Ashikaga Flower Park - Tochigi Prefecture
They call in a woman who is a tree doctor, and she told them that if the tree isn’t moved, it will die. The soil was slowly killing it off. After she saw photos the monks took of the tree when it was in bloom and healthy, she decided to move it, and over a year’s time, restored to its former glory. This was my first time to see what a giant Wisteria tree (or “Fuji” in Japanese) looks like in full bloom.
I spoke about the tree the next day with my father in-law, and he told me a story about an old Fuji tree which is famous throughout Japan and attracts many visitors. The famous Fuji tree he told me about is one of the main attractions in Ashikaga Flower Park, which is located in Ashikaga City. Ashikaga City is in Togchi Prefecture, so on my last trip to Tokyo from Toyama, I spent a day in Tochigi so I could see the tree for myself.
I was stunned as most people are the first time they see SakuraRefers to both ornamental cherry trees and their blossoms. in bloom, but this Fuji took the cake. The smell emanating from the thousands of flower was delicious. I would love to do the HanamiJapanese tradition of celebrating sakura - cherry blossom trees - every April. People get together and drink sake while watching the sakura leaves and the newly arriving spring. style drinking under the tree, but it is not allowed, which is a true shame. I found Ashikaga Flower Park a lot more to my liking than my local Tonami Tulip Fair back in Toyama Prefecture; probably if you’ve seen one tulip, you’ve seen them all. If you’re in Tochigi Prefecture, try your best to get to the Ashikaga Flower Park as the Fuji there is truly a natural wonder.The entry is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for kids, so it’s a good value. Opening time is 9:00am until 6:00pm, and there is a good restaurant and gift shop on site.
Below is a link to the official website with an amazing flash intro of the Fuji.
Japanese Only
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