Immerse Yourself in the Enchanting Wisteria Season of Japan

Best Time to Wander Through the Wisteria Season:

8 Must-Visit Wisteria Viewing Spots That Captivate Everyone

1. Kawachi Wisteria Garden (Kitakyushu)

As one of the most famous destinations during wisteria season, attracting both international and local tourists, Kawachi Wisteria Garden is like a fairy tale paradise located about 5 hours by high-speed train from Tokyo. With over 150 wisteria trees comprising 20 different varieties in various colors, Kawachi Wisteria Garden is meticulously cared for by talented artisans, sculpted into a tunnel as beautiful as a painting, leaving visitors in awe.

The archway covered in purple wisteria blooms at Kawachi Garden will leave tourists amazed. @puraten10

The massive wisteria trunk is supported by an intricate wooden trellis system. @jyasumina

Kawachi boasts two wisteria tunnels measuring 110 meters and 80 meters long respectively, with wooden supports blossoming in the summer. The dense clusters of flowers cascading down to cover the arched tunnels create a more romantic atmosphere. It's also a time when couples envision their wedding photoshoot in this floral paradise.

Holding hands, capturing moments under the floral canopy. @mt_portrait

It's advisable to visit the garden early in the morning to enjoy the fresh air, indulge in photography sessions, check-in, as the place gets crowded in the afternoon. Moreover, during peak flower-viewing seasons, Kawachi Garden recommends tourists to avoid using cars to prevent traffic congestion.

An opportunity not to be missed to capture stunning moments in the wisteria season. @daisukephotography

2. Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi)

Ashikaga Flower Park boasts an area of ​​1,000 square meters planted with flowers, renowned for its ancient wisteria trees up to 150 years old. During the wisteria season, the white, purple, and yellow flowers cover the paths like a sky full of flowers. The symphony of wisteria color transitions in this park includes shades of purple, white, yellow, green, and pink. At its brightest, it's vibrant and intense, while at other times, it's elegant, sophisticated, with a hint of gentleness and dreaminess. It's no wonder that Ashikaga Park becomes one of the most beautiful wisteria viewing spots in Japan in the summer.

The impressive wisteria trellises at Ashikaga Park are stunning every nightfall. @hnditm

The 150-year-old wisteria tree with its large canopy and dense blooms, planted since 1870, has captivated generations of Japanese. Due to its large branches and dense blooms, additional supporting pillars had to be installed to keep it stable. @ashikaga_flower_park

Ashikaga Park is also the shared home of dozens of vibrant summer flowers. @shiodoll

Even the ice cream cones are dyed purple to serve at the wisteria festival in Japan. @travelimages.com.au

Remember, keep this ticket for next year and you'll get a discount on entrance if you still want to date with the wisteria season. @yeldarathip

3. Kameido Tenjin Shrine (Tokyo)

If you can't venture far from Tokyo to visit Kawachi Wisteria Garden or Ashikaga Flower Park, the two largest wisteria festivals, you can opt to admire the flowers at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Koto Ward. The festival is usually held in the third or fourth week of April.

From Kameido Tenjin Shrine, you'll have a clear view of the Tokyo Skytree. @grantz_nero

Tokyo Skytree Admission Ticket

Full-Day Dining and Asakusa Discovery Tour

Clusters of wisteria flowers casting shadows. @ryo.maruyamaru

Not only renowned during wisteria season, Kameido Tenjin is also a sacred shrine often visited by locals, where they offer prayers through lucky fortune readings or traditional wooden plaques at Japanese shrines.

Drawing a lucky fortune during the wisteria festival. @zenchanphotography

Girls writing their wishes on wooden plaques. @huongvan6149

4. Fujiyama Shrine (Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture)

The soul of Fujiyama Shrine in Kyushu region is a 650-year-old ancient wisteria tree. The shrine's courtyard boasts around 40 wisteria trees of 5 different varieties, with the rarest being the kohaku-fuji, a red and white wisteria. In the evening, the wisteria trellis is illuminated to become more enchanting and captivating. Japanese people also believe that praying for love under the wisteria tree at Fujiyama Shrine will help them quickly find their happiness.

