"ASHIKAGA OFUJI" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East limited express train "ASHIKAGA OFUJI", which connects the Tokyo metropolitan area to Ashikaga Flower Park Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to the Ashikaga Flower Park's famous wisteria, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" is a limited express train operated by JR East, connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area with Ashikaga Flower Park Station. This seasonal train runs to coincide with the peak blooming season of the wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park. The large wisteria tree in the park is said to be over 160 years old and is known for its scenery when the entire wisteria trellis is dyed in light purple. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. As this train operates only on limited days, you need to check the operating dates if you plan to ride it. Ashikaga Flower Park Station is located right in front of the park. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "ASHIKAGA OFUJI"?

The "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" is a special train that operates to coincide with the wisteria season at Ashikaga Flower Park. Ashikaga Flower Park is a flower theme park located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture. The large wisteria tree in the park is designated as a natural monument of Tochigi Prefecture. Ashikaga Flower Park Station is a station on the Ryomo Line that opened in 2018. The best time to see the wisteria is usually from mid-April to early May.

Train features and popular points

The appeal of Ashikaga Flower Park lies in its direct access from the Tokyo metropolitan area, coinciding with the peak wisteria blooming season. Since all seats are reserved, you can travel comfortably even during peak season. The wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park presents a breathtaking spectacle, with the entire trellis dyed a vibrant purple. The tunnels of white and yellow wisteria are also highlights. The best time to see the wisteria is typically from mid-April to early May. The nighttime illumination creates a magical atmosphere. The winter illuminations are also known as one of Japan's three major illumination displays. The park entrance is just a short walk from the station. Checking the stops and travel time before boarding makes it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The scenery from the train window changes significantly with the seasons, so choosing the time of year to suit your purpose is recommended. Ashikaga Flower Park can be enjoyed as a flower theme park throughout the four seasons. In addition to wisteria, azaleas and rhododendrons are also in full bloom around the same time.

Timetable for "ASHIKAGA OFUJI"

*The "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" train operates only on limited days, primarily during the wisteria season.

Downbound (towards Ashikaga Flower Park Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area) Timetable

The "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" train operates only on limited days, mainly during the wisteria season. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. Because the number of trains is limited, be sure to check the round-trip schedule when planning your itinerary. If you have connecting trains or buses, choose connections that allow ample time from your arrival time for peace of mind.

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" train is a limited-running train that operates only on days when the wisteria is in full bloom. The operating days and sections may vary from year to year. The operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride the train.

Operating Sections of the "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" Train

Main Sections

• From your departure station in the Tokyo metropolitan area to Omiya Station (Keihin-Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, etc.)
• Omiya Station to Oyama Station (Tohoku Main Line)
• Oyama Station to Ashikaga Flower Park Station (Ryomo Line)

Ashikaga Flower Park Station is located right in front of the park. The large wisteria tree in the park is designated as a natural monument of Tochigi Prefecture. The white wisteria tunnel is an 80-meter-long tunnel of wisteria. When the wisteria is lit up at night, you can enjoy its fantastical appearance. Ashikaga School is a historical site said to be the oldest school in Japan. Banna-ji Temple is a temple built on the site of the Ashikaga clan's residence. Sano is known for Sano ramen and Sano Yakuyoke Daishi. As getting to the surrounding tourist attractions is mainly done by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options in advance. There are sometimes tourist information centers around the station where you can get maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it is a good idea to check the return train and bus schedules as well. Ashikaga is a historic town known as the birthplace of the Ashikaga clan.

Stations Served by "ASHIKAGA OFUJI"

Main Stations Served

• Major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area
• Omiya Station
• Oyama Station
• Sano Station
• Ashikaga Flower Park Station

The stations the train stops at may vary depending on the train and the day of operation.

Fares for "ASHIKAGA OFUJI"

Representative Section Fare

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" train is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the reserved seat limited express ticket. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the seat ticket. JR limited express train fares are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a normal season, peak season, or off-peak season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express fare" for riding the limited express train. You must purchase both to be able to ride the limited express train, so please note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket.

About the Park Admission Fee

The entrance fee for Ashikaga Flower Park is not included in the train fare. The entrance fee is based on a system that varies depending on the flowering status of the flowers. The entrance fee may be highest during the wisteria season. The park is also very crowded during the wisteria season.

How to Buy Tickets for "ASHIKAGA OFUJI"

Eki-net (Online Reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, "Eki-net," allows you to reserve reserved seats using a credit card. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to certain conditions and fees.

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at ticket vending machines and Midori-no-madoguchi at stations. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. Ticket vending machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the Midori-no-madoguchi, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Midori-no-madoguchi can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Some major travel agencies may offer travel packages that include admission tickets to Ashikaga Flower Park and train tickets.

For International Tourists

The "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" train is operated by JR East, so it can be used with the JR Pass or JR East Area Pass. Even when using a pass, all seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. Some station ticket offices offer assistance in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Even if you purchase your ticket through "Eki-net," you may still need to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, it's best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

Since the operating section is within the Suica area, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Please note that you cannot board the train using only an IC card. A reserved seat limited express ticket must be purchased separately.

Seating Information for "ASHIKAGA OFUJI"

Seat Types

The "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" train is all reserved seating. The train uses special carriages designed for temporary services. Since the number of seats is limited, it is recommended to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you wish to sit together with your travel companions, booking together will make it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Seat Features

The seats recline, ensuring a comfortable journey. The type of train used may vary depending on the day of travel. Since seats are reserved, you can travel comfortably even during peak seasons. From the windows, you can enjoy the rural scenery of the Kanto Plain. The view changes depending on the direction of travel, so it's a good idea to check your seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable if ease of boarding and alighting is a priority. For long journeys, it's best to check your seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Luggage Storage Area

Luggage racks may be provided at the ends of the train cars.

Accessibility Features

If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to consult with JR East's ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and configuration.

Ekiben and Onboard Dining on the "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" Train

On the "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" train, onboard sales service may not be available. It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks at a station shop before boarding. In Ashikaga, shumai and soba noodles are known as local specialties. Sano ramen is a local ramen dish characterized by its noodles made using a bamboo pole. Onboard sales service varies depending on the train and time of year, so it is best to purchase drinks and snacks before boarding. Station shops may have limited operating hours, so it is advisable to stop by early. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "ASHIKAGA OFUJI"

The "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" train operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. All seats are reserved, so you will not be able to board without a reserved seat. The best time to see the wisteria varies depending on the weather each year. The entrance fee to the park is not included in the train fare. The park and station become very crowded during wisteria season. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Operating days and sections may vary from year to year. Before boarding, please check the operating status on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Summary

The "ASHIKAGA OFUJI" is a special JR East train connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area with Ashikaga Flower Park Station. This seasonal train operates to coincide with the peak blooming season of the wisteria tree, which is over 160 years old. It operates on limited days and all seats are reserved, so be sure to check the operating dates and reserve your seat in advance.

Enjoy the spectacular spring scenery at "ASHIKAGA OFUJI", where you can see a trellis of pale purple wisteria.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.