In case you missed the Cherry Blossoms in Japan, there many other spring experiences to enjoy. Such as Hitachi Seaside Park in late April, when the hills are covered in millions of blue nemophila flowers. There’s also the Fuji Shibazakura Festival from mid-April to late May, featuring fields of shibazakura, or pink moss phlox, blooming with Mount Fuji in the background. And then there’s the canopies of wisteria at the Ashikaga Flower Park that we just enjoyed. I highly recommend checking it out if you visit Tokyo. Here’s what to expect and anything else you might need to know:
What’s so special about the Wisteria?
Wisteria is a flowering vine with cascading clusters of fragrant purple, pink, white or bluish flowers. Native to parts of Asia and North America, wisteria blooms in Japan from late April to early May.
In Japan, wisteria, known as fuji (藤), symbolizes love, tenderness, and longevity. Japan famously creates magical tunnels and large hanging gardens of wisteria in places like Ashikaga Flower Park and Kawachi Wisteria Garden.
At the Ashikaga Flower Park, a 150-year-old wisteria tree is designated as a Tochigi Prefecture natural treasure. The park also features over 350 wisteria trees, including an 80-meter-long white wisteria tunnel and a massive 600-tatami-mat trellis with three wisteria trees.
Wisteria is sturdier than Sakura or Cherry Blossoms, making it a better option for visitors. For example this year the sakura season in Tokyo was limited by heavy rains which not only made it difficult to enjoy the cherry blossoms but within days washed away the delicate blooms
When to Visit the Ashikaga Flower Park?
The best time to visit Ashikaga Flower Park for its main attraction, wisteria, is from mid-April to mid-May. Peak bloom occurs in late April to early May when the flowers are fully open, vibrant, and beautiful, lasting 1–2 weeks. Alternatively, from May–June you can see the roses and azaleas. While in winter they have the Flower Fantasy illumination event displaying millions of LED lights shaped like flowers and trees.
How to Get to Ashikaga Flower Park from Tokyo
To get to Ashikaga Flower Park from Tokyo, you can take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen or the JR Utsunomiya Line from Tokyo to Oyama Station. Then, transfer to the JR Ryomo Line to Ashikaga Flower Park Station, which is a 3-minute walk to the park. Alternatively, take the Tobu Isesaki Line from Tobu Asakusa Station to Ashikagashi Station. From there, a 20-minute taxi or a free shuttle bus during the spring will take you to the park. If you’re driving, it’s about a 2-hour drive from Tokyo via the Tohoku Expressway, exiting at Sano-Fujioka Interchange. In total it takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to two hours to get from Tokyo to the Ashikaga Flower Park.
Address:
607 Hasama-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture 329-4216, Japan.
Seasonal Events, Hours, and Admission Fees
Ashikaga Flower Park has different hours and admission fees depending on the season. During the wisteria season, from mid-April to mid-May, the park opens as early as 8:00 AM and may stay open until 8:30 PM. Adult admission ranges from 1,000 to 2,300 yen, which is about 6.50 to 15 US dollars, and children’s tickets range from 500 to 1,200 yen, or 3.25 to 8 dollars.
In the winter illumination season, from mid-October to mid-February, the park is open from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Admission during this period ranges from 500 to 1,800 yen for adults (3.25 to 12 dollars) and 200 to 900 yen for children (1.30 to 6 dollars).
During other times of the year, the park usually opens from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission then ranges from 500 to 2,200 yen for adults and 200 to 1,100 yen for children. Prices vary depending on the date and the flowers in bloom, so it’s a good idea to check the official website for the latest information and any changes.
Gift Shops and Souvenirs
At Ashikaga Flower Park, you’ll find two main stores and a few smaller shops offering a variety of products:
- The Main Souvenir Shop near the entrance: Here, you can buy wisteria-themed products, such as sweets, purple teddy bears, and other local Ashikaga souvenirs.
- Flower/Gardening Shop: This shop sells a range of plants, pots, and gardening supplies.
Food and Drinks
The park offers a selection of seasonal and themed foods:
- Wisteria Ice Cream: A soft-serve ice cream with a wisteria flavor, available near the entrance.
- Rose Lemon Soda: A refreshing beverage with a floral twist.
- Japanese Street Food: Stalls sell yakisoba (fried noodles), agemochi (fried rice cakes), and other popular Japanese treats.
Is it worth it?
See for yourself and decide…
For more of our adventures checkout these other posts.