Have you ever heard of a path called "Purple Road" in Higashi Ward, Sapporo? What's more, this Purple Road is said to stretch for over 6 kilometers. I went to find out what kind of road it is and uncover the truth.

Upon arriving, the mystery was quickly solved! The Purple Road is a promenade lined with numerous wisteria trellises. It's called Purple Road because it's a path where purple wisteria blooms in abundance.

The Purple Road extends northward along Fushiko-Taku Hokudori Street. The starting point is near the intersection of Fushiko-Taku Hokudori and Kanjo-dori, right by Fushiko Park. A sign that reads "Start" marks the spot.

Of the more than 6-kilometer-long Purple Road, a section of about 1.8 kilometers leading up to Sapporo Municipal Sapporo Junior High School has been developed as a promenade.

There are 41 wisteria trellises in the developed promenade section. The reason so many wisteria were planted here is apparently because the Fushiko area was anciently called "Fujiko," with "fuji" meaning wisteria.

In addition to wisteria, Purple Road is also planted with white birches, Japanese elms, poplars, ginkgos, azaleas, lilacs, and Colorado blue spruces. The surrounding area has relatively heavy traffic, but this path feels like a separate, almost magical space.

The best time to see wisteria in Sapporo is from late May to early June. If you walk along Purple Road during this season, you'll truly understand why it bears its name. The clusters of flowers cascade down from the trellises, creating a veritable purple tunnel! It gently colors the view of anyone strolling by.

If you turn around where the promenade ends, you'll find it's a perfect distance for a pleasant walk. The season for this year (2022) is coming to an end, but even without the wisteria in bloom, it remains a delightful place.

*We've also captured our walk along Purple Road in a video. Please feel free to watch it as well!



Why not take a walk there yourself?