Kumamoto

Apr 24, 2015 - 1 min read

Wisteria Garden in Yamaga

Hidden garden awash with shades of purple

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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A wisteria trellis near the end of the park

A rare pink wisteria

The garden has at least five distinct varieties of wisteria

Four out of the five major trellises are currently in bloom (late April)

The dark purple variety - also one of the rarer varieties - was the most impressive

This color of wisteria is only found in a few places in Japan

The trellis closest to the entrance really sets the scene for what's to come

While most visitors flock to Japan's major wisteria gardens (like Ashikaga) in late April, a similar scene can be had for a fraction of the crowds at the lovely wisteria garden just next to the Museum of Ancient Burial Mounds in Yamaga. The park consists of a gentle walking path that passes under five trellises, each one graced with a different variety of wisteria. The colors range from white to dark pink to different hues of purple; some of the varieties are actual quite rare in Japan. There is parking on-site for about two dozen vehicles and a restaurant nearby that serves an affordable set lunch. It's best to bring your own food, however, and picnic on the benches beneath the blooms.

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By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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Olga 9 years ago

Wisteria is already so beautiful! It's like a second sakura for me.

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

I have been out of Japan the past two years during the wisteria's blooming season so I am very very happy to have caught it this year!

Yui Yamaguchi 9 years ago

The wisteria is also used for fabric pattern's in history. There is kabuki number called fuji musume (wisteria girl). The photos reminded of me of that.

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

Thanks for sharing that, Yui! I had no idea it had ties with kabuki.

4 comments in total

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Information

2965 Iwabaru, Kaō-machi, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 861-0561 (Directions)

Olga 9 years ago

Wisteria is already so beautiful! It's like a second sakura for me.

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

I have been out of Japan the past two years during the wisteria's blooming season so I am very very happy to have caught it this year!

Yui Yamaguchi 9 years ago

The wisteria is also used for fabric pattern's in history. There is kabuki number called fuji musume (wisteria girl). The photos reminded of me of that.