The tree was planted in 1395 by Yoshisada Nitta, a legendary samurai of the Northern and Southern Courts period.
The wisteria trellis covers an area of roughly 3,000 square meters.
It was officially designated a National Natural Monument by the Japanese government in 1928.
The flower clusters, known as 'fusa,' can grow up to 1.5 meters in length.
The site is also a local hub for the annual Yame Kurogi Wisteria Festival.
Kurogi no Ofuji is a massive wisteria tree located on the grounds of Sugano Shrine in Yame, Fukuoka. It is a designated National Natural Monument of Japan, estimated to be over 600 years old. The tree features a trellis spanning approximately 3,000 square meters, supporting long purple flower clusters that can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters. Originally planted by Emperor Go-Daigo’s loyalist Yoshisada Nitta as a sign of his pledge, the tree has survived centuries of change. The site attracts large numbers of visitors during the spring blooming period when the clusters reach their full, pendant length. The infrastructure is maintained specifically to support the immense weight and reach of the wisteria vines.
Underneath the central trellis, looking upward to capture the waterfall-like effect of the purple flowers.
Arrive early in the morning to beat the peak crowds during the blooming season.
Check local bloom forecasts, as the peak viewing window often lasts only about one week.
Wear comfortable shoes as the viewing area involves walking across gravel and uneven ground around the shrine.
Do not visit outside of the late April to early May window, as there will be no blooms to see and the site is primarily a seasonal attraction.
Open year-round, but the site is only a primary destination during the late spring blooming season.
Respect the site as an active place of worship; keep noise levels low and do not touch or pull on the flower clusters.
