What Makes Ashikaga Flower Park So Special? A Treasure Trove of Photo-Worthy Spots!

Located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, Ashikaga Flower Park was selected as one of the “10 Dream Destinations in the World.” This park offers year-round floral beauty and countless photogenic locations. Spanning a vast area that invites you to roam freely, it’s a dreamlike place where unforgettable memories blossom. In this article, we explore the park’s seasonal charms and highlight what makes it truly captivating.

A Spring Welcome: 20,000 Colorful Tulips

When spring arrives, the park bursts into a brilliant palette of seasonal flowers. Among them are 20,000 tulips that signal the start of spring with their vibrant hues, creating the illusion of stepping into a fairytale world. From floating flowerbeds to tunnels of wisteria, tulips are everywhere.

From mid-March to mid-April, the park hosts its Spring Flower Festival, featuring not just tulips but also spiraea, canola flowers, and cherry blossoms. Rows of red, white, pink, and yellow tulips make for breathtaking scenes, perfect for photography and guaranteed to light up your social media feed.

A Must-See: When Is Wisteria in Full Bloom?

Ashikaga Flower Park is synonymous with wisteria, so much so that it is famous not only across Japan but internationally as a wisteria-viewing destination. When illuminated at night, the hanging wisteria blossoms are simply magical, spreading a sweet fragrance in the air.

There are several types of wisteria, each blooming at different times:

Light Pink Wisteria: Mid to late April
Great Wisteria: Late April to early May
White Wisteria: Early May
Golden Wisteria: Early to mid-May

That means you can enjoy four types of wisteria from mid-April to mid-May. Be sure to bring your camera—wisteria reflected on the water under the lights creates a truly enchanting scene.

2,500 Rose Bushes to See and Smell

In the Rainbow Garden, from mid-May to mid-June, 2,500 rose bushes of 500 different varieties bloom across the “Island of Roses.” Red, blue, yellow, orange, and white roses perfume the air, blooming in a vivid mosaic of color.

Surrounding the roses are rhododendrons, clematis, azaleas, and wisteria, creating a symphony of blossoms. The colorful blooms and floral fragrance make this area a visual and aromatic treat that’s ideal for both photography and personal enjoyment.

Summer’s Water Garden of Blooms

Tropical water lilies, described as the “fairies of the waters,” bloom from late June to late November. Though the term sounds whimsical, the sight of 1,500 water lilies floating on the ponds is truly enchanting.

You’ll find a rainbow of red, blue, purple, pink, white, and yellow lilies. Some bloom during the day, others at night, so you can enjoy them at any time. Their elegance and charm are sure to leave a lasting impression.

A Purple Carpet: The Purple Garden

From early October to late November, around 30,000 stalks of amethyst sage (salvia) blanket the ground, forming what’s called the Purple Garden. Depending on the lighting, the flowers shift from blue-violet to red-violet, creating a dynamic and mesmerizing visual experience.

In late October, the garden lights up with illuminations, creating a stunning contrast of glowing lights and purple blooms. Whether photographed or simply admired, it’s a magical experience you won’t want to miss.

Don’t Miss the Winter Illuminations

Ashikaga Flower Park offers more than just flowers—it’s also a renowned illumination destination. Running from late October to early February, the display changes with the seasons.

Three unique illumination themes rotate during the event period:

Late October to mid-November: Light and Flowers Collide – Fusion with Amethyst Sage
Late November to late December: Flower Park Christmas – Christmas Fantasy
New Year’s Day to end of season: New Year Illumination – A Celebration of Light and Winter Peonies

Each theme has its own story and atmosphere, with glowing floral motifs so realistic, it feels as if the flowers themselves are glowing. During the flower-blooming seasons, the light and blooms blend into colorful harmony.

During Christmas, it becomes a fantasy wonderland, and during the New Year, the glowing winter peonies bring a sense of serenity and warmth.

◎ Enjoy It Year-Round!

Ashikaga Flower Park is a place you can enjoy in every season. Each time you visit, you’ll encounter a new array of flowers and experiences. Even in seasons with fewer blooms, the park transforms into a dreamland through its illuminations.

If you fall in love with the park’s charm, consider purchasing an annual passport so you can enjoy its beauty across all seasons. When visiting Ashikaga City in Tochigi Prefecture, make sure to stop by and immerse yourself in that season’s floral showcase.

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

What Makes Ashikaga Flower Park So Special? A Treasure Trove of Photo-Worthy Spots!