Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kawachi Fujien, an exquisite wisteria garden in Kitakyushu. CNN recognizes it as one of Japan’s most stunning places.
Stroll through enchanting tunnels adorned with vibrant blooms and immerse yourself in the captivating fragrance. For the optimal experience, plan your visit between late April and early May to witness nature’s finest display.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Kitakyushu City in northern Kyushu is home to the magnificent Kawachi Fujien, a wisteria garden that has become a popular destination for tourists worldwide after being recognized as one of “Japan’s 36 most beautiful places” by American news network CNN. In springtime, visitors are enchanted by the sight of about 20 different types of wisteria in bloom.
The Stunning Wisteria Tunnels
Upon entering the garden, you will be greeted by a stunning wisteria trellis that stretches out like a passageway ceiling.
As you turn to the right, you’ll be amazed by two impressive tunnels, one measuring 80 meters and the other 110 meters, adorned with clusters of colorful flowers in hues of soft purple, white, and pink. Both tunnels lead to an awe-inspiring 1,000-tsubo wisteria trellis that is sure to leave you impressed.
You can also enjoy the calming scent of the flowers in the air, fully immersing yourself in the wisteria experience.
Best Time to Visit
The peak season for viewing the wisteria blooms varies depending on the weather. Although some websites suggest that the blooms are at their best until mid-May, it is advisable to schedule your visit between late April and early May for the most spectacular displays.
Photography and Etiquette
Please be aware that drones, tripods, monopods, and other equipment are not permitted inside the garden. Photography can only be done by hand-holding your camera. Furthermore, to preserve the wisteria fragrance, the use of fire and smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the garden, including the entrance and tunnel areas.
Culture, History, and Traditions
In 1968, the owner of Kashiwabara Wisteria Garden began cultivating the Kashiwabara Wisteria Garden to fulfill his dream. After a few years of work, the sloping mountainside was transformed into a series of terraces, creating a magnificent wisteria trellis and tunnel spanning over 1,000 square meters.
One wisteria plant, transplanted from a neighboring village over 120 years ago, has since grown into a stunning mature tree, delighting visitors with its beauty.
Formerly nicknamed the “phantom flower garden at the end of a traffic jam” due to its remote location, the Kashiwabara Wisteria Garden has now transformed into an accessible botanical haven, thanks to the city and other organizations’ support.
However, as the number of visitors increased from a few thousand to tens of thousands, the large branches of the wisteria suffered damage from trampling and died. Various measures have been implemented to prevent further damage to the wisteria, and visitors are encouraged to follow the garden’s guidelines to ensure the continued beauty of the wisteria blooms.
Dining Guide
Though there are no restaurants right near Kawachi Fujien, Kitakyushu City provides a variety of dining choices that are bound to tantalize your taste buds.
As a coastal city, Kitakyushu is well-known for its delicious pufferfish dishes, which require a special license to prepare and can easily be found with a quick Google search. There are numerous fugu restaurants located near JR Kyushu’s Kokura Station, Moji Port Station on the JR Kyushu line and the Kyushu Railway History Museum Station on the Heisei Chikuho Railway. For those seeking an English-language website, “Takenaka” is an excellent choice.
Seafood lovers will also enjoy the famous “Jinda-ni” dish, made with small fish simmered in soy sauce, mirin, and miso. This dish can be savored in local restaurants or purchased as a souvenir.
For noodle enthusiasts, Tobata-Champon and Yaki-Soba are highly recommended local specialties. Other mouthwatering dishes include Yaki-Curry, Kokura beef, and more.
Accommodation
While there are no lodging options in the immediate vicinity of Kawachi Fujien, Kitakyushu City has a multitude of accommodations to fit any budget, including hotels, ryokans, and business hotels. Additionally, there are plenty of affordable options, making it easy to find lodging for under 10,000 yen.
Moreover, Fukuoka City, which is adjacent to Kitakyushu City, is a major metropolis with excellent transportation connections and a plethora of lodging choices. If you are unable to secure lodging in Kitakyushu City, you can explore surrounding areas such as Fukuoka City for alternative options.
Transportation
Are you hoping to visit the picturesque Kawachi Fujien in Kashiwara City, but feeling unsure about how to get there due to the lack of nearby train stations or bus stops? Fear not, as there are several options available to you.
Access from the Nearest Shinkansen Station
The best way to access Kawachi Fujien is by getting to the nearest shinkansen station at Kokura Station. If you’re coming from Kyushu or the western part of Osaka, you can use the express trains of Kyushu Railway or West Japan Railway. For those coming from farther away, flying to Fukuoka Airport is the most convenient option. From there, you can take the limousine bus or subway to JR Kyushu’s Hakata Station, and then transfer to the shinkansen, which will take you to Kokura Station in just about 20 minutes.
Various Transportation Options from Kokura Station
Once you arrive at Kokura Station, there are a few ways to reach Kawachi Fujien. If you’re on a tight budget, you can take the local train to Space World Station, and then transfer to the local bus (No. 56) for about 300 yen, which will take you to Kamijyuuda bus stop. From there, it’s just a 4km walk to Kawachi Fujien.
If you prefer a quicker and more convenient way to travel, or if you’re not confident in walking, you can take a taxi from JR Kokura Station, which will cost you just over 4,000 yen for a one-way trip.
Day Tours during the Peak Season
Finally, during the peak season for blooming wisteria, you can book day tours by sightseeing buses online. Keep in mind that these tours won’t be available for booking until the wisteria season draws closer.
Don’t let the lack of nearby transportation deter you from visiting this stunning location – with a little planning, you can easily enjoy the beautiful wisteria of Kawachi Fujien in no time.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Kawachi Fujien is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm throughout the season, with an entrance fee of approximately 1500 yen. To find out the ideal time to view the wisteria in its prime, check their website .
New Ticket Purchase System
Please remember that a ticket purchase system has recently been introduced to alleviate congestion, and tickets are not available for purchase at the site during the specified period.
It is recommended to purchase tickets on the Kawachi Fujien website, and it’s preferable to obtain a QR code on your smartphone for entrance on the day of the visit. If you can’t transfer the QR code to your phone from your computer, you can either print it on an A4 sheet of paper or note down the purchase number.
Tickets at Convenience Stores
Furthermore, tickets can also be obtained at convenience stores like Seven-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, and Mini Stop, but the process can be quite complex.
Additional Fees and Payment Methods
Moreover, depending on the time and flowering conditions, visitors may be asked to pay an additional fee on-site, which could require payment with specific credit cards, making it challenging for overseas travelers to manage.
Weather Guide
The season when the wisteria is in full bloom is one of the most enchanting times to visit Kawachi Fujien. However, it can also be a season of uncertainty due to the lingering chill in the mornings and evenings and the rapid changes in temperature from day to day. To make the most of your visit, it’s recommended that you dress appropriately to adjust to these fluctuations.
In addition, the park is located deep in the mountains and has uneven terrain, with visitors required to climb a slope from the entrance. Some areas can be steep and slippery, and there are also unpaved paths, so it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes, such as sneakers.
It’s also worth noting that rain falls for approximately one-third of the month, so it’s important to bring rain gear just in case.
