque backdrop for photography enthusiasts, courtesy of its gracefully cascading vines.

For those visiting at nightfall, a treat awaits with dazzling nocturnal illuminations that showcase the majestic Tokyo Skytree in its full glory from mid-April onwards, offering a magical experience under the ethereal glow of lights.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival 2024: April 6 - 30

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

3-6-1 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071

Enjoy Japan's Wisteria Flowers

The wisteria flowers are one of the highlights of spring in Japan, starting to bloom right after the cherry blossoms. Visit one of the famous wisteria locations below to capture the charm of these elegant blooms in photos!

Main image by Pixta