During this season when the warm weather continues and outdoor dates become fun, a recommended spot for those who want to “spend time leisurely together under the spring sunshine” is the wisteria flower viewing spot, which typically reaches its peak from late April to early May.
In Tokyo, there are many parks and shrines where you can admire the delicate and beautiful wisteria trellises.
The sight of wisteria trellises releasing a sweet fragrance while drooping their light purple and white flower clusters is truly fantastical!
We introduce seven “wisteria viewing spots” where you can enjoy the spring scenery.
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[Hibiya] Even during a shopping date! Enjoy wisteria flowers in the urban oasis of Hibiya Park
Adjacent to office districts and commercial facilities, “Hibiya Park” located in the heart of Tokyo, was established in the 36th year of the Meiji era as “Japan’s first modern Western-style park.”
The park, rich in greenery and open space, features squares, ponds, and flower beds, acting as an urban oasis.
Inside the park, you can enjoy seasonal flowers, among which wisteria flowers have three viewing spots within the park itself.
First, head to the area around Kumogata Pond in the center of the park.
Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape formed by the waterfront and wisteria trellis, enjoying a luxurious moment with your partner!
Moving further to the east side near the first flower bed and the tennis court, you’ll encounter “a new charm of wisteria” that shows different expressions depending on the scenery (※Entry to the tennis court is prohibited for non-users).
Additionally, during this period, besides wisteria, tulips and azaleas are also at their peak!
Surrounded by beautiful flowers coloring the park vividly, let’s fully refresh ourselves.
How about taking a moment to relax during a shopping date in Yurakucho or Ginza?
Hibiya Park
Location: 1-6 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station: Hibiya
Note: Best time to see wisteria flowers: April
[Kameido] The happiness of feeling elegant beauty at a wisteria spot known as “the best in Tokyo” / Kameido Tenjin Shrine
Kameido Tenjin Shrine, cherished as “the best wisteria spot in Tokyo,” has a history of wisteria dating back to the Edo period.
Kameido was a marshland, so the first head priest planted wisteria, which likes water, at the shrine, marking the beginning.
Since then, the wisteria at Kameido Tenjin Shrine has been cherished as a famous spot in Edo, with records of visits by the fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi, and the eighth shogun, Yoshimune.
Underneath the wisteria trellis lies the “Shinji Pond,” and the wisteria reflected on the water surface offers another level of beauty.
The collaboration between the wisteria and “Tokyo Skytree(R)” is also one of the attractions.
The beauty of wisteria under the blue sky during the day and the serene atmosphere at night, when the wisteria flowers are illuminated, are different.
The illuminated wisteria offers breathtaking beauty (illumination schedule to be determined).
The Wisteria Festival is held in mid-April every year.
Kameido Tenjin Shrine
Location: 3-6-1 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station: Kameido
Note: Best time to see wisteria flowers: Mid to late April
※Please check the shrine’s official Instagram for the blooming condition
[Akasaka] The impressive purple of wisteria and the vermillion of the shrine pavilion! Enjoying wisteria flowers at a power spot / Hie Shrine
Hie Shrine, known as a god of warding off evil, safe childbirth, matchmaking, thriving business, and prosperity of the clan, enshrines “Oyamakui-no-kami.”
In the Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu established it as the “castle’s guardian shrine” and “the birth god of the Tokugawa throughout the generations.” Additionally, it was revered by the people of Edo as “the total clan god of Edo” and “the birth god of Edo.”
It has recently gained popularity as a power spot.
The wisteria trellis is located to the right as you face the main shrine.
The vivid contrast between the purple of the wisteria and the vermillion of the shrine pavilion is beautiful, making it a recommended “photo spot.”
Surrounded by the scent of wisteria flowers, when you look behind, you will see high-rise buildings!
The wisteria viewed amidst the urban atmosphere offers a uniquely different charm.
While searching for an attractive photo spot, please leave the best shot of the wisteria and the two of you.
Hie Shrine
Location: 2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station: Tameike-Sanno
Note: Best time to see wisteria flowers: Mid to late April
[Iidabashi] Enjoying wisteria in a tranquil pastoral scene while feeling the spring sunshine! / Koishikawa Korakuen
In 1629, Tokugawa Yorifusa, the founder of the Mito Tokugawa family, constructed “Koishikawa Korakuen” as the garden of the Edo residence, which was completed during the era of the second clan lord, Mitsukuni.
