Ashikaga Flower Park

Ashikaga Flower Park is located in Tochigi Prefecture, known for Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the city of Utsunomiya famous for gyoza. It opened in 1968 as "Hayakawa Farm" in Horigome Town, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture (now Asakura Town). In 1997, it moved to its current location in Hasama Town, Ashikaga City, and was renamed Ashikaga Flower Park.

A Facility to Enjoy Seasonal Plants Like Wisteria Trellises

One of Ashikaga's famous spots, the wisteria flower tunnel is designated as a natural monument of Tochigi Prefecture. The wisteria trellis (Hasama no Fuji), made by connecting Noda wisteria that are over 160 years old, boasts a size of about 2000 square meters, one of the largest in Japan, and the Wisteria Festival is held from mid-April to mid-May when the flowers bloom.

A Wisteria Tree in Ashikaga Flower Park / Photo AC

The large wisteria tree was selected as one of the "10 Dream Destinations in the World for 2014" because it resembles the "Tree of Souls" from the 2009 American sci-fi movie Avatar, leading to a surge in foreign tourists.

Since 2019, it has also become a topic as a pilgrimage spot because the wisteria flowers hold significant meaning in the manga Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge, and the scenery of Mount Fujikasane in the story resembles the wisteria trellis.

Reasons for Continuous Tourist Visits in Winter

Illuminated Wisteria Tree / Photo AC

From late October to mid-February, the illumination event Garden of Illuminated Flowers is held. The large wisteria, a symbolic presence of Ashikaga Flower Park, is expressed with LED bulbs, showing a full bloom wisteria trellis area, a light mural using the slope of the mountain, and the reflections of light shimmering across the many ponds throughout the park enchants visitors with its fantasy-like beauty.

Xmas Illumination in Ashikaga Flower Park / Photo AC

From late October to mid-November, the fusion of amethyst sage flowers in full bloom and illumination; from late November to late December, Christmas-themed illumination; and from New Year's Day to mid-February, the competition of winter peony flowers and illumination; the contents of the illumination changes according to the season, which is also a reason for its popularity.

The ingenious productions are all by the park staff, allowing the entrance fee to be kept low and receiving high praise for its quality and cost effectiveness. It is also recognized as one of Japan's top three illuminations and one of Kanto's top three illuminations.

Seasonal Highlights: 8 Annual Themes

Information as of December 2025

1. Early Spring (Early Jan – Late Feb)

Experience the first signs of spring with winter-blooming peonies displayed in traditional arrangements. You can also enjoy red winter plums and fragrant wintersweet, which bloom beautifully even in the cold.

2. Spring Flower Festival (Early Mar – Mid-Apr)

The park comes alive with approximately 30,000 tulips, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape. This period also marks the peak season for Thunberg spirea (Yukiyanagi) and iconic cherry blossoms.

3. Tale of the Wisteria (Mid-Apr – Mid-May)

The wisteria bloom in a breathtaking sequence: pale pink, purple, white, and yellow. Their overwhelming beauty and presence are a must-see. Simultaneously, azaleas reach their full bloom, showcasing the quintessential floral beauty of Japan.

4. Rainbow Garden (Mid-May – Early June)

A peak season for roses, rhododendrons, and clematis. Visitors can enjoy an elegant and relaxing atmosphere surrounded by vivid colors and the sweet, enchanting fragrance of these flowers.

5. Blue & White Garden (Early June – Late June)

As the weather warms up, the park offers a refreshing sight with 200,000 Japanese irises and 1,500 hydrangeas. Through specialized cultivation techniques, these delicate flowers can be enjoyed over an extended blooming period.

6. Water Fairies (Early July – Late Sept)

Featuring tropical water lilies blooming outdoors. With both day-blooming and night-blooming varieties, these "water fairies" can be admired at any time of day, offering a mystical and cooling atmosphere.

7. Purple Garden & Rose Garden (Early Oct – Late Nov)

A stunning carpet of 300,000 amethyst sage plants transforms the park into a sea of purple. This season also features autumn roses, which offer a deeper color and different charm compared to their early summer counterparts.

8. Garden of Illuminated Flowers (Mid-Oct – Mid-Feb)

Recognized as one of Japan’s Top Three Illuminations, this massive event features over 5 million LEDs. The light displays cleverly incorporate the park's ponds, hills, and flowers to create a magical, one-of-a-kind world of light.