Step into a fantastical world woven by 1000-year-old white wisteria.
The “Kichijoji Wisteria Festival” is held at Kichijoji Temple in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is a spring tradition held every year in late April, attracting many tourists. In this article, we will introduce in detail the highlights of the Kichijoji Wisteria Festival, its history, and access information.
What is the Kichijoji Wisteria Festival?
Kichijoji Temple is a historic temple founded in the Heian period. Approximately 300 wisteria plants are planted on the temple grounds, and the huge white wisteria said to be over 1000 years old is truly spectacular. It is also designated as a National Natural Monument, and the flower clusters hanging from the approximately 150-meter-long trellis are breathtakingly beautiful.
During the Wisteria Festival, you can enjoy these beautiful wisteria flowers during the day, and at night, you can enjoy their fantastical appearance illuminated.
Highlights of the Kichijoji Wisteria Festival
- 1000-year-old white wisteria: The wisteria hanging from the approximately 150-meter-long wisteria trellis is spectacular. When in full bloom, a sweet fragrance fills the air.
- Illumination: From 6:00 PM, the wisteria is illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere different from daytime.
- Events: Various events are held, such as Japanese drum performances and stage entertainment.
- Food Stalls: Many food stalls selling local specialties and food and drinks will be set up.
History of Kichijoji Temple
Kichijoji Temple is an ancient temple said to have been opened by Kobo Daishi in the early Heian period. The principal image is Fudo Myoo, and it is believed to bring blessings for warding off evil and good fortune.
There are many other attractions on the temple grounds besides the wisteria trellis.
- Three-Story Pagoda: A designated cultural property of Fukuoka Prefecture built in the Muromachi period.
- Kannon Hall: The Kannon (Avalokiteśvara) is enshrined here and is believed to bring blessings for safe childbirth, child-rearing, and matchmaking.
Access Information for Kichijoji Temple
| Item | Content |
| Event Period | Annually from April 27 to 29 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Event Location | Kichijoji Temple (13-11 Kichijoji-cho, Yahatanishi Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture) |
| Access | Take the Nishitetsu Bus to the “Meijicho Danchi” stop and walk for 7 minutes. <br> Take the Chikuho Electric Railroad to the “Chikuho Katsuki Station” and walk for 25 minutes. |
| Parking | Katsuki Chuo Park Athletic Field Free parking |
| Inquiries | Kichijoji Wisteria Festival Executive Committee (Phone: 093-617-0203 Katsuki Civic Center) Kichijoji Temple (Phone: 093-617-0237) |
Why not feel the breath of spring and be soothed by the beautiful wisteria flowers?
