Ashikaga Flowers Park Pvt. One Day Tour with Pickup

Ashikaga Orihime Jinja Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1879, it honors Orihime, a goddess associated with weaving, prosperity, and matchmaking, and draws inspiration from the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two lovers separated by the Milky Way in Japanese folklore. Known for its scenic views, the shrine is situated on a hill that offers panoramic sights of Ashikaga City, especially stunning during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage.

Visitors can approach the shrine by climbing a path of around 200 steps, lined with vibrant red torii gates, which create a striking atmosphere leading to the main shrine building. It’s also popular as a power spot for couples, where people pray for love, marriage, and other good fortunes. The shrine celebrates various festivals, especially Tanabata (the Star Festival) in July, where locals honor the legendary lovers with colorful decorations.

The Ashikaga School, or Ashikaga Gakko, is considered Japan’s oldest academic institution and is located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture. Believed to have been established in the 9th century and reaching prominence in the 15th century, the school became a renowned center for Confucian and classical Chinese studies. During its peak, students came from across Japan to study subjects like Confucian philosophy, medicine, military strategy, astronomy, and Buddhism.

The Ashikaga School was highly regarded by notable historical figures, including the samurai lord Oda Nobunaga, who praised it as Japan’s foremost learning center. Today, the ruins and reconstructed buildings offer a glimpse into Japan’s medieval education, with the tranquil setting featuring restored lecture halls, a library, and gardens.

The Ashikaga School site is preserved as a historic and cultural monument, allowing visitors to experience the serene, scholarly environment of Japan’s early academic institutions.

The Ashikaga Art Museum is known for its rich collection of Japanese and international contemporary art. Founded in 1994, the museum has a strong focus on showcasing the work of modern Japanese artists, along with a range of temporary exhibitions that bring in artwork from different genres and eras. Its architectural design combines traditional Japanese elements with modern touches, creating a tranquil space that complements its exhibitions.

The museum frequently hosts events, lectures, and workshops, making it a cultural hub for both locals and visitors. Its collections and exhibitions often explore themes related to Japanese culture, history, and aesthetics, and it’s a popular destination for art enthusiasts interested in exploring the connections between contemporary and traditional Japanese art forms adds an extra layer of appeal, with visitors often combining a visit to the museum with other historical sites nearby, like the Ashikaga School and Ashikaga Orihime Shrine.

Sano Premium Outlets, located in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s popular shopping destinations, known for its wide range of high-end and popular brand stores. Part of the Premium Outlets chain managed by the Simon Property Group, Sano Premium Outlets offers over 180 stores, featuring both Japanese and international luxury and designer brands at discounted prices. The outlet mall is modeled after the style of American open-air malls, with a scenic, pedestrian-friendly layout and a view of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Mikamo.

In addition to shopping, the outlets offer a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to cafes, where shoppers can relax. The outlet’s location, close to the Tohoku Expressway and easily accessible from Tokyo, makes it a convenient day-trip destination for tourists and locals alike. Sano Premium Outlets is also near other attractions in the area.

Ashikaga Flower Park, located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, is renowned for its breathtaking floral displays, particularly its iconic wisteria . The park spans about 94,000 square meters and features a wide array of seasonal flowers throughout the year, with highlights including wisteria, roses, tulips, and azaleas. Established in 1968, Ashikaga Flower Park is especially famous for its Great Wisteria Festival held each spring, when massive wisteria trellises bloom in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow, creating a mesmerizing and immersive experience.

The park’s “Miracle Great Wisteria,” which is over 160 years old, is one of the main attractions, and its expansive canopy of delicate purple flowers has earned it international recognition as one of Japan’s most beautiful flower-viewing spots. Ashikaga Flower Park also hosts seasonal events such as the “Flower Fantasy” winter illumination, where the gardens transform into a sparkling wonderland of lights.