Beyond Sakura: 10 Muslim-Friendly Wisteria Spots in Japan 2025

The cherry blossom season usually ends in late April—though in some areas, especially in northern Japan, it can stretch into May. But don’t worry if you miss the Sakura bloom! As the season transitions, another stunning flower takes the spotlight: the elegant wisteria.

In Japanese culture, wisteria (or fuji) is cherished and features prominently in art, literature, and even anime like Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer). For Muslim travellers planning their spring trip, you’ll be happy to know that many of these destinations are accessible and offer nearby amenities like halal-friendly dining options and prayer spaces. Here are ten of the best places to witness wisteria in Japan, with added Muslim-friendly tips!

Also read: 8 Muslim-Friendly Hotels in Tokyo For Your Next Stay

1. Kawachi Fujien, reopened this year

Image credit: takafumi99 | Canva Pro

One of the popular places to see wisteria flowers in Japan is Kawachi Fujien Garden located in Fukuoka. This garden is famous for having a tunnel with a roof of hanging wisteria flowers, giving a magical experience when walking under it and is often used as a photography object. After being closed in 2024, this year Kawachi Fujien Garden is planned to reopen on 19 Apr and tickets can be purchased through its official website from 25 Mar. In addition, visitors will also be limited and divided into several time slots. Mark your calendars!

HalalZilla tip: Fukuoka is one of the most Muslim-friendly cities in Japan. You'll find halal-certified restaurants in the city, plus Fukuoka Mosque is just a train ride away if you want to combine your trip with prayer facilities.

Address: 2 Chome-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 805-0045

2. Kameido Tenjin Shrine, one of the best places to see wisteria in Tokyo

Image credit: Japan Web Magazine | Official Website

Dedicated to the god of learning, Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo is often visited by students who ask for prayers to pass their exams. However, that is not the only reason Kameido Tenjin Shrine is crowded with visitors. The garden surrounding the shrine's pond will be filled with tourists who want to see the beautiful purple wisteria bloom. For this reason, the shrine is nicknamed the Flower Shrine and is one of the best places to see Wisteria in Tokyo.

HalalZilla tip: Tokyo offers a wide variety of halal restaurants. In Kameido and nearby Akihabara, you'll find options like Gyumon or Sekai Café. For prayers, head to Tokyo Camii Mosque, about 40 minutes away.

Address: 3 Chome-6 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0071

3. Ashikaga Flower Park, the site of the famous wisteria flower festival.

Image credit: Offbeat Japan | Official Website

If Kameido Tenji Shrine is one of the best places to see wisteria in Tokyo, then this park is one of the best in Japan. Not only is the view beautiful, but also the history behind it. When wisteria season arrives, the main highlight is the 160-year-old wisteria tree whose branches spread over a 1,000-square-meter trellis. Visitors have the opportunity to walk under it and enjoy the atmosphere that feels like being in a fairy tale. At night, the lights will be turned on and provide a more charming atmosphere. No wonder the wisteria flower festival in this park is always awaited by tourists from various countries.

HalalZilla tip: While Tochigi is a bit more rural, you can plan ahead by packing snacks and prayer essentials. Some nearby cafes offer vegetarian options, and Ashikaga Flower Park Station has a rest area suitable for prayers.

Address: 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga, Tochigi 329-4216

4. Nishiarai Daishi Temple, walk while inhaling the scent of wisteria flowers

Image credit: Japankuru | Official Website

If you think the wisteria tree in Ashikaga is the oldest, then you should meet the wisteria tree at Nishiarai Daishi Temple. Located in Tokyo, this temple houses a 700-year-old wisteria tree. Even more special, in this temple you can smell the strong scent of wisteria. These hanging purple flowers can be found on the temple grounds for an iconic view. Meanwhile, for a more calming and serene side, you can wander to the pond located in the main hall.

HalalZilla tip: Being in Tokyo, you’ll have easy access to Muslim-friendly services. Look for halal bento boxes at local convenience stores or dine at halal-certified restaurants nearby.

Address: 1 Chome-15-1 Nishiarai, Adachi City, Tokyo 123-0841

Opening hours: Daily, 9:00-16:30

5. Haijima Park, home to 800-year-old wisteria

Image credit: Rakuten Travel | Official Website

Did you know that wisteria trees can live for thousands of years? Older than the one at Nishiarai Daishi Temple, if you go to Haijima Park you will find an 800-year-old wisteria tree that is designated as a natural monument in Tokyo. Its branches drape over wooden supports, creating a canopy of purple flowers. For the best views, visit around late April to early May as the flowers start to bloom during this time.

HalalZilla tip: Haijima is near Tachikawa, an area with several halal dining options. Bring a portable prayer mat as quiet corners of the park can serve for prayer.