A dense trellis covering the sky. @gitarvo

A serene and poetic corner in Fujiyama Temple. @lulu10811

5. Byodoin Temple (Uji, Kyoto)

This temple boasts about 200 blooming wisteria trees in the summer, adding to the ancient and tranquil atmosphere of the area. It's a place where you can admire flowers, enjoy the scenery, relax, and seek moments of serenity. Japanese locals and tourists alike flock to Byodoin Temple every wisteria season for two main reasons: first, for its mesmerizing wisteria blooms; second, to marvel at the iconic Phoenix Hall depicted on the 10 Yen coin.

The colors of the flowers come alive in the early morning light. @yukiyu77

Byodoin Temple boasts wisteria trees over 280 years old. @junei.hotel.official.kyoto

Check out the 10 Yen coin to witness the magic. @peiyu0531

While in the ancient capital of Kyoto, don't miss the chance to explore the unique cultural and historical heritage, such as experiencing a traditional Maiko performance or indulging in a dinner at a historic Edo-style restaurant.

6. Residence of Principal Masahiro Kajimoto (Sennan, Osaka)

Mr. Kajimoto was once a principal of a local school. Over 35 years ago, he planted wisteria flowers in his garden. Now, the vines span over 30 meters, boasting over 40,000 branches, blooming abundantly in the summer sun.

A corner of Mr. Kajimoto's garden. @chiachinhsu

With each bloom, Mr. Kajimoto's house is painted with a romantic purple hue, catching the eyes of passersby. For the past 15 years, Mr. Kajimoto has shared the beauty of his flowers with locals and tourists by opening his doors for everyone to admire. Gradually, his garden has become known to many during wisteria season.

The adorable dog in the flower garden. @yoshinobu_haha.

7. Shirai Oomachi Fuji Park (Asago, Hyogo)

The park spans about 7,000 square meters with over 120 wisteria trees. The wisteria pergola stretches over 500 meters long and 4 meters wide, with the longest flower branch reaching 145 cm adorned with various shades of white, pink, and purple. The park is also famous for its beautiful iris flowers and stunning pink moss phlox fields.

One of the spacious, airy, and tranquil flower viewing spots. @hiyopiyohiyo09

The park boasts a large and dense wisteria pergola. @iwa_523

During this time, the Japanese also enjoy strolling, soaking up the early summer sun, or camping in parks. @kano_kazurin

8. Ushijima no Fuji Wisteria Garden (Kasukabe, Saitama)

Legend has it that 1200 years ago, the great monk Kōbō Daishi, a prominent Japanese Buddhist monk, founded the Shingon sect—a form of esoteric Buddhism in Japan—and planted the first wisteria tree in this garden. The roots of the ancient tree penetrate over 2 meters deep into the ground and spread over an area of ​​more than 10 square meters. From one trunk, numerous branches have now bloomed abundantly, creating a stunning sight. The entire 2-hectare garden bursts into life every wisteria season.

The wisteria pergola in Ushijima no Fuji blooming in the early morning sun. @full_smile.kyoto2929

The sunlight streaming through the wisteria pergolas creates dazzling floral carpets at everyone's feet. @nox.photos

Delicious Summer Dishes Amidst Wisteria Season

Cold Somen Noodles:

@Serious Eats

@eatwithpandie

Grilled Eel (unagi):

@The Spruce Eats

Chilled Tofu Hiya-yakko:

@The Spruce Eats

Water Droplet Mochi (mizu shingen mochi):

@Love is in my Tummy

Salted Edamame:

@Umami Girl

Grilled Eggplant (yakinasu):

@AKAARI

A Little Note for Traveling During Wisteria Season

Just as enchanting as cherry blossom season in Japan, the wisteria season in summer also draws a massive influx of tourists to the Land of the Rising Sun. It's advisable to prepare in advance for all services such as flights, hotels, and tickets to attractions to avoid long queues or sold-out tickets, which could affect your overall experience.

Witnessing one of the most beautiful flower seasons in the world is an irresistible temptation for any travel enthusiast. However, for those with respiratory conditions, caution is advised around pollen, especially in areas with extensive wisteria blooms. Face masks and allergy medication are essential companions when traveling during wisteria season!