Best Wisteria Viewing Spots this Spring 2024

If you are looking for a change from the ever-so-popular cherry blossoms then we’ve got a suggestion for you: wisteria! If cherry blossoms are famous for their exquisite pink shade, then wisteria is known for its romantic purple hue. 

As the wisteria season is right around the corner, GoEMON figured that this would be the perfect time to introduce you to the flower for those who don’t already know, as well as some of the best viewing spots that you can check out this Golden Week! 

I. Wisteria and its meaning 

Wisteria, also known as Fuji (藤) in Japanese, is a fast-growing, woody vine native to Japan that blooms in big, mesmerizing clusters. Thus, the plant is often grown in parks, gardens, temples, and tourist areas to provide shade and also are the best photo spots. 

Wisteria flowers are not only pretty but also meaningful. These flowers can have different meanings depending on the person and context. 

Long associated with romance, wisteria represents passion, desire, and loyalty in a relationship, as well as a happy, lasting, and fulfilling married life. The flower is also regarded as a symbol of love in many cultures, where gifting wisteria to your partner can be seen as another way of expressing your deep love for your partner. 

In Japan, wisteria is also believed to possess special powers that can attract good luck and ward off evil spirits. Thus, you can often spot these flowers planted in sacred locations, such as shrines or temples. Does this ring a bell to you? These are also the plants that can ward of demons that appeared in the super famous series Kimetsu no Yaiba - Demon Slayer. 

II. When is the best time to see wisteria flowers in Japan? 

The wisteria season varies depending on various factors and what the weather and temperature are like each year. However, there usually is no significant difference, with the flowers generally blooming from around mid-April to early May and fading towards the middle of the month. 

The weather this year was cold for longer than in past years, affecting flowers' blooming period. Cherry blossoms were reported to have bloomed several weeks late in some regions, with wisteria also affected. This year, the wisteria season is forecasted to be slightly later than in previous years, so the best time to see the flowers for 2024 would be from late April to around mid-May. 

III. Some of the best Wisteria Viewing Spots in Japan

1. (Tochigi) Ashikaga Flower Park 

Ashikaga Flower Park was once included in CNN’s list of “10 of the most dreamy travel locations in the world.” The park has over 350 wisteria plants, not only in traditional purple hue but also in exotic shades of yellow and white. It is also home to a huge, ancient wisteria tree that is over 160 years old. 

Address: Ashikaga-shi, Hasamacho 607-banchi, Tochigi 329-4216, Japan

Best Time to Visit: Mid-April to Mid-May

Entrance Fee (may vary depending on flower conditions):

• Daytime Ticket (1 day):

Adults: 1,000 yen - 2,200 yen

Children: 500 yen - 1,100 yen

• Nighttime Ticket (from 17:30, April 20, 2024 - May 12, 2024):

Adults: 1,000 yen - 2,000 yen

Children: 600 yen - 900 yen

2. (Fukuoka) Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden, located about 20 minutes from Kitakyushu City via the Kitakyushu Expressway, is a vibrant painting full of life. It is recognized as one of the top 10 most beautiful scenic spots in the world.

Upon entering the garden, you will feel as if you have stepped into a purple paradise with over 20 wisteria species showing off their beautiful hues. The highlights are the 80-meter and 110-meter wisteria tunnels. These tunnels are covered with cascading wisteria, creating a poetic scene that is perfect for photos. You might also find couples taking their wedding pictures here during the wisteria season. 

Address: Kawachi 2-2-48, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka, 805-0035

Best time to visit: Early April to early May

Opening Hours: 8:00 - 18:00

Entrance Fee: 1,500 Yen (may vary)

3. (Kanagawa) Yokosuka City Iris Flower Garden

With a wisteria garden housing around 250 wisteria plants of 11 breeds, Yokosuka City Iris Garden Garden is one of the best spots to see wisteria in Kanagawa. You can admire the beautiful flowers while also enjoying traditional Japanese treats and tea. 

Address: 18-1 Abekura, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0033, Japan

Best time to visit: Late April to Early May

* Event information for 2024 is yet to be announced.

Entrance Fee (applies from April to June): 320 yen for adults, 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students.

4. (Aichi) Tennogawa Park 

Located in Tsushima, Aichi Prefecture, Tennogawa Park is also commonly known as “Wisteria Village” for having an impressive 5,034 wisteria canopy, created by 114 plants in 12 different varieties. Thus, this is the perfect location for those looking for somewhere peaceful and quiet to relax and admire the wisteria flowers. 

Location: 1-chōme, Miyagawachō, Tsushima, Aichi 496-0853, Japan

Best time to visit: Late April to Early May

Scheduled Dates: April 13 - April 29, 2024

5. (Gunma) Fuji No Saku Oka

Fuji No Saku Oka is one of the best wisteria viewing spots in Gunma, with wisteria flowers planted over an impressive area of more than 2.3 hectares. During peak season, you can watch the beautiful clusters of purple, white, and pink flowers fluttering in the wind. A festival will also be held here during the latter half of April, offering various activities such as flea markets, foods stalls, outdoor concerts, and an impressive light-up show at night. 

Address: 2690-7 Fujioka, Fujioka City, Gunma 375-0024, Japan

Best time to visit: Late April to Early May

Wisteria Festival (scheduled): March 23 - April 7, 2024

Entrance Fee: Free

Above was GoEMON’s suggestion on some of the best wisteria viewing spots in Japan. If you are currently living in Japan or are going to travel here this Spring, make sure to give wisteria-viewing a try! Its beauty is sure to leave you speechless. 

Don’t forget to follow GoEMON Global for the latest updates on life in Japan!