Hysteria over Wisteria in Japan
One of the best times to visit Japan is during spring when all kinds of colorful blooms paint the landscape. Japan is known for its iconic cherry blossoms, but wisteria can be equally as captivating and mesmerizing in its beauty.
Wisteria is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the pea family. It includes a species of woody climbing vine native to countries like the United States, Korea, China, and Japan. Wisteria (fuji) grows all around Japan and has influenced Japanese culture.
Wisteria trees at Kameido Tenjin Shrine.
Fuji Musumè (Wisteria Maiden) is the subject of popular Japanese folk paintings (Otsu-e) and is believed to have been inspired by traditional dances. The paintings were commonly sold as good luck charms for marriages. There is also a famous classical kabuki dance called Fuji Musumè.
Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture is the perfect place to view wisteria in all its wondrous glory. Established in 1977, Kawachi Wisteria Garden is about an hour’s drive away from Fukuoka City. It is only open during wisteria season, usually late April or early May.
There are about 150 trees (some over a hundred years old) made up of 22 types of wisteria in an array of vivid colors. There are wisteria domes, trellises, and two wisteria tunnels—an 80-meter-long tunnel and a 220-meter-long tunnel with flowers forming a brilliant roof, cascading all the way down in a waterfall of bouquets. The fresh scent of the blossoms, the colors, and the lush foliage can only be described as otherworldly. It is easy to get lost in the beauty of it all.
Check out the Wisteria tunnel in Japan: