The Nakayama Oofuji (giant Nakayama wisteria) tree is about 300 years old and is located at Nakayama Kumano Shrine in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
This famous tree, designated as a natural monument by Fukuoka Prefecture, is said to have originated when a local liquor store owner named “Man” in the Edo period was so taken by the magnificence of wisteria in Noda, Osaka, that he brought home wisteria seeds and planted them in his home.
Several decades later, the wisteria flowers grew to a magnificent size of about four feet (120 cm), and the area was crowded with visitors.
Later, the wisteria was transplanted to the current Nakayama Kumano Shrine grounds, where it is carefully nurtured by the local preservation society.
Around mid to late April, when the beautiful light purple flowers are in full bloom, the Nakayama Grand Wisteria Festival is held at Nakayama Kumano Shrine and Tachibana Ikoinomori Park.
A graceful curtain of wisteria blossoms that fills the wisteria trellises attracts visitors.
The magnificent wisteria arching over the stone bridge of the shrine is breathtaking and looks like a wisteria tunnel. Visitors are sure to experience the bliss of passing under the sweet scent of wisteria as it spreads throughout the area. This perfect photo spot is illuminated at night, creating a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for couples. The illuminated giant wisteria creates a beautiful world that is different from that during the daytime.
Every year, the “Nakayama Grand Wisteria Festival” features numerous food stalls, live jazz performances, photo contests, and sales of agricultural products and specialties. Tables and chairs are set up under the wisteria trellises, where visitors can relax and enjoy viewing the wisteria flowers.
During the festival, a shuttle bus service is available every year to connect the Nakayama Grand Wisteria Festival with the adjacent “Shimizuyama Botanen” in Miyama City. (Please check the tourist website for information on the service.) This is a rich opportunity to enjoy both the large wisteria and the botan.
“Yanagawa is also home to historical sightseeing spots such as the Suigo Tour and the “”Yanagawa Domain Lord Tachibana Residence Gohana,”” as well as restaurants where you can enjoy Yanagawa’s famous “”eel steamed in a pot”” and “”Yanagawa nabe,”” a local dish of seasonal delicacies such as rare seafood caught in the Ariake Sea. You should definitely check out the this area!”
Yanagawa can be reached in about an hour by car from downtown Fukuoka or in about 50 minutes by express train from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station.
During the Nakayama Grand Wisteria Festival, a temporary bus service (charged) is available from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station and JR Chikugo Funagoya Station. (For details, please check the official website.)

The Nakayama Oofuji (giant Nakayama wisteria)
Location: 538-1 Nakayama, Mitsuhashi-cho, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 832-0811 (precincts of Nakayama Kumano Shrine), 547-1 Nakayama (Tachibana Ikoinomori Park)
Phone number: 0944-77-8563, Nakayama Grand Wisteria Festival Executive Committee (Yanagawa City Tourism Section), 0944-73-8111 (Yanagawa City Commerce and Industry Association)
Dates: Monday, April 15 – Sunday, April 28, 2024
*Lights up wisteria trellises during the festival turn off at 21:00.
Yanagawa City Tourist Information (festival details are data from 2023)
https://www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jp/kanko/meisho/2140.html
Yanagawa City Tourism Website
https://www.yanagawa-net.com/attractions/seasons/spring/