Guest Writer By Darcy Fowler, Guest Writer
When most people think of spring in Japan, their minds immediately think about cherry blossoms. Tourists flock to Tokyo and Kyoto to witness how beautiful the country is, but just a short train ride away in the city of Mito, there’s an experience that offers something more tranquil. The plum blossoms of Kairakuen are a stunning prelude to spring, celebrated with a wonderful festival that helps to show the true beauty of the garden.
Kairakuen is home to a staggering 3,000 plum trees, each a testament to a centuries-old tradition. From mid-February to late March, the garden transforms into a fragrant sea of white, pink and red blossoms, offering a peaceful alternative to the bustling cherry blossom season. You get hit by the scent of a hundred different plum varieties that allow you to truly appreciate the quiet beauty of a Japanese spring.
We’ll take a closer look at the Kairakuen Plum Festival throughout this guide and let you know why it should be included in your next Asian travel destinations. Continue reading to find out more.
What Makes the Kairakuen Plum Festival Special?
Floral Grandeur
As mentioned, Kairakuen is home to 3,000 plum trees, which include over 100 different varieties. This incredible scale and the wide range of blossoms, from white and pink to more vibrant hues, create a magnificent spectacle that has been impressing visitors for over a century. The blooming season lasts from mid-February to late March, providing a long window for visitors to enjoy the different blossoms as they bloom.
Historical Treasure
Kairakuen was established in 1842 by the ninth lord of the Mito domain, Tokugawa Nariaki. Unlike many other gardens of its time, which were reserved for the ruling elite, Kairakuen was open to the public from its inception. The name Kairakuen means “a park to be enjoyed together,” which shows that it’s designed for all types of people to enjoy during their time in the area. The festival also takes place at the nearby Kodokan, a former domain school, adding a historical feel to the experience that makes it seem more authentic.
Festival Experiences
In addition to the beautiful blossoms that have been revitalized using pruners, the festival has nightly illuminations that add that extra something to the garden. Attendees can immerse themselves in Japanese traditions through tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations and live performances too. For a taste of the region’s unique flavors, the festival offers an array of local culinary delights that you can taste along the way. There are plum-themed sweets and plum liqueur for visitors to try. The Japan Umeshu Festival is also hosted there, and visitors can sample from over 150 varieties of the liqueur.
Serene Setting
The festival takes place just before the country’s more famous cherry blossom spectacle, offering a tranquil start to spring. The ume blossoms provide a serene alternative to the bustling Sakura season, allowing visitors to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty without the overwhelming crowds. It presents a rare opportunity to see the earliest signs of spring in a setting that doesn’t make you feel rushed.
Key Attractions within Kairakuen Garden
There are several attractions that are considered to be a must-visit when going to Kairakuen Garden, whether you go during the festival season or not. Some of these attractions include:
- Plum Grove (Ume Bayashi)
- Kobuntei Pavilion
- Yin and Yang Aesthetic
- Taro Cedar Tree
- Togyokusen and Gyokyuryusen Springs
- Tokiwa Shrine
- Lake Senba
Kairakuen Travel Logistics
The most efficient way to travel from to Mito is by getting the plane to Tokyo and then the train. From Shinagawa, Tokyo or Ueno Station, take a JR Joban Line limited express train to get to the location. The journey takes approximately 70 minutes, offering a scenic look at the countryside that only adds to the overall experience.
Once you arrive at Mito Station, Kairakuen Garden is a short trip away. You can easily catch a local bus from the station’s north exit, with frequent services running directly to the garden. Taxis are also readily available for a quick ride to the garden. For those who prefer to explore on foot, the garden is a scenic 30-minute walk from the station, with the path leading you past the beautiful Lake Senba, a perfect warm-up for your garden visit.
Mito also offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles. Most of the hotels are concentrated around Mito Station, making them a convenient base for exploring the city. You’ll find a range of modern business hotels with all the standard amenities, as well as a few more traditional Japanese inns for a more authentic experience. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend trips during the peak of the plum blossom season as there’s a high chance that everything will be fully booked if you aim to do so when you’re there.
Final Thoughts
The Kairakuen Plum Festival is a rewarding alternative to the usual tourist destinations of Japan. While the cherry blossoms are the most popular, the plum blossoms provide a more intimate experience. The festival is a tradition that needs to be experienced, where the delicate fragrance of the blooms and the serene atmosphere invite you to appreciate the moment. When travelling to Mito, you are embracing a different philosophy of travel while seeing one of the most serene gardens in the world.
