Wisteria in Japan

Wisteria in Oyokogawa Park

This time of year reminds me of something I learned from Rurosha when I first started reading her blog.  At least I think I started to read her blog about a year ago.  I learned about wisterias, a beautiful vine with beautiful purple flowers.  I learned about the famous wisterias at a shrine near my place, Kameido Tenjin.  They have beautiful trellises with wisterias on them.  Recently I went for a walk in Oyokogawa Park and saw something that I hadn’t noticed in the 3 years that I have lived in Kinshicho.  I noticed a building with wisteria, but I’m not a botanist, so I could be completely wrong, and the building was full of wisteria.  I always knew it was a beautiful building with lovely vines growing up the side of the building, but since I rarely walk in the park during the day, it was the first time I really noticed it.  I couldn’t help but think of Rurosha’s post “In praise of wisteria and older men” where I first learned about wisteria.  Unfortunately, I also think of “Desperate Housewives” and where they live, but that is completely off topic here.  Do note that I don’t watch Desperate Housewives.  It is that time of year so if you are in Japan and are having sakura withdraws consider looking for some wisteria as they are just as interesting and probably highly underrated in Japan.  When that is done, we have hydrangeas to look forward to.  Thanks Ru, and to a secondary extent, Sarah for the interest in flowers and what their names and blooming times are.

Wisteria in Oyokogawa Park