Address: 1 Chome-10 島町 Akishima, Tokyo 196-0002

Opening hours: Every day, 24 hours

6. Jindai Botanical Garden, a flower garden that is not only famous for its roses.

Image credit (L-R): Shingan Photography | Flickr; Jindai Botanical Garden | Official Website

Still in Tokyo, this time we will walk to the Jindai Botanical Garden located next to Jindaiji Temple. The Jindai Botanical Garden itself is famous for having the largest rose garden in Tokyo. Home to various types of flowers, this botanical garden is always filled with colours every season. When April arrives, one thing you shouldn't miss is the blooming of wisteria flowers in this garden. Walking under the corridor made of strands of the iconic purple flowers will be an unforgettable experience. Get your camera ready!

HalalZilla tip: Combine your visit with the nearby Jindaiji Temple area, where you’ll find vegetarian-friendly soba restaurants. The garden also has open spaces ideal for prayers.

Address: 1 Miyagawa-cho, Tsushima-shi, Aichi 496-0853

Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours

7. Tennogawa Park, witness wisteria flowers in a lively atmosphere

Image credit: @a_yumi0425 | Instagram; hiromitravel | Instagram

Want to experience the wisteria season with a festive atmosphere? You must come to the annual wisteria flower festival at Tennogawa Park in Aichi Prefecture. Local and foreign tourists flock to visit the festival which is held every mid-April to early May. At Tennogawa Park, you will be amazed by the 275-meter-long wisteria trellis, an area of ​​about 5,034 square meters. To add to the atmosphere, this festival usually also holds traditional Japanese musical instrument performances. Starting from half past 6pm to 9pm., the lights in the park will be turned on to support the magical atmosphere of the wisteria trees.

HalalZilla tip: Aichi, especially Nagoya, is increasingly Muslim-friendly with several halal restaurants and mosques. Plan a day trip and make the most of local halal Japanese cuisine!

Address: 1 Miyagawa-cho, Tsushima-shi, Aichi 496-0853

Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours

8. Fujii-dera Temple, the temple with the thousand-handed statue

Image credit: Kansai Odyssey | Official Website

Among pilgrims, this temple is known as the 11th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey to visit 88 temples in Shikoku. This temple is also popular because it is home to a statue of the Goddess Kannon with 1,000 hands. However, as the name Fujii-dera means wisteria temple, tourists who visit in April and May have another purpose. During this period, wisteria flowers with their charming purple colour will decorate the temple grounds, presenting a beautiful view that must be captured by your camera.

HalalZilla tip: Osaka is fantastic for Muslim travellers, with plenty of halal restaurants and prayer spaces like Osaka Masjid. Try halal takoyaki or okonomiyaki after your temple visit!

Address: 1 Chome-16-21 Fujiidera, Osaka 583-0024

Opening hours: Daily, 8:00-17:00

9. Manyo Botanical Garden, located within one of Japan's most sacred sites

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One of the most famous shrines in Japan is Kasuga Taisha located in Nara. No doubt, the shrine is also called the holiest place in the land of the rising sun. Inside the shrine area, there is an extraordinarily beautiful garden that houses hundreds of types of plants. One of them is the wisteria flower that will decorate the garden from late April to early May. As many as 200 wisteria trees that are the symbol of the Fujiwara clan bloom and are the reason tourists flock to visit. Usually, in May, traditional music and dance performances will accompany the blooming of these beautiful flowers, creating an even more festive atmosphere.

HalalZilla tip: Nara is home to the Nara Muslim Friendly Map, which lists halal restaurants and prayer spaces. Grab some halal-friendly snacks at Nara Station before your garden stroll.

Address: 160 Kasuganocho, Nara, 630-8212

Opening hours: 09.00-16.30 (Wednesday-Monday)

10. Mandaraji Temple, has wisteria in various colors

Image credit: Japan Guide | Official Website

Mandaraji Temple, due to its rich history, is designated as one of the important cultural properties of Japan. However, for some tourists, the main attraction of the temple is its garden in April. This is because at least 60 wisteria from 11 species will paint the garden in various colors. Yes, it's not only purple wisteria that you can find here. There are also red and white colors. In addition, during the wisteria blooming period, Mandaraji Temple usually holds the Konan Wisteria Festival where the garden will look stunning at night with garden lights.

Address: Teramachi-202 Maehibocho, Konan, Aichi 483-8336

Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours

Also read: Mount Fuji Eruption Guide: What Muslim Travellers Need to Know

Travelling to Japan to see cherry blossoms is indeed an iconic activity in spring. However, the charm of wisteria that blooms afterwards is also something you should not forget. Its strands moving gently in the wind seem to be the perfect ending to spring. Between the centuries-old trees and the stunning wisteria tunnel, which one would you like to visit first?