Wisteria blooms, with their irresistibly sweet scent, are a true spectacle, unfurling their beauty on trellises and through tunnels, and they’ve been stealing hearts all over the globe recently. It’s easy to see why travelers from far and wide have been adding them to their must-see lists.
Here in Japan, wisterias are not just flowers; they’re a part of our heritage, popping up in our classic tales and paintings, wearing their soft purple color proudly—a shade so iconic, we’ve named it after the flower itself: “fuji.” Down in Kyushu, you’ll find these purple wonders adorning many a shrine and park, a testament to how much we adore them. And here’s a little tip: while this guide will point you to some of the best spots, don’t be afraid to explore a bit on your own. You might just stumble upon a hidden gem!
Looking to catch the wisteria in all their glory in Fukuoka? Your best bet is around mid-April. And for something truly special, keep an eye out for places hosting the Wisteria Festival, where you can see these blooms light up the night. Trust me, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
▷Fukuoka Wisteria Guide 2024 Google Map
Wisteria viewing spots in Fukuoka Prefecture
• Fukuoka City (Maizuru Park)
• Itoshima City (Umi Hachimangu Shrine)
• Chikushino City (Buzoji Temple)
• Ogori City (Onakatomi Shrine, Gondo Ryokushuen Garden)
• Miyama City (Kamikusuda Tenmangu Shrine)
• Yanagawa City (Nakayama no Ofuji)
• Yame City (Kurogi no Ofuji)
• Tagawa-gun (Jozenji Temple)
• Asakura-gun (Kamitakaba no Ofuji)
• Munakata City (Hasshogu Shrine, Jokoji Temple)
• Kitakyushu City (Kawachi Wisteria Garden, Kichijoji Temple)
Fukuoka City
Maizuru Park
Maizuru Park, a sanctuary for many, blossoms with various flowers throughout the seasons. It’s a beloved spot for relaxation and enjoyment. Among its treasures is the Wisteria Garden, home to 26 wisteria plants, 10 of which are over a hundred years old. These venerable plants were originally planted in Higashi Park (Hakata Ward) in 1876 and were lovingly relocated here in 1979. On April 20th and 21st, the park celebrates its Wisteria Festival, a highlight for both locals and visitors alike. The festival features flower seedling sales, lemonade stands, monkey performances, and rickshaw rides, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere that brings the community together.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Age: Approx. 40 years (10 out of 26 are over 100 years)
• Scale: Approx. 1,300 m2
• Wisteria Festival: 4/20 (Sat.), 4/21 (Sun.) 10:00~16:00
• 1-4 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from Akasaka Subway Sta.
• Parking: Available (¥150/1h)
• https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/events/detail/860
Itoshima City
Umi Hachimangu Shrine
As you make your way to Umi Hachimangu Shrine, you’re greeted by wisteria trellises, an inviting sight for all who visit. The beauty of the purple blooms in this natural haven is truly exceptional, with clusters of delicate pale violet flowers creating a breathtaking spectacle.
• Season: Late Apr. ~ beginning of May
• Age: Approx. 260 years
• Scale: Approx. 200 m2
• 787 Kawatsuki, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: Take Community bus Shiraito Line from JR Chikuhi Line Chikuzen-Maebaru Sta., 6 min. on foot from “Nagaito Shisho” bus stop.
• Parking: Free
• https://www.instagram.com/umihachimanguu_itoshima/
Chikushino City
Buzoji Temple
Buzoji Temple, said to be Kyushu’s oldest temple dating back to the Asuka period, houses a symbol of the temple known as the “Wealthy Man’s Wisteria.” This venerable wisteria, believed to be 1,300 years old, boasts flower clusters exceeding 1 meter in length. On April 21st, the “Futsukaichi Onsen Wisteria Festival” takes place, starting at 10 a.m. with a unique wisteria offering ceremony, where sake is poured at the base of the wisteria trellis. Additionally, the adjacent Tenpaizan Historical and Natural Park hosts various stalls and stage events, offering a blend of cultural and entertaining experiences.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Age: Approx. 1,300 years
• Scale: Approx. 200 m2
• Futsukaichi Onsen Wisteria Festival: 4/21 (Sun.) 10:00~16:00
• 621 Musashi, Chikushino City, Fukuoka
• Access: 20 min. on foot from JR Futsukaichi Sta.
• Parking: Free (20 spaces)
• https://www.chikushino.org/buzouji/
Ogori City
Onakatomi Shrine
At a shrine featuring a tower gate designated as a city cultural property, a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the late Edo period and of immense academic value, there resides the “Shogun Wisteria.” This beloved wisteria, estimated to be 660 years old and designated as a natural monument of Fukuoka Prefecture, drapes its deep purple blossoms across an expansive 500 square meter trellis, presenting a scene of luxurious splendor.
• Season: Mid-April ~ early May
• Age: Approx 660 years
• Scale: Approx. 500 m2
• 555 Fukudo, Ogori City, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Hatama Sta.
