The purple dream has arrived: Ashikaga’s wisteria is in full bloom

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Shun

Every year from April to May, Japan celebrates its annual floral spectacle. Beyond the pink romance of cherry blossoms, the dreamy purple wisteria is also in full, vibrant bloom. Ashikaga Flower Park, once ranked among the world’s top ten dreamiest destinations by CNN, features a 150-year-old Great Wisteria, over 350 wisteria trees, and more than 5,000 azaleas all competing in a riot of color. In addition, there’s a flower tunnel made up of white and yellow wisteria, with the blooming period lasting about a month—truly a dreamlike experience. This year’s bloom runs from April 15 to May 21, with night illuminations scheduled from April 22 to May 14. The vast sea of flowers, spanning 1,000 square meters, enchants both domestic and international visitors.