This page: Fuji in Fujino Contents Previous

Wisteria Arbor at Fujino Station White Wisteria in Hizure Wild Wisteria in Shinobara, Fujino

Based on the name alone, it should be obvious that Fujino's town flower would be the wisteria, or fuji. A wildly climbing vine, the wisteria will, if left to its own devices, take over and strangle other less flashy but more steadfast trees: Let us blame the wisteria, of too pale a hue, Though the pine has let itself be overgrown. The wisteria has long been a staple of Japanese literary imagery, as illustrated by the above poem from the Tale of Genji (Edward Seidensticker's translation). Genji includes a chapter revolving around wisteria and poems built on its associations. Wisteria—both purple and white varieties—can be found here and there throughout Fujino, cultivated as potted plants and arbors, as well as stringing its way recklessly through other trees along local roads and mountainside hiking trails. It blooms from late April until mid-May. To return to your previous location, use your browser's "BACK" button, or click your heels together three times while saying, "there's no place like home" . . .

Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township
by Norman Havens nhavens@gol.com
Updated: April 4, 2004

URL: http://www2.gol.com/users/nhavens/