• Parking: Free (temporary)
• https://kanko-ogori.net/syougunfujimaturi/
Gondo Ryokushuen Garden
At Gondo Ryokushuen Garden, which sells plants, the “Yae Kokuryu,” a double-flowered variety characterized by its clusters of grape-like, bushy flowers, is in bloom. When the dense fragrance of the flowers is in full bloom, an observation deck is set up where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the wisteria flowers from above.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Age: Approx. 88 years
• Scale: Approx. 352 m2
• 656-3 Inoue, Ogori City, Fukuoka
• Access: 18 min. on foot from Matsuzaki Sta., Amagi Railways.
• Parking: Free (approx 4~5 spaces)
• https://kanko-ogori.net/fuji/
Miyama City
Kamikusuda Tenmangu Shrine
This spot is renowned for its magnificent wisteria, believed to be several hundred years old. Recognized as a monument by the city, its wisteria captivates visitors every mid-April with its stunning blooms. The sweet fragrance fills the air, and the trellis extends approximately 21.3 meters east to west and 7.5 meters north to south. The clusters of purple and white flowers that hang from the branches can exceed 1 meter in length in some years, delighting the eyes of tourists with their beauty.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Age: Several hundred years
• Scale: Approx. 150 m2
• 1264 Takata-machi Kamikusuda, Miyama City, Fukuoka
• Access: Approx. 6 min. by car from JR Kagoshima Main Line Wataze Sta.
• Parking: Free
• https://www.miyama-kk.com/detail.php?c=32
Yanagawa City
Nakayama no Ofuji
Located in Mihashi Town, Yanagawa City, the “Nakayama no Ofuji” is a prefecturally designated natural monument within the precincts of Kumano Shrine. Believed to be about 300 years old, it draws crowds when in bloom. The wisteria trellis, formed from ten trunks, spans approximately 1,700 square meters, offering a breathtaking sight. Each year during wisteria season, the nearby Tachibana Ikoi-no-Mori Park serves as the main venue for the Ofuji Festival, complete with a temporary bus schedule and a venue map. The grand wisteria is also beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical experience for all who visit.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Age: Approx. 300 years
• Scale: Approx. 1,700 m2
• Nakayama Ofuji Festival: 4/15 (Mon.) ~ 4/28 (Sun.), Light-up: Sunset ~ 21:00
• 538-1 Nakayama, Mihashi-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka (Nakayama Kumano Shrine)
• Access: Approx. 10 min. by car from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Sta.
*temporary buses (Nishitetsu Yanagawa Sta. – Tachibana Ikoi-no-Mori, one-way ¥320) run every 30 minutes during the festival
• Temporary parking available (during the festival only)
• https://www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jp/kanko/meisho/2140.html
Yame City
Kurogi no Ofuji
Kurogi Town in Yame City is famed as a prime viewing spot for wisteria flowers. The “Great Wisteria” located within the precincts of Susano Shrine, near National Route 442 in Kurogi Town, is particularly renowned. Boasting an age of over 600 years, its bloom season stretches from mid-April to early May. At peak bloom, tens of millions of flower clusters cascade down, earning it high praise as a “national treasure of beauty” and designation as a natural monument by the country. On April 20th and 21st, a shuttle bus operates from the west exit of JR Kurume Station to accommodate visitors (one-way fare ¥1,000, departing at 10:00 AM and returning from Kurogi at 2:00 PM).
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Age: 600 years over
• Scale: Approx. 3,000 m2
• Kurogi Ofuji Festival: 4/16 (Tue.) ~ 4/30 (Tue.), Light-up 18:30~22:00
• 5-2 Kurogi, Kurogi-machi, Yame City, Fukuoka
• Access: 30 min. by car from Kyushu Expressway Yame IC
• Parking: ¥500 or free parking will be provided
• http://www.townkurogi-ta.jp/topics/2024/2024_04/tpc_202404160430.html
Tagawa-gun
Jozenji Temple
The wisteria within the precincts of Jozenji Temple in Benjo is said to be over 500 years old. This magnificent wisteria, a natural monument known also as “Kojo no Fuji,” features a single tree with a trunk circumference of about 3.7 meters, covering the garden with its beauty. Each year around Golden Week, the tree bursts into bloom with purple flowers ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 meters in length, attracting visitors from both the local area and beyond. The wisteria has become a symbolic presence in Fukuchi Town, celebrated as the town’s flower. On April 21st, a Wisteria Festival is held, featuring a wisteria offering ceremony at 11:30 AM to pray for the longevity of the wisteria, which visitors are welcome to observe.
