Ashikaga City

Index

Highlights of Ashikaga City

Located about two hours north of Tokyo, Ashikaga city in Tochigi Prefecture is most famous for the stunning Ashikaga Flower park that boasts beautiful wisteria displays and award-winning special winter illumination.

Other attractions and activities include the Bannaji Temple (built in the 12th century), kimono renting, wine tasting, and indigo dyeing where you can make your own souvenir.

Ashikaga is the birthplace of the Ashikaga clan, a shogun family in the Muromachi Period from 1336 until 1573. These quiet, stone-paved streets hold a lot of history including Ashikaga Gakko, which is said to be the oldest school in Japan.

While you’re in the area, we suggest trying the local soba that is special because flavoring is added directly to the soba dough. If you prefer to enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, why not dine at Coco Farm and Winery where you can either sit down at the restaurant for a meal or simply enjoy a wine tasting on their scenic veranda. Nearby Towns such as Kiryu and Sano are also worth exploring.

3 ladies in kimono in front of Bannanji temple in Ashikaga city

Terrace of coco farm winery in Ashikaga city

Tasting terrace of coco farm winery in Ashikaga city

Night illuminations of pink wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park

Flowers and white wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park

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(Photo: Tochigi Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association)

Access

From Tokyo

From Airports

Haneda Intl. Airport

Narita Intl. Airport

Ibaraki Airport

Main Stations

Videos of Ashikaga City

Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park

My Shockingly Epic Day in Japan! Ashikaga Japan Guide

Coco Winery Harvest Festival

The most important clan in Japanese history!

Things to DO in Ashikaga City

Shrines and Temples

Ashikaga has historic shrines and temples to visit including the Zen Buddhist Temple, Bannaji, which is one of the best preserved temples in Japan and Orihime shrine which overlooks Ashikaga from the top of Mt Orihime.

Ashikaga Gakkō

This National Historic site is known as the oldest university in Japan. Many of the wooden buildings were restored in the 1990’s including the former student living quarters, classrooms, and the library.

Kimono Experience

Ashikaga-meisen, a material used for Kimono is made in Ashikaga city. See here to find out how to enjoy a Kimono Experience here in Ashikaga.

Ashikaga Flower Park

Internationally known for their spectacular wisteria display and winter illuminations, Ashikaga flower park is beautiful to walk around at all times of year. Their 8 seasonal flower displays are ever changing and with lots to see you could easily spend a few hours here enjoying the flowers and taking lots of photos.

EATING in Ashikaga City

Japanese Food

The local speciality of Ashikaga is Jyagaimo iri Yakisoba (Potato Yakisoba), Sauce Katsudon (Deep-Fried Breaded Pork Bowl with Worcestershire-Based Sauce), and soba. Ashikaga has many restaurants to choose from.

Western Food

Ashikaga offers a wide range of food, from refined steak houses to local food trucks. If you plan to visit Ashikaga’s Coco Farm Winery, we recommend having lunch at their nice western-style restaurant.

Enjoy Wisteria inspired sweets

The giant purple wisteria of Ashikaga flower park has inspired many local businesses to create Wisteria-themed sweets (and some skin care products). Check out Ashikaga flower park or local souvenir shops to find them.