Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture has opened "A Tale of the Wisteria: The Great Wisteria Festival 2026" on Saturday, April 11. The Great Wisteria (Ofuji) bloomed on April 8 — a full week earlier than last year — and peak bloom is expected to arrive ahead of schedule across all varieties.
Due to the earlier-than-anticipated blooming, the evening illumination period has been moved up from the original plan:
Previous schedule:
Illumination period: April 18 (Saturday) – May 20 (Wednesday), 2026
Updated schedule:
Illumination period: April 15 (Wednesday) – May 20 (Wednesday), 2026
Opening hours:
- April 11 (Sat) – April 14 (Tue): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- April 15 (Wed) – April 17 (Fri): 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- April 18 (Sat) – May 6 (Wed): 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- May 7 (Thu) – May 17 (Sun): 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- May 18 (Mon) – May 20 (Wed): 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Event dates and hours are subject to change depending on bloom conditions. Current flower status can be checked on the park's official website.
A Tapestry of Wisteria Colors Unfolding Like a Picture Scroll
Pink Wisteria (Usubeni-fuji)
Typical peak: Mid to late April
The Pink Wisteria bloomed on April 6 — a week ahead of last year. Peak bloom is expected to arrive within a few days, earlier than usual.
Pink Wisteria photographed on April 9, 2026
Pink Wisteria arbor at full bloom — daytime (archive photo)
Pink Wisteria bridge at full bloom — daytime (archive photo)
Pink Wisteria arbor illuminated at full bloom (archive photo)
Pink Wisteria bridge illuminated at full bloom (archive photo)
Great Wisteria / Ofuji (Tochigi Prefecture Designated Natural Monument)
Typical peak: Late April to early May
The Great Wisteria bloomed on April 8, a week ahead of last year. Peak bloom is expected earlier than usual.
Great Wisteria at full bloom — daytime 1 (archive photo)
Great Wisteria at full bloom — daytime 2 (archive photo)
Great Wisteria at full bloom — daytime 3 (archive photo)
Great Wisteria illuminated at full bloom 1 (archive photo)
Great Wisteria illuminated at full bloom 2 (archive photo)
Great Wisteria illuminated at full bloom 3 (archive photo)
Great Wisteria illuminated at full bloom 4 (archive photo)
Double Black Dragon Wisteria / Yae-kokuryufuji (Tochigi Prefecture Designated Natural Monument)
Typical peak: Late April to early May
An exceptionally rare large wisteria bearing double-petaled flower clusters. Peak bloom is expected earlier than usual.
Double Black Dragon Wisteria at full bloom — daytime (archive photo)
Double Black Dragon Wisteria illuminated at full bloom (archive photo)
White Wisteria / Shiro-fuji (Tochigi Prefecture Designated Natural Monument)
Typical peak: Early May
An 80-meter-long tunnel of white wisteria. Peak bloom is expected earlier than usual.
White Wisteria at full bloom — daytime 1 (archive photo)
White Wisteria at full bloom — daytime 2 (archive photo)
White Wisteria illuminated at full bloom 1 (archive photo)
White Wisteria illuminated at full bloom 2 (archive photo)
White Wisteria illuminated at full bloom 3 (archive photo)
Yellow Wisteria / Kibana-fuji
Typical peak: Early to mid-May
Peak bloom is expected earlier than usual.
Yellow Wisteria at full bloom — daytime (archive photo)
Yellow Wisteria illuminated at full bloom (archive photo)
Over 5,000 Azalea Bushes in Bloom
Typical peak: Mid-April to early May
With more than 1,000 varieties of azalea distributed around the world — including cultivated species — the park's 5,000-plus azalea bushes burst into vivid color under the bright spring sun. Peak bloom is expected earlier than usual.
Azaleas at full bloom — daytime 1 (archive photo)
Azaleas at full bloom — daytime 2 (archive photo)
Other Park Scenery
Double-petaled cherry blossoms at full bloom (archive photo)
Mikaeri-fuji wisteria illuminated at full bloom (archive photo)
Topiary-style wisteria tree (archive photo at peak bloom)
Festival-Exclusive Food Menu
A wide range of dining options is available during the festival, from light snacks to full meals, along with a rich selection of desserts.
Ofuji Gozen (Great Wisteria Set Meal)
A special set meal dedicated to the blooming wisteria, showcasing the natural bounty of Tochigi.
Ofuji Gozen set meal
Wisteria Dessert Stand
A seasonal dessert stand available only during this time of year, bringing the excitement of the park right to the table.
Wisteria Dessert Stand
Fuji Soft (Wisteria Soft Serve)
The signature soft serve at Ashikaga Flower Park, featuring a sweet and elegant wisteria flavor.
Fuji Soft (Wisteria Soft Serve)
