The famous wisteria of Ashikaga Flower Park bloom early in time for spectacular festival

While springtime in Japan is often celebrated as a time to admire cherry blossoms, it would be remiss to not take in the gorgeous splendor of blooming wisterias as well. For that, there is no better place than Tochigi Prefecture's Ashikaga Flower Park, which is renowned throughout the country for their treasure trove of beautiful wisteria and azalea.

Massive 150-year-old ofuji wisteria tree

On April 16, the park will no doubt be a popular destination for the 2022 edition of their annual Fujinohana Monogatari Ofuji Festival, where visitors can take in 350 trees and over 5,000 garlands of vibrant wisteria.

While the park and its festival offers a great opportunity for appreciating the different colors (many wisteria bloom at different times providing a chance to take in a whole spectrum) of flowers, it's nighttime illumination, regarded as one of Three Greatest Illuminations in Japan, is certainly a highlight that shows off the floral wonder in a whole new way.

Usubeni fuji pink wisteria dazzling at night

Shiro Fuji white wisteria blossoms

Access information for both Ashikaga Flower Park and the Fujinohana Monogatari Ofuji Festival 2022 festival can be found below.

Address: 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture 329-4216

Availability period: April 16 to May 22, with illuminates running from April 20 to May 15.

Fee: 900 to 200 yen for adults and 500 to 100 yen for children for daytime, 700 to 1,800 yen for adults and 400 to 900 yen for children at night.

Access: From Tokyo, Ashikaga Flower Park is about 90 minutes away by train. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train to Oyama, transfer to the Ryomo Line and get off at Ashikaga Flower Park Station:

Website: Ashikaga Flower Park

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