History, proof, and legend (Now at Mt. Koya)
The Tokaen garden was originally on the grounds of Renge-in, a temple of Shingon Buddhism. It was abolished by its head priest, Kozo Fujioka, in 1864, after which it was transferred to its current owner.
According to legend, the wisteria here were personally planted by Kobo Daishi* nearly 1,200 years ago.
*Also known as Kukai, Kobo Daishi was the monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism.