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Wisteria, also known as Fuji wisteria or purple wisteria, is a symbol of eternal love in Japanese culture. For a wisteria plant to bloom, it requires years of dedicated care, much like nurturing a romantic relationship. The flowers, when in bloom, have a gentle, pure beauty, especially in the spring sunshine.
Unlike conventional flower displays, at Ashikaga Park, an underground "tunnel" has been constructed using iron frames and tree trunks to support a giant, colorful wisteria trellis.
The scene of tiny, colorful flowers gently cascading down from the dome resembles a heavenly paradise on earth. Many couples choose this place to stroll hand in hand.
More than just a place for sightseeing and admiring flowers, the Ashikaga Tunnel is also an effective place to escape the summer sun because the path is always shaded by blossoms. In spring, the path is always bustling with professional and amateur photographers coming here to capture images, or young people coming to take romantic photo shoots.
Wisteria flowers typically bloom in late April and early May, with dominant colors of purple, pink, and white interspersed in patches. They are often planted alongside woody plants to provide support.
In Japan, there is even a Fuji wisteria flower festival held at the end of April, where visitors can immerse themselves in the gentle colors of the flowers amidst a breathtaking floral paradise.
Wisteria flowers grow in clusters, cascading down in long vines 80-100cm long, swaying gently in the breeze, carrying a light, airy fragrance. Wisteria-scented perfumes are also very popular, not only in Japan.
