Ashikaga Flower Park is one of Japan’s most celebrated floral destinations, gaining worldwide attention for its breathtaking beauty. At the heart of this park lies the iconic wisteria flowers, which continue to captivate visitors from around the globe. The expansive wisteria trellises and tunnels are must-see attractions, offering an unparalleled visual spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.
The wisteria experience
The park’s wisteria features the “Great Wisteria,” a tree over 160 years old and designated as a natural monument, an 80-meter-long white wisteria tunnel, and a tunnel of laburnum (Golden chain tree), renowned for their scale and splendor.
Visitors can enjoy not only the classic purple wisteria but also variations in pale pink, white, and yellow wisteria. The diverse species create a mesmerizing landscape.
Moreover, at night, the wisteria trellises are beatifully illuminated, producing an otherworldly effect.
The wisteria flowers reach their peak bloom from mid-April to mid-May. During this period, the sweet fragrance of wisteria envelops the park, providing the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs.
The beauty of azaleas
Ashikaga Flower Park also features over 5,000 blooming azalea bushes, offering a vibrant display of rich colors under the bright sun. With Japan known for its wide variety of azaleas, the park showcases both common and rare types, providing a unique floral experience.
Azaleas in bloom
Illumination event
Ashikaga Flower Park’s illumination event, recognized as one of the “Three Major Illumination Spots” and winner of the International Illumination Award, offers three themed displays: the “Light and Flower Collaboration” from mid-October to mid-November, the “Christmas Fantasy” from late November to late December, and the “New Year Illumination” from January to mid-February.
You can also enjoy the “One Earth For All” show where light reflections on the water create a dreamlike scene, a mural of light representing Japan’s four seasons and an illumination representing the Great Wisteria’s growth from buds to full bloom.
An illumination representing the Great Wisteria
Overview of seasonal flowers
Spring
Early January to late February: During “Heralding Spring,” pheasant’s eye, Christmas rose, and winter clematis bring early signs of spring to the garden, showcasing delicate blooms in colder months.
Winter clematis in bloom
Early March to mid-April: The “Spring Flower Festival” features vibrant displays of tulips, crocus, and Thunberg’s meadowsweet, welcoming the warmer season.
Tulips in bloom
Mid-April to mid-May: The famous wisteria takes center stage during “Wisteria Story,” with Japanese azalea and peonies also blooming, creating a breathtaking scene of colors and fragrances.
Light pink wisteria illuminated at night
Mid-May to early June: The “Rainbow Garden” bursts with color, featuring roses, rhododendrons, and clematis, offering a vibrant array of hues as spring transitions to summer.
Roses in bloom
Summer
Early June to late June: The “Blue & White Garden” showcases stunning iris, hydrangeas, and late-blooming clematis, adding a cool palette to the garden’s summer colors.
Irises in bloom
Early July to late September: “Water Nymphs,” including lantana and tropical water lilies, bring vibrant life to the park’s water features during the hot summer months.
A water lilly in bloom
Autumn
Early October to mid-November: The “Purple Garden” is filled with amethyst sage and Mexican bush sage, offering deep purples and blues that define the beauty of autumn.
Amethyst sage in bloom
Winter
Mid October to mid-February: The “Bejeweled Flower Garden” shines with festive illuminations, alongside blooming pansies and violas, creating a magical winter wonderland.
Illumination with a rose theme
Dining and shopping
Visitors to Ashikaga Flower Park can enjoy a variety of dining and shopping experiences. The “Wisteria Restaurant” offers local specialties while the “Soup & Food Corner” provides quick bites like Sano Ramen and the park’s signature wisteria soft-serve ice cream. For shopping, the flower shop sells high-quality potted plants and seasonal flowers, while the gift shop offers unique souvenirs, including wisteria-themed plush toys, perfumes, and hand creams.
Entrance to Ashikaga Flower Park
In conclusion, centering around the magnificent wisteria, Ashikaga Flower Park offers a year-round display of diverse flowers. Each season brings a new palette of colors and scents, ensuring that every visit provides a unique and unforgettable experience. We invite you to explore the park and immerse yourself in its ever-changing beauty.
Ashikaga Flower Park Station
Information
| Facility name | あしかがフラワーパーク Ashikaga Flower Park |
|---|---|
| Address | 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
|
| Access |
Ashikaga Flower Park Station 3-minute walk from Ashikaga Flower Park Station
Tomita Station 13-minute walk from JR Tomita Station
|
| Hours | 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30) Extended hours during Wisteria Festival: 7:00-21:00 (Illumination from 17:30) Hours may vary according to the season so contact the park for the latest infomation |
| Closed | December 31 and the third Wednesday and Thursday of February |
| Official website | https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/english/index.html |
| Admission | From 400 to 2,200 JPY for adults, and from 200 to 1,100 JPY for children Prices may change depending on the condition of the flowers, so contact the park for updated information |