• Season: Late Apr. ~ early May
• Age: Approx. 500 years
• Scale: Approx. 800 m2
• Wisteria Festival: 4/21 (Sun.) 11:30~
• Light-up: Around 4/17~4/25 sunset~21:00
*depending on blooming conditions
• 3624 Benjo, Fukuchi-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka
• Access: 20 min. on foot from Kanada Sta., Heisei Chikuho Railways
• Parking: Free
• http://www.town.fukuchi.lg.jp/fukuchi_trip/fuji.html
Asakura-gun
Kamitakaba no Ofuji (Fuji no Sato Park)
The Grand Wisteria of Daijingu, known as the town’s premier floral attraction, is designated as a natural monument. This splendid wisteria, whose age surpasses 100 years, sprawls over a 420 square meter trellis and is the centerpiece of the beautifully maintained Fuji no Sato Park. The Grand Wisteria Festival on April 14th is a highlight, featuring traditional Japanese drum performances and banana hawking, complemented by enchanting evening illuminations.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Age: Approx. over 100 years
• Scale: Approx. 420 m2
• Wisteria Festival: 4/14 (Sun.) 10:00~
• Light-up: 4/8 (Mon.) ~ 4/26 (Fri.) 18:00~22:00
*depending on blooming conditions
• 1793-1 Kamitakaba, Chikuzen-machi, Asakura-gun, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Kurita” bus stop
• Parking: Free
• https://amagiasakura.net/sightseeing_post/kamitakabanoofuji/
Munakata City
Hasshogu Shrine
Hasshogu Shrine, named for enshrining the four generations of eight married deities from Japanese mythology, including “Izanagi-no-Mikoto,” is enveloped in an approximately 65,000 square meter virgin forest. This sacred grove, thriving with centuries-old oaks and evergreen persimmons, has been designated as a prefectural natural monument for its valuable biodiversity. As you pass through the torii gate, surrounded by lush trees, and turn right at the main hall, you’ll find a sprawling wisteria trellis covering about 700 square meters, showcasing the serene beauty harmoniously blending with the sacredness of the site.
• Season: Unclear
• Age: approx. 60 years
• Scale: Approx. 700 m2
• 3186 Yoshidome, Munakata City, Fukuoka
• Access: 12 min. by car from JR “Kyoikudai-Mae” Sta.
• Parking: Free
• http://www.muna-tabi.jp/k006/010/020/020/100/20150204150132.html
Jokoji Temple
Jokoji Temple, affectionately known as “Wisteria Temple,” is home to three grand wisteria trees that are over 100 years old and designated as a natural monument by Munakata City. These venerable trees stretch approximately 19 meters east to west and about 18 meters north to south. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view from beneath the wisteria trellis, but for a truly unique perspective, the viewing platform next to the main hall offers a chance to look down upon the sprawling canopy of wisteria blooms, providing a serene and picturesque experience.
• Season: End of Apr. ~ early May
• Hours: 9:00~17:00
• Entry Fee: ¥100 (Wisteria Cooperation Fund)
• Age: Hundred plus a few decades
• Scale: Approx. 660 m2
• 1330 Eguchi, Munakata City, Fukuoka
• Access: 12 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Michinoeki Munakata” bus stop
• Parking: Free
• https://www.muna-tabi.jp/k006/010/020/020/130/20150204152124.html
Kitakyushu City
Kawachi Wisteria Garden
This privately-operated garden boasts a 3,000 m2 wide and 110 m long dome-shaped tunnel with 22 different varieties of wisteria, making it one of the leading wisteria gardens in Japan. It’s also well-known overseas since CNN included it in their list of “Japan’s 36 Most Beautiful Places”. The lovely gradation of the flowers hanging from the tunnel will make visitors feel as if they’ve stepped right into a painting. Advance purchase of a ticket for a specific date and time is required.
©福岡県観光連盟
• Open: 4/20 (Sat.) ~ 5/6 (Mon., hol.)
• Hours: 8:00~18:00 (last entry 17:20)
• Fee: Over 18 y.o. ¥500~¥1,500 (fee to change depending on blooming conditions), free for up to two high school students (or younger) accompanied by one adult.
*Tickets must be purchased in advance at official website or convenience stores
• Age: Approx. 100 years
• Scale: Approx. 3,000 m2
• 2-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• Access: Get off the Sanji ramp or Otani ramp from Kitakyushu Expressway Route No. 4., 20 min. drive from there.
• Parking: Free (approx. 200 spaces)
• https://kawachi-fujien.com/
Kichijoji Temple
Kichijoji, renowned as a premier spot for viewing wisteria, is enveloped in magnificent wisteria blooms around late April each year. The temple grounds transform under a canopy of wisteria flowers, painting the scenery in shades of white and purple. Starting April 27th, the Wisteria Festival is celebrated, with around 50 stalls lining the temple grounds, creating a festive atmosphere amidst the breathtaking beauty of the blooms.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Age: Approx. over 160 years
• Scale: Approx. 1,000 m2
• Wisteria Festival: 4/27 (Sat.) ~ 4/29 (Mon., hol.) 10:00~22:00
• 13-11 Kisshoji-machi, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• Access: Approx. 7 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Meiji-machi Danchi” bus stop
• Parking: None
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/yahatanishi/file_0122.html
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Originally written in March 2016, updated April 2024.
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NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was originally written in March 2016.
