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| Daifuji by day |
Rated a "Dream Destination" by CNN in 2014, the Ashikaga Flower Garden is host to thousands of seasonal blooming flora. But in late April, early May, the park's National Treasure, a 150 year old wisteria tree, named Daifuji (Great Wisteria), begins to bloom. CNN likened it to the tree to the "Tree of Souls" from Avatar, and the flower park's website describes it as the "most beautiful great wisteria in the world." I agree with both accounts. Where sakura is celebrated via sake-infused hanami parties under the trees, the wisteria (fuji 藤) is on another level entirely, revered with superlative awe. There is even a mini shinto shrine, where one can pay homage to the resident kami.
Seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. visitors can meander through the winding flower-laden paths, in a relaxed, meditative atmosphere. From the flower arrangements, to the classical music piped in overhead, to the complimentary umbrellas (for both rain and shade), Ashikaga excels at making the experience elegant and refined, yet comfortable. But like everything, it comes with a price. Being good capitalists as they are (hey, someone has to pay for all of this upkeep), the management adjusts the entry fee based on the bloom condition of the flowers. So, in peak season, expect to pay 1700 yen for one adult ticket. The fee is slightly lower after 5:00 p.m.
In addition to the great wisteria, there are over 350 wisteria trees, including a "double flower" wisteria, the blossoms of which are thick and effusive, in comparison with the diaphanous tendrils of the elder tree.
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| Double Flower Fuji |
There is also a wisteria dome, wisteria walls, and several wisteria tunnels, one of which features the rare "Golden Chain" wisteria.
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| Fuji dome |
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| Shirafuji tunnel |
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| The Golden Chain. It was not quite in full bloom. |
Not to be overlooked, there are also azalea and rose gardens; one can even purchase the elusive "Blue Rose" at the park shop.
Beginning around 5:00, the park transforms into a fantasy of beautifully lit flowers. For me, this is when the fairy tale really begins.
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| Daifuji by night |
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| Shirafuji Falls |
During the wisteria season, the park also features wisteria-themed products, such as wisteria ice cream and wisteria manju (sweet cake). The gift shop is vast and interesting, and not to be missed!
If you cannot make the trip during Golden Week (when the wisteria are at full bloom, and when the entire nation of Japan is on vacation, and at the park), you can always visit other times of year to view other flowers. Ashikaga divides the year into eight growing seasons, each of which features particular flowers for that season. There is a park diary where you can get updates on the bloom conditions. The park is located about two hours north of Tokyo by shinkansen, or 2 1/2 hours via the Rapid Express.
