Some may think that the end of the cherry blossom season marks the conclusion of Japan’s notable flowers for the year, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In the end of April and beginning of May, lush purple wisteria bloom throughout the country. Wisteria are considered to be an auspicious flower, often seen in Japanese family crests. Hyogo Prefecture is home to three famous spots for viewing these gorgeous flowers.
Byakugoji Temple
In Tamba City, about an hour by train from Kobe, travelers can visit a famous temple of the Tendai sect in early May to see beautiful wisteria. The wisteria at this temple can reach a length of 180 centimeters. The temple holds a Wisteria Festival every year in the beginning of May for viewing these flowers, as well as nighttime light-up events.
Tamba also boasts vibrant maple leaves in the fall and violets in early April. The town is also known for their dinosaur museum.
Shirai Oomachi Fuji Park
In Asago City, located in northern Hyogo, visitors can see waves of wisteria in white, purple, and pink swaying in the valley wind. In 1996, local volunteers gathered 150 wisteria root stocks from neighboring mountains and grafted
donated wisteria onto them to form the park that stands today. The park's fountain helps create a stunning view from any angle. The park also hangs koinobori in celebration of Children's Day, which is on May 5th.
Dasai Shrine
In Shiso City, about an hour by bus or car from Himeji, there stands a tree that is said to have been planted in the year 960. This tree, at Dasai Shrine, boasts beautiful wisteria every May. The branches of this large tree, with a trunk
circumference of approximately 3.8 meters, grow in all directions, and the wisteria cover the 500 square meters of the shrine area. In 2001, the wisteria was selected as one of the 100 most beautiful sceneries by Japan's Ministry of the Environment.
If you find yourself in Japan in late April or early May, Hyogo Prefecture has great spots for viewing beautiful wisteria.
Children's Day
In Japan, Children's Day, known in Japan as Kodomo no Hi, is celebrated on May 5th every year. It is a day set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. One such way that many celebrate their happiness is through hanging carp streamers called koinobori. One such place to view these koinobori is
by Yoroi Station in Kami (northern Hyogo). Every year around the end of April or the beginning of May, koinobori are hung across this peaceful village by the sea.
Hyogo Prefecture is easily reachable from Osaka and Kyoto by JR train. The Hyogo Tourism Bureau provides more detailed information about traveling to and within the prefecture.
Please email us at office@hyogobcc.org if you have any questions about Hyogo Prefecture or the Kansai region.