A Tour of Flower and Culture (One-day Trip)

This flower garden creates a full sense of the season and magnificence of nature with a wide range of plants and trees. The highlight of the park is the massive Japanese wisteria trellises in bloom from late April to mid-May. You will be totally stunned by four large wisteria vines and 80-metre tunnel of white wisterias，designated as a prefectural natural treasure. In the evening the illuminated wisterias bring dream-like scenes. The park also draws large crowds during the fall and winter months，when the “Bejeweled Flower Garden” is held. It is one of the Kanto area’s top three annual illumination events. The garden welcomes over a million tourists throughout the year.

The silk textile known as “Ashikaga Meisen” was popular for contemporary colours and innovative patterns in the early 1900s.

Dress up in an “Ashikaga Meisen” Kimono at the Ashikaga Machinaka Yugakukan and take a stroll through the stone-paved streets of the historic town. You can even enjoy coordinating Kimonos with modern accessories such as boots and hats in the local style. Come and have a unique and memorable experience!

It is said that over 3,000 students studied at the school during the disturbances of the 10-year civil war (Onin War) starting in the 15th century.

When the Catholic missionary Francis Xavier came to the country in 1549, he described it as “Japan’s largest and most famous school” in his correspondence. Ashikaga thus became widely known overseas as well.

Today buildings have been restored，and visitors can view classrooms in their original historic form and join a program reading The Analects of Confucius on Sundays.

Registered as a Tangible Cultural Property in June 2004， Ashikaga Orihime Shrine has long been worshipped as home to guardian deities of local industry and matchmaking.

The vermillion-lacquered shrine stands in beautiful contrast to the surrounding green forests. Located on the hillside, the shrine commands magnificent views of the city of Ashikaga and the Watarase River. On fine days，the view extends as far as the Kanto Plains and the Tokyo Skytree. The shrine is a starting point for a walking trail through the Prefectural Natural Park. The trail is popular for enjoying seasonal views and is suitable for children.

A large number of visitors come and enjoy music performances and local delicacies at the shrine during the grand spring festival in May and autumn festival in November. It has become a popular dating spot since being named a sacred place for lovers and one of the best night view locations in 2014.