Nara's wisteria wonderland

Kasugataisha Shrine in Nara City, nestled before a primeval forest, is renowned for its stunning wisteria blooms. Among the attractions at the UNESCO World Heritage Site are a 700-year-old wisteria tree near the main hall and a botanical garden showcasing around 200 wisteria trees of 20 different varieties. The shrine's deep floral connection is evident in its crest, depicting the hanging wisteria, and in the elegant purple wisteria adorning shrine maidens' headpieces.