Located in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, the Ashikaga Flower Park makes for a great day trip from the city or any of the nearby Onsen towns. Most famous for its wisteria, which are of massive size and draw huge crowds when in bloom, the park also has a number of other flowering plants, coordinated such that there is almost always something in bloom. And in mid-winter, when there are no flowers, the park is illuminated at night by a romantic and spectacular array of colorful electric lights.

There are many famous gardens around Japan, and few countries can surpass Japan’s traditions when it comes to cultivating ornamental plants. An English visitor to the country in the 1800s even said in comparison to his home country that “if a love of plants could measure the level of a civilization, then Japan’s would be far superior”. Amongst these, the Ashikaga Flower Park must rank as one of the most impressive when in bloom, beckoning visitors from around the globe.

— Where is the Ashikaga Flower Park?

— When Are Flowers Blooming at the Park?

— Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination

— Tours and Charters to the Ashikaga Flower Park

Read on below for more information.

WHERE IS THE ASHIKAGA FLOWER PARK?

Located around 95 km north of Tokyo (1.5 hours by car or 2.5 hours by train), the Ashikaga Flower Park is easily accessible from Tokyo or areas nearby to the park such as Nikko or Karuizawa, allowing for day-trips to from those regions. With eateries, gift shops, and of course colorful flowers, the park has drawn visitors since its founding in the 1960’s, and has now become more well-known internationally than ever before. In general, it is easiest to drive or visit by direct bus on a tour – however, by using the Ueno Tokyo Line for Oyama Station, and switching there to a local line, the journey can be done simply enough using only train services. We recommend asking station staff for advice ahead of time to find the best route and ensure a smooth journey. Located in the wider region of North Kanto, the Ashikaga Flower Park lies at the boundary of the Kanto Plains and the surrounding mountains, providing varied scenery and a distinction from Tokyo.

WHEN ARE FLOWERS BLOOMING AT THE PARK?

Flowers are of course inherently seasonal – they don’t bloom year round. Luckily, however, the Ashikaga Flower Park has such a variety of flowers on display that something is blooming for almost the whole year. Excluding December, you will be able to enjoy flowers whenever you visit. The specific timings are as below:

Winter Peonies: Early January – Late February

Plum Blossoms: Mid January – Early March

Tulips: Early March – Mid April

Cherry Blossoms: Late March – Early April

Wisteria: Mid April – Mid May

Azalea: Mid April – Early May

Various Roses: Mid May – Early July

Water Lily: Mid June – Early November

Sage: Early October – Mid November

Of course, there are even more flowers than those listed above! The timings may be slightly different each year, so what you get will be a little bit of a surprise – but no matter what, it will be beautiful.

ASHIKAGA FLOWER PARK ILLUMINATION

Even at the Ashikaga Flower Park, they cannot make flowers bloom all year round. That doesn’t stop the park from being a place of beauty in the deep winter months however, as they have prepared a beautiful nightly light up for visitors.

Running from autumn through to early the next year, the light show is a true spectacle, with thousands of lights of various colors organized into wonderful patterns and shapes. On a cold evening around Christmas, gazing at these lights is sure to put you in a jolly mood, and is great for couples or families with children – or anyone who enjoys the magic of light shows!

TOURS AND CHARTERS TO THE ASHIKAGA FLOWER PARK

We are pleased to offer interesting and fun tours led by English-speaking guides to the Ashikaga Flower Park. With pick up available from both Nagano Station and Karuizawa Station, it is easy to join, even from Tokyo. Beyond the park itself, our tour also visits a few other spots around Ashikaga such as the famed Ashikaga Gakko, Japan’s biggest university in the middle ages and now a well preserved and beautiful historical site, as well as the city’s beautiful Orihime Shrine located on a hill with a superb view.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Nagano and Karuizawa: Colors of the Season at Ashikaga Flower Park
Period	March – October
Time	07:50 – 19:00 / 09:30 – 17:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station / Karuizawa Station
Adult Rate	¥29,800
Child Rate	¥17,900

Booking is as easy as clicking the link above and selecting your preferred date! If you would prefer, a private tour to the flower park can also be arranged – please click the ‘Inquiry’ button below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

If transport is all you need, we are also happy to arrange a private charter service. Our well trained and friendly drivers are ready to bring you to your destination, whether that be the Flower Park or elsewhere! For more information on pricing and availability, just click HERE and we will get back to you soon!