Avatar’s Tree of Life in Reality: Exploring Japan’s Wisteria Gardens

Various spring destinations are gaining attention in Japan. Locals are flocking to places known for their beautiful blossoming flowers. In May, travelers can witness the vibrant colors of wisteria blooms in Japan.

Wisteria is a highly renowned native Japanese flowering tree. Its clusters of drooping purple flowers create a mystical atmosphere. Here are famous travel destinations in Japan that represent wisteria blooms.

The Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a prime destination for wisteria viewing in Japan. It’s a place where locals are surging through this park in May to see beautiful flowers that bloom all year round.

The Ashikaga Flower Park is home to a Miracle Wisteria tree over 150 years old. It’s famous for resembling the Tree of Life from James Cameron’s movie Avatar, making the spot popular among locals and tourists. CNN even selected this place as one of the Top 10 Dreamy Travel Destinations in the World.

Especially in spring, you can see the landscape of the lit-up wisteria flowers. The Garden of Light and Flowers is one of Japan’s top three illuminations. The lighting period runs from April 18th to May 15th of 2024. The park stays open until late at night, allowing sightseers to enjoy the magical wisteria night view.

Get off at JR Ryomo Line’s Ashikaga Flower Park Station to arrive faster.

Address: 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga, Tochigi 329-4216 Japan
Operating Hours: Mon-Wed 08:00-20:30, Thu-Sun 07:00-21:00 / Please refer to the website for the lighting period
Admission Fee: Adults $9-$20 / Children $4.50-$10

You can also enjoy wisteria flowers at Tokyo’s Nishiarai Daishi Sojiji Temple. Nishiarai Daishi is a temple with a long history, believed to have been founded around 826 AD.

The wisteria at Nishiarai Daishi has also been around for a long time—about 700 years. With the pond, the wisteria at Nishiarai Daishi, and the serene lan creation from April to May, you can see both wisteria and peonies here.

Although Nishiarai Daishi is slightly removed from the city center, many people visit to enjoy the beautiful spring scenery. It’s a great place to visit between spring and summer to enjoy the mystical purple landscape.

Address: 1 Chome-15-1 Nishiarai, Adachi City, Tokyo 123-0841 Japan
Operating Hours: 09:00-16:30

The Kawachi Fuji Garden in southern Kitakyushu is famous for its wisteria tunnels. Two tunnels stretch about 328 feet. CNN selected it as one of the 31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan. From mid-April to mid-May, about 22 varieties of wisteria are in full bloom at Kawachi Fuji Garden.

The wisteria tunnels are filled with various colors, including purple, white, and pink. This year, you can enjoy the wisteria from April 20th to May 6th, but available with reservation via the website during the wisteria season.

It’s a bit difficult to visit Kawachi Fuji Garden by public transportation. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Yahata Station. We recommend taking a taxi.

Address: 2 Chome-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 805-0045 Japan
Operating Hours: 08:00-18:00
Admission Fee: $13.50 per adult, free for up to two high school students or younger

You can also enjoy wisteria flowers at Mandaraji Park in Konan City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. You can see 11 types of wisteria, with about 60 trees in total. You can see a variety of wisteria flowers from early to late blooming.

Every year, from late April to early May, a wisteria festival is held at Mandaraji Park. At night, the lights are turned on, creating a spectacular view. During this period, you can see 300 peonies at Mandaraji Park along with the wisteria flowers. You can enjoy the colorful wisteria flowers and celebrate spring.

Address: Teramachi-202 Maehibocho, Konan, Aichi 483-8336 Japan