Since becoming a pilgrimage site for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba fans, Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture has become a popular tourist spot not only in Japan but also among visitors from abroad. From April to May, when wisteria flowers—believed to repel demons—are in full bloom, you can immerse yourself in a fantastical landscape of purple and white blossoms.
Of course, even if you’re not a fan of Demon Slayer, you can still fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
To enjoy the spectacular spring scenery!
Located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, Ashikaga Flower Park is one of Japan’s premier flower parks, where visitors can enjoy seasonal blooms throughout the year. Among its many attractions, the breathtaking wisteria flowers that bloom in spring are particularly stunning, drawing countless tourists from both Japan and abroad to witness their beauty.
The park’s Great Wisteria, which is over 160 years old, is especially renowned and has been praised as possessing a beauty that “takes the world’s breath away.” Its grandeur and elegance continue to captivate all who visit. During Golden Week (GW), the park is bustling with visitors, and it’s nearly impossible to find an open spot at the park’s restaurants or benches.
Wisteria flower viewing season and event information
The wisteria flowers at Ashikaga Flower Park usually reach their peak bloom from mid-April to mid-May each year. During this period, the park hosts the “Wisteria Story: Great Wisteria Festival”, where various types of wisteria bloom in succession throughout the grounds.
For the latest information on blooming conditions, please visit the official website.
Welcome to ASIKAGA FLOWER PARK | Ashikaga Flower Park
Wisteria flowers come in various colors and shapes, with the most common types being purple wisteria, white wisteria, and yellow wisteria (kibana wisteria). Since each variety reaches its peak bloom at different times, visitors can enjoy unique scenery no matter how many times they visit.
At night, the flowers are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that is completely different from the daytime view.
The Great Wisteria, in particular, has gained fame as a sacred site among fans of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. It resembles Mt. Fujikasane, the location of the Final Selection, where aspiring members of the demon-slaying corps (Demon Slayer Corps) must survive—a connection that has made it especially popular.
Ashikaga Flower Park Highlights
The main attraction is still the large wisteria trellis. It is located at the far end of the countryside. Next is the tunnel of white wisteria at the entrance.
1. Great Wisteria
The park features a massive wisteria trellis spanning three areas, covering a total of 600 tatami mats’ worth of space—an overwhelming scale that leaves a lasting impression. During peak bloom, clusters of purple flowers hang down in abundance, filling the air with a sweet, enchanting fragrance.
While the wisteria flowers illuminated by daylight are undeniably beautiful, the Great Wisteria at night, adorned with stunning lighting, creates a dreamlike scene reminiscent of a starry sky cascading down.
2. Tunnel of White Wisteria
The 80-meter-long White Wisteria Tunnel is an elegant arch woven from pure white blossoms. As the flower clusters sway gently in the breeze, a delicate fragrance fills the air, making it a soothing spot to simply stroll through.
During the day, the tunnel exudes a refreshing and pristine atmosphere, while at night, the soft illumination makes the white flowers appear to float gracefully in the darkness, creating a serene and magical ambiance.
3. Kibana linden (Tilia japonica)
The yellow wisteria (kibana wisteria), rare in Japan, is another highlight of the park. Its vivid yellow color sets it apart from the other wisteria varieties, and during sunset, it appears to glow like gold. At night, the flowers are beautifully illuminated, creating a mystical scene bathed in warm light.
Personally, I wasn’t that interested in the yellow wisteria, so I didn’t take any photos (lol).
4. Wisteria and reflections by the water
Wisteria flowers are also planted around the pond, where their reflections on the water’s surface create a mirror-like beauty. Especially at night, the illuminated wisteria reflects on the pond, making it seem as if flowers of light are blooming twice. It’s a truly magical and enchanting sight.
Tips for Visiting the Ashikaga Flower Park
- Locker Usage:
If you have luggage, it’s recommended to use the lockers at the station, as the lockers inside the park are often fully occupied. If you’re coming from the Tokyo area, consider using the lockers at Oyama Station, where you transfer trains—I did that myself! - How to Avoid Crowds:
The park gets particularly crowded during peak bloom on weekends. Visiting on weekdays, early in the morning, or in the evening allows for a more relaxed experience. - Choosing Your Outfit:
Since the park is quite large, wear comfortable walking shoes like sneakers. Early spring can still be chilly, so it’s wise to bring warm layers, but keep in mind that it can get quite warm during the day. - Photography Tips:
The Great Wisteria Trellis and White Wisteria Tunnel are popular photo spots, but expect lines during crowded times. Visiting early is recommended to secure a good shot. Note that tripods are prohibited. - Illumination Times:
The lighting starts in the evening and continues into the night, so plan to enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views for a full experience.
How to access
With the convenience of being just about 90 minutes by train from Tokyo, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip. The park is also just a 3-minute walk from Ashikaga Flower Park Station on the JR Ryomo Line, making its location incredibly convenient and easy to access.
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