Kairakuen Mito Plum Festival: 3,000 Plum Trees Welcome the Arrival of Spring

Written / Compiled and Reported by the Editorial Team of MOOK Scenic Spots & Travel Life Network

The plum blossoms in Taiwan are nearing their end, with petals falling like snow, signaling the approaching end of winter. In Japan, at higher latitudes, white and red plum blossoms are just beginning to bloom in February, gradually painting the country in vibrant colors, also symbolizing that the spring deity is quietly arriving along with the blooming plum blossoms. Japan is home to numerous famous plum blossom viewing spots planted with many plum trees. From February to March, various plum blossom viewing events are held across the country. Among the most renowned is the “Mito Plum Festival” at Kairakuen in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Kairakuen, together with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama Prefecture, is ranked as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. It is a vast garden built by the lord of the Mito Domain during the Edo period, boasting a history of about 170 years.

The “Mito Plum Festival” is held annually from February 20 to March 31, featuring around 1,000 plum trees of approximately 100 varieties in full bloom. During this time, the entire garden is enveloped in the fragrant aroma of plum blossoms, bathed in a gradient of soft pink hues, creating a truly dreamlike atmosphere. In addition, for those who can’t get enough of the plum fragrance, the park’s shop also sells plum-scented perfumes. And for about two weeks during the plum blossom season, the garden is illuminated at night, offering a unique view of the plum grove.

Besides admiring the plum blossoms, the Mito Plum Festival also hosts outdoor tea ceremonies — “nodate,” as well as outdoor guqin (ancient Chinese zither) performances. In addition, various events are held within the garden and at adjacent facilities during the festival period. Notably, on March 14 this year, a special “Night ‘Plum’ Festival” event was held for one evening only, featuring candle-lined paths where visitors could stroll through the garden while enjoying fireworks and nighttime plum blossoms.