Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi is one of popular spots where people come see flowers, especially the great wisteria! It’s not only huge, but also beautiful and giving off a fragrance. I put all the info that I can share with you into this guide from my experience going there, for access (by train from Tokyo), food, flowers in each season, yearly event, etc.
Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi, Japan
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What is Ashikaga Flower Park known for?
Flowers in each season. Although, If i’d choose one, I say the Wisterias! They often use the pictures of Wisteria on their PR. I’d share more detailed information for wisteria below.
How Much Time to Spend at Ashikaga Flower Park?
It depends on person, of course, however I’d say 2-3 hours might be enough. Plus, some time for eating, shopping, etc.
When to Go to Ashikaga Flower Park?
It depends on what you’d like to see at the park.
Flower Calendar in Each Season
This park has all kinds of flower throughout a year. According to their website,
- Early January – Late February : Pheasants eye, Christmas Rose, Winter Clematis
- Early March – Mid April : Tulips, Crocus, Thunberg’s Meadowsweet
- Mid April – Mid May : Japanese Wisteria, Japanese Azalea, Peony
- Mid May – Early June : Rose, Rhododendron, Clematis
- Early June – Early July : Hydrangea, Iris, Late blooming Clematis
- Early July – Late September : Lantana, Tropical water Lilies
- Early October – Late November : Amethyst Sage/Mexican bush sage, Pansies
The Best Time for Wisteria
For the wisteria, middle of April to early May.
But it’s very difficult to guess perfectly, also you can’t predict weather for 100%.. There are other beautiful flowers that you can enjoy 💞
When I visited on the end of April, there were
- Purple wisteria : 60% finished/ 40% blooming
- White wisteria : 40% finished / 60% blooming
- Yellow wisteria : 20% started blooming
- Pink wisteria : 100% finished
- Poppy : full bloom
- Roses : 20-30% bloom
- Peonies : 10% bloom
It’s just how I felt, though.
Illumination in Autumn
They do the lighting from middle of October to middle of February.
Access to Ashikaga Flower Park
Train Station
The closest station to Ashikaga Flower Park is “Ashikaga Flower Park Station” in the JR Ryomo line.
Ashikaga Flower Park from Tokyo
Depending on which area of Tokyo you are coming from, there are different ways to get Ashikaga Flower Park. If you want to go there by train, try to find the way to get Ashikaga Flower Park station.
Ashikaga Flower Park from Tokyo by Train
Just for your information, I went there by train, I took
- [Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line that is connected to Tobu Tojo Line] Shibuya station to Tobu Dobutsu Koen station.
- [Tobu Isesaki Line] Tobu Dobutsu Koen sta. to Tatebayashi sta.
- [Tobu Sano Line] Tatebayashi sta. to Sano sta.
- [JR Ryomo Line] Sano sta. to Ashikaga Flower Park station
Parking Lot
It takes 15-25 minutes from some of IC (highway exit). Just let you know that it’s not “free” to use highway in Japan, most of times.
There are free parking lots, however, it could be occupied soon on the popular season.
Ticket for Ashikaga Flower Park
The ticket price is variable. In 2023, they show the price for the day on the official website every (early) morning. The most popular season was 2100 yen, the cheapest was 800 yen in April to May (Wisteria season)
Discount for Ticket
You can find a discount ticket.
- Travel Agent Website
- [Tobu] “Haru no Hana meguri ticket” (spring flower tour ticket) = Tobu Line Train ticket + Ticket for Ashikaga Flower Park
Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park
There are some kinds of Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park.
Pale Cherry Pink Wisteria Trellis
Pale Cherry Pink Wisteria blooms early. When I visited there at the end of April, the pink one is already gone..
Great Wisteria Trellis
The question often asked is “How old is the Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park?” and the 2 of huge great wisterias are (over) 160 years old.
Double Flowered Wisteria
Double Flowered Wisteria is very rare in the world. It looks like grapes from distance for me, because it’s shorter than Great Wisteria. The fragrance is stronger than others, too.
Large and Long Wisteria Trellis
As it literally says by their name, it’s very large and long. I thought it’s a bit lighter color than any other purple wisterias.
Tunnel of White Wisteria
The white wisteria makes a 80 meters tunnel at the park. It looks even better under the blue sky. Personally, I thought that there were more bees than other wisterias. Probably because it’s white and easy to spot bees.
Laburnum : Yellow Wisteria
Laburnum is originally from Europe, that is difficult to grow in Japan due to the weather. I saw them blooming, which was very beautiful. Still small though, I hope we can say “Wow it’s been growing well” one day!
What to Bring to Ashikaga Flower Park?
I didn’t bring something specifically to Ashikaga Flower Park, however, I’d share what might help you.
Comfortable Shoes & Clothing
There are some places where I felt it was easy to slip at park. I’d recommend wearing something comfortable to walk. Also for clothing, something comfortable
Sun-shading Items
There are not many places in shadow, especially on sunny days. Sunshading items might help if you care.
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Food at Ashikaga Flower Park
Restaurant and Cafe
There are some places to eat in Ashikaga Flower Park.
- Restaurant Wisteria
- Restaurant Ajisai (Hydrangea)
- Food Terrace
- Cafe Terrace Marronier
- Food vender
I personally prefer eating outside the park (before/after enjoying at the park), so I had only a snack there.
Soft Served : Wisteria and Strawberry
They have soft served ice cream which is a perfect snack on a warm day. I saw a lot of people taking a picture of soft served ice cream with flowers as background, I also did.
Wisteria
- Wisteria
- Mix (wisteria x vanilla)
- Vanilla
Strawberry : Tochigi’s Speciality
- Strawberry
- Mix (strawberry x vanilla)
- Vanilla
Information for Ashikaga Flower Park
For you to enjoy the park, here are a bit more information that I’d share.
Bathroom
There are enough bathrooms in my opinion, and not difficult to find.
Souvenir Shop
There are some shops at Ashikaga Flower Park. You can buy flowers including wisteria, their original items such as snacks, tea, hand cream (wisteria scent), face sheet, etc.
Others
Official site – Ashikaga Flower Park (English)
Things to do near Ashikaga Flower Park
People might be wondering what else they can do around Ashikaga Flower Park. Here is the article for that, > > The Best Things to Do in Ashikaga
Ashikaga Flower Park has events with many kinds of flower throughout a year. You can go there as a day trip from Tokyo by train or car, you can enjoy flowers, food, and shopping there. The wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park is breathtakingly beautiful that is worth to visit.
