The "Wisteria Garden" area at the satoyama garden "Red Hill Heather Forest" in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture is open on a limited-time basis from Saturday, April 11, 2026. The approximately 5,000 m² site features around 80 wisteria plants of 13 varieties, including ancient trees over 60 years old and a rare long wisteria with golden-colored leaves.
Flowering is progressing somewhat earlier than usual this year. As of April 15, early-blooming varieties are already at their peak, with many varieties expected to reach full bloom around April 20. Late-blooming varieties are predicted to finish by the end of April, so earlier-than-usual visits are recommended.
A "Happy Spring Festa" event is also scheduled for April 18 (Saturday) and 19 (Sunday), featuring garden guided tours and other activities.
22 Ancient Trees Transplanted from Mt. Fuji's Foothills, Including a Rare Golden-Leaved Long Wisteria
The 22 large trees that stand out in the "Wisteria Garden" were transplanted from a wisteria garden at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The oldest are 60 to 70 years old, and some have trunks measuring over 2 meters in circumference. Their powerful, twisted trunks stretching branches in all directions give a strong sense of vitality. A rare long wisteria with golden-colored leaves can also be seen in the garden.
13 Varieties Including the Popular "Yae Kokuryufu"
The garden features two main types: the "Yamafuji" (Japanese mountain wisteria) variety, which has shorter flower clusters and larger individual flowers, and the "Nodafuji" (Japanese coastal wisteria) variety, which can produce flower clusters exceeding 1 meter in length. A total of 13 varieties bloom in pink, purple, and white. Typically, Yamafuji varieties reach their peak in mid-April, followed by Nodafuji varieties. Among them, the "Yae Kokuryufu" (purple) is especially popular with visitors for its lush, charming double blooms.
Wisteria Garden Map
An enlarged version of the map is available at: https://www.redhill.co.jp/img/fuji/fuji_map.jpg
A Transplantation Project from Mt. Fuji's Foothills, Some 370 km Away
The 22 large wisteria trees at the heart of the "Wisteria Garden" were acquired from a wisteria garden at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Large wisteria trees are generally considered difficult to transplant, and moving these massive specimens — some with trunks over 2 meters in circumference — approximately 370 km to Tsu City, Mie Prefecture was an unprecedented and extremely challenging undertaking.
The careful excavation, long-distance transport, and replanting of the wisterias was carried out in stages over approximately three years from 2017. As a result, all 22 trees were successfully established without any dying, and the "Wisteria Garden" opened to the public in 2021.
Today, a proprietary water technology called "FFC Technology" developed by Akatsuka Botanical Garden is used to improve the soil and water environment, supporting the trees' recovery and healthy growth. Year by year, the vines are extending further and flower production is improving, creating an increasingly impressive landscape.
Rhododendrons Also in Bloom in April; Happy Spring Festa on April 18–19
In April, alongside wisteria, rhododendrons also reach their peak at various spots throughout Red Hill Heather Forest, adding vibrant color to the spring landscape. To coincide with this season, a "Happy Spring Festa" is scheduled for April 18 (Saturday) and 19 (Sunday), with planned activities including a garden guided tour, a sketching competition, and a concert. The adjacent agricultural products market "Asatsumi" is also holding a market and stage events, making it possible to enjoy a full day out.
Red Hill Heather Forest — Visitor Information
Address: 2877 Takanocho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture 514-2221
Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
Closed: Every Thursday
Admission (as a satoyama maintenance contribution fee):
Adults: ¥1,200 / Junior high and high school students: half price / Elementary school students and under: free
*The above is the April rate. Prices vary by season (¥500–¥1,200).
Website: https://www.redhill.co.jp/
About the Wisteria Garden:
- The "Wisteria Garden" area is open on a limited-time basis from Saturday, April 11. No additional charge beyond the regular admission fee. The garden will close for the year once flowering ends. Closed days: Thursday, April 16, 23, and 30, and Thursday, May 7.
- Flowering this year is earlier than usual, with peak bloom expected in mid to late April. Visiting earlier than in previous years is recommended.
Access by car:
- Approximately 5 minutes (2 km) from the Geino IC on the Ise Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes (10 km) from Kintetsu Tsu Station
- Please use the "Asatsumi" parking lot (323 spaces for regular vehicles, free of charge)
Access by public transportation:
- Approximately 10 km from Tsu Station (Kintetsu Nagoya Line, JR Kisei Main Line, Ise Railway). Take a bus or taxi from the station.
- A Mie Kotsu route bus serves Red Hill and Asatsumi on weekends and public holidays.
Access details: https://www.redhill.co.jp/access.html
Happy Spring Festa 2026
Dates: April 18 (Saturday) and 19 (Sunday), 2026, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry to Red Hill: 4:30 PM)
Venue: Satoyama garden "Red Hill Heather Forest" and the "Asatsumi" event plaza
Event website: https://www.akatsuka.gr.jp/bosco/springfesta2026/
