点评:If Cherry Blossoms are what known to tourists going to Japan in a very short Spring period during the months of March/April, then there is one famed Flower Park mostly known to locals and unaware to frequent visitors like me - this heavenly piece on Earth which opens all year round and is home to hundreds of flowers blooming on different seasons in particular its more famed for Wisteria Lane a dazzling array of floating Purple colours which blooms and truly magical during the months of April/May where we visited the park.
It was a bit of a coincidence coming here because we were looking for a Strawberry farm near Tokyo where we could use your JR pass. As we search online, Ahiskaga Flower Park and its neighour the Strawberry Kingdom from JA Agriland Ashikasaga (separate review) displays right in front of our bequeathed eyesights. What it means was - we got to visit 2 of the most prettiest attractions and things to do in Japan!!! And just like Shibuya sky its 2 in 1!!! We first tried on different Merchant platforms and all of them were part of a package tour - day trip from Tokyo which is not what we need.
So we booked our tickets right on site and it was available and they accept credit cards!!!! Prices vary each season but their clocking at 1100 to 2200 during the famous Wisteria season when the time we visited what a great timing indeed!!! Getting there is a bit far - 2 hrs because you need to switch to local line via Oyama. We took Shinkansen from Ueno station back and forth. So you would need 1 full day in visiting this area to maximize the surroundings, things to do and the beautiful flowers, delicious food and sweet Strawberry Ashikaga has to offer!!!
It was a bit crowded when we visited because its the peak season. However, there will always be a spot for you without the photo bombers because the park is massive. We were given a map and tickets upon payments and right at the entrance is the first out of 3 Great Wisteria Trellis lane beside a lake. 2 are the original Purple Wisterias and 1 White. The raw orche stone pathways gives you a rustic vibes similar to Tuscany as you walk along. The park is divided into segments of different attractions and types of flowers it has to offer - based on the season. It has a total of 8 seasons and were right at the most sought after - Wisteria Story from mid-April to mid-May or Late Spring. I wouldn’t enumerate the rest of the season but you could refer to their Website for more info as well as the facilities it has to offer.
Instead, my Exceptional review will focus on these spots and flowers we’ve encountered. The first Wisteria Trellis we saw is a humongous tree with huge trunk that supports hundred of inter-twinning vines from its strong branches where the Purple Orchid Like flowers drop forming a beautiful array of Purple extravaganza. In fact, the flowers are so plentiful you would not even notice its just coming from 1 tree. The leaves are Green and their mostly on top of the trunk and the flowers below. The park provided Bamboo support for the vines to let them drop in perfect symmetry and immaculate beauty. This lane is off limits near the main trunk so its enclosed by bamboo fence. It is the time we saw a Wisteria tree in our lives and it didn’t disappoint, we were mesmerized. Fragrance wise I didn’t smell it enough but if I could remember its a little musky. There is also a small White Wisteria just across the pond which we could get closes and even pluffier flowers.
As we moved on, across the park we could see lots of Spring flowers like the adorable Daisies, Blue Violets, Roses, Irises, Hydrangea, Peonies to name a few where familiar with because there are many more. They all are glowing, budding, and dazzling beautifully with beauty and elegance in an array of magical and mysterious colours!!! There is a cafe at the center of the park and lots of benches and dining areas but their all full that day so we didn’t have the chance to sit and relax but we did try their famous Wisteria Soft Served Ice cream and mind you it was so good!!!!! A bit nutty, tangy, sweet and calming flavour not tried before so it definitely a must!!! It costs only 400 Yen per cone but they were so worth it because they fill your cone to the max.
After a quick Ice-cream break we continued our walking and stumbled upon the largest Wisteria lanes - the White Wisteria and another Purple Wisteria. These 2 lanes compared to the first one allows you to walk under the flowers and stems of the massive tree holding them. Yes these are the 2 spots you must not miss and take those lovely photos and videos. Despite the crowds, we managed to take our memorable and special shots under the charming and mystical flowers. The White wisteria has more option to walk because you will have to cross its trunks from entrance to exit. The Purple one just along the branches of the main trunk. The best lane for me amongst the 3 is the White one because I felt I’m part of the Wisteria family indeed!!!
And before we forget we must not miss their collection of Roses at their Rose Garden just located before the convenience/toilet/cafe in the Northern part of the flower park. If they say Roses are Reds then this is not true. Here they have a collection of different colours and sizes but most are big fluffy varieties. I am not sure of the varieties here but their all very fragrant - sweet, floral, tantalizing, aromatic - so this is the most fragrant part of the park!!!. I also especially loved the mini-stream and ponds surrounding the roses and yes I saw a Turtle out there. There is also a very Romantic bridge traversing the Pond adroned with hundreds of Wisteria flowers - this a perfect spot for your lovely photos and videos and we did of course especially with those Dazzling Roses in Red, Pink, White, Yellow and Peach colours!!!
There are many photo spots all around the park and last but not the least in the big pond with a massive wall covered with enigmatic and immaculate Wisterias symbolizing that this is their season and their in it to showcase their uncomparable prowess and beauty. A long wooden bench traversing the big pond will lead your way back to the main entrance/exit where we made our way with a lovely and beaming hearts full of memories, happiness, unique experiences, and just pure joy and for sure these all will last a lifetime. In fact, I was so mesmerized with the beauty and magic of the park that I came back the 2nd time this time with my parents so they too could witness the adoring and charming Wisterias, Roses, Lilies and all the seasonal flowers making this lovely park their home welcoming each one of us to witness pure joy, beauty, glory and magic that were truly priceless and will surely last in our memories for a lifetime.
Just outside the park there are food stalls selling fresh produce from the town - we ordered the Grilled Squid, Grilled Sweet Corn and Baked Potatoes and their all delicious good and fresh - what a great way to end of our trip here in As. hikaga!!! So there you go - do come visit this Amazing and Magical flower park because you not only get to witness the beauty of magic of these flowers in season but also have other things to visit here like the Strawberry farm which is just across the park. See you soon Ashikaga Flower Park on our next visit perhaps another season or at night, indeed highly recommended!!! Matah Neh :=)