Ushishima Wisteria

Overview

The Ushishima Wisteria is located on the grounds of Ushishima Shrine in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. The approximately 130-year-old wisteria vine reaches its peak blooming season from late April to early May, showcasing a profusion of pale purple blossoms. Beneath the expansive trellis, visitors gather to enjoy the hanami (cherry blossom viewing, here applied to wisteria), and passing under the arching vines feels like stepping into another world. Wisteria blossoms have been cherished for their beauty since ancient times, frequently appearing in waka poetry and haiku. The Ushishima Wisteria has long been loved and carefully preserved by the local community. During the wisteria season, nighttime illuminations are held, offering a magical atmosphere quite different from the daytime view. When the trellis is lit up, the flower clusters gleam, appearing to float in the night sky. Beyond the wisteria trellis, Ushishima Shrine offers a serene setting for a leisurely stroll, with its historically significant shrine building and peaceful forest. The shrine building, constructed in the early Edo period, is registered as a tangible cultural property. Towering cedar trees, hundreds of years old, further enhance the sacred ambiance. The Ushishima Wisteria is a highly recommended sightseeing spot where you can experience the beauty of nature and a sense of history.