Often associated with wisdom, spirituality, and bravery, the color purple can be found in both the natural world and in man-made structures across Japan. This guide covers several destinations throughout the country that take on a purple hue.
Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi
A springtime favorite on many people's Japan travel itineraries, Tochigi's Ashikaga Flower Park is one of the country's top destinations to enjoy the beauty of wisteria, or fuji (藤) in Japanese. Over 350 wisteria trees can be found on the park's grounds, including one that is referred to as the 'great wisteria' – it's around 160 years old and spreads out over a trellis area equivalent to 600 tatami mats!
607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga, Tochigi 329-4216
Murasaki Station, Fukuoka
Part of the Nishi-Nippon Railroad's Tenjin Ōmuta Line, Murasaki Station literally has the Japanese word for purple in its name. Typically, stations along this line have their signage in blue, but Murasaki Station does things a little differently!
Murasaki, Chikushino, Fukuoka 818-0061
Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Tokyo
Head to Meiji Shrine during June, and a look at the Inner Garden is a must. Entrance is ¥500, and visitors can appreciate the beauty of around 1500 irises in bloom. The garden still has plenty of beauty to enjoy at other times of the year, including azaleas earlier in spring and vibrant colorful leaves in autumn.
1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557
Daisha Tengu Shrine, Kagoshima
Not all torii arches out there are the typical reddish-orange tone! Kagoshima's Daisha Tengu Shrine is located around 10 minutes drive from Hyōkiyama Station, and the torii arch here is purple. The shrine's main building also has some purple accents on it, too.
4392-8 Hayatocho Kareigawa, Kirishima, Kagoshima 899-5113
Farm Tomita Lavender Fields, Hokkaido
Another perfectly purple floral favorite, Farm Tomita's lavender fields lay claim to being some of the oldest in Japan. The blooming season for the lavender here is from the late June to early August timeframe, but plan for early to mid July to see the flowers at their best.
15 号 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704
Stickywich, Okinawa
If you're visiting Okinawa and find yourself in the Ginowan area, be sure to stop by Stickywich. The store has a fun purple exterior, and they serve up a variety of sandwiches on freshly baked bread. Some of the flavor options include jerk chicken, spicy pulled pork, and herb grilled salmon.
1 Chome−31−7 1F, Aragusuku, Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2201
TeamLab Borderless, Tokyo
For the digital art fans out there, a great place to get your purple fix is at TeamLab Borderless in Odaiba, Tokyo. The Forest of Resonating Lamps exhibit takes on a purple hue at this time of year, inspired by wisteria flowers. Sadly, the venue is scheduled to close at the end of August 2022, so get in while you can.
Odaiba Palette Town 2F, 1-3-8 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0064