It is the oldest existing daimyo (feudal lord) garden in Tokyo, designated as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the country.
The Japanese garden, centered around a large pond, is characterized by being divided into four areas: “views of the sea,” “views of the river,” “views of the mountains,” and “views of the countryside.”
Entering the “views of the countryside,” you’ll be greeted by beautiful wisteria trellises! The wisteria amidst the tranquil scenery has its own unique charm.
You can relax both mind and body in a landscape that makes you forget you’re in the city.
With a dining area within the park, the charm is also being able to leisurely stroll and spend time.
Please take your time to feel the Japanese ambiance together with your partner.
Koishikawa Korakuen
Location: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station: Iidabashi
Note: Best time to see wisteria flowers: Mid to late April
[Hamamatsucho] A perfect healing space under the wisteria trellis. The ease of access is also attractive! / Former Shiba Rikyu Garden
One of the early Edo period daimyo gardens remaining in Tokyo is “Former Shiba Rikyu Garden.”
A typical “strolling pond garden” centered around a pond, its garden layout and rock arrangements are exquisite.
Just a 1-minute walk from the north exit of Hamamatsucho Station and a 3-minute walk from Daimon Station, its ease of access is excellent.
The wisteria trellis is located near the entrance, with three wisteria trees adding splendor to the garden.
There are benches under the wisteria trellis, allowing you to slowly relax while admiring the beautiful flowers against the blue sky.
From “Waters Takeshiba,” an 8-minute walk from the garden, water buses depart for a mini-trip on a boat to Odaiba or Asakusa!
Planning a date based on “Former Shiba Rikyu Garden” sounds fun, doesn’t it?
Former Shiba Rikyu Garden
Location: 1 Chome Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station: Hamamatsucho
Note: Best time to see wisteria flowers: Mid to late April
[Chofu] Leisurely enjoy the grand beauty of the “Millennium Wisteria” together! / Kokuryo Shrine
Kokuryo Shrine, which enshrines “Kamimusubi no Kami” (the deity of creation and life and its regenerative powers), was formed in 1875 by merging Kokuryo Shrine (The Sixth Heaven Shrine) and Shinmei Shrine (Yakumo Shinmei Shrine & Sugimori Shinmei Shrine).
In the shrine precincts, there is a sacred wisteria tree regarded as a divine tree, believed to be about 400-500 years old.
Locally, this divine tree is affectionately called “Millennium Wisteria.”
The wisteria trellis is about 4m high and covers an area of about 400m², adorning the entire trellis with light purple flower clusters and enveloping the precincts with a sweet fragrance.
The contrast between the blue of the sky and the purple of the wisteria is incredibly beautiful, making it hard not to gaze in admiration.
The relatively small precincts are perfect for leisurely enjoying the wisteria together.
During the wisteria blooming season, there are also offerings of “Millennium Wisteria” amulets and ema (votive picture tablets), so be sure to check them out.
Kokuryo Shrine
Location: 1-7-1 Kokuryo-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo
Nearest station: Fuda
Note: Best time to see wisteria flowers: Mid to late April
※Subject to change depending on future weather conditions
[Chofu] Surrounded by a refined fragrance, enjoy 13 varieties of wisteria including white, purple, single, and double blossoms! / Jindai Botanical Gardens
Jindai Botanical Gardens is located in the famous tourist area of Chofu City, the “Jindaiji” area.
Originally a nursery for growing trees for Tokyo’s streets, it opened in 1961 as the only botanical garden in Tokyo.
The garden, retaining the ambiance of Musashino, allows visitors to enjoy various plants throughout the seasons, creating a “light purple curtain” of splendid wisteria flowers in spring.
What’s distinctive is the abundance of types, such as the garden variety of Noda Wisteria “Kokuryu” and the garden variety of Yamafuji “Shiro Capitan”, allowing visitors to enjoy as many as 13 varieties of wisteria flowers.
During this period, azaleas and rhododendrons are also at their peak, making it a point to enjoy them together with the wisteria.
Why not spend a pleasant time together in the quiet garden, surrounded by the refined fragrance of wisteria?
Jindai Botanical Gardens
Location: 5-31-10 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu-shi, Tokyo
Nearest station: Chofu
Note: Best time to see wisteria flowers: Late April to early May