Written by Aarohi Narain
The Kokuryo Shrine Wisteria Festival is a local spring event held in Chōfu, western Tokyo. It takes place at Kokuryo Shrine, a small but well-loved neighborhood shrine known for its large, hanging wisteria vines.
What happens?
Usually held in late April, this festival celebrates the peak blooming period of the wisteria flowers, which form a canopy of pale purple over the grounds. The tree, known as sennen no fuji or thousand-year-old wisteria, is believed to be about four or five centuries old. Visitors come to enjoy the blossoms, take photos, and nab one of the shrine’s exclusive pop-up goshuin. There will be food, performances, and evening illuminations.
Compared to the very popular Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival, this is a more casual and low-key event.
Note: The festival is only two days, but the ideal time to see the wisteria may vary.
How to get there
From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line to Fuda Station. The shrine is a 5-minute walk from there. The entire journey should take around 30 minutes.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.