The wisteria tunnels at the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu, Japan, are almost otherworldly in their beauty. While thousands of tourists flock to Japan to see the country's fabulous displays of cherry blossoms every year, the lesser-known wisteria tunnels remain a little off the beaten path, despite an increase in popularity over the past few years.
Wisteria is a climbing flower that blooms in the Spring with a variety of colors that make up a stunning Spring palette, including violet, light pink, and white. Every year at the end of April, the long-established wisteria at the gardens bloom and transform the man-made trellises into spectacular works of art. The combination of the aroma and stunning visual display make it a true sensory experience.
There are two tunnels to enjoy, each measuring about 100 meters long and consisting of up to 20 different varieties of wisteria, known locally as fuji flowers. If you want to visit, make sure to plan ahead — the display usually only lasts a few weeks. While the gardens are notoriously difficult to get to, the payoff is totally worth it. Look through to see stunning photos of this fairy-tale destination!
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano