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Every spring, Kairakuen Garden in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to admire its breathtaking scenery. The garden's allure during spring captivates tourists with its spectacular array of flowers, particularly the plum blossoms. Spring is when Kairakuen bursts into life, showcasing a colorful display of blooms. Join Mytour as we explore the dazzling charm of this beautiful Japanese garden.
Enchanting beauty of Kairakuen Garden in spring
Kairakuen Garden is one of Japan's three largest and most beautiful gardens. Spanning an impressive 13 hectares, it was established in the mid-19th century by Lord Tokugawa Nariaki. Famous for its mesmerizing beauty, the garden is home to over 3,000 plum trees that burst into a spectacular bloom each spring, lighting up the skies above Mito with vibrant color.
Kairakuen Garden is at its most beautiful from late February to the end of March each year. This is when the plum blossoms blanket the entire vast garden. If you travel to Japan during this period, you'll experience the magical beauty that nature has gifted to this beautiful land. The Kairakuen plum garden boasts a variety of species, including the Shirokaga, with around 450 trees, Tojibai with about 150, and Yaekanto with around 130. Early in the season, varieties like Yaekanko, Shironaniwa, Yaetoji, and the pure, delicate Rekkobai bloom. Mid-season brings the Tsukikage, a single-petal plum with an alluring fragrance, while the season’s final blooms include the stunning Shirokaga, Kasugano, and Konanshomu. Spring also sees a significant surge in visitors from both Japan and abroad to Kairakuen.
Kairakuen Garden is not just a place to sightsee; it’s also a perfect spot for picnics, festivals, or simply capturing stunning photographs. The garden is a breathtaking scene filled with shades of white, pink, and red, framed by charming traditional houses that seem straight out of a fairytale.
The Mito Plum Blossom Festival
Every year, Mito City in Japan hosts the Plum Blossom Festival, also known as Ume Matsuri, from February 20th to March 31st. This event attracts over 1 million visitors, both domestic and international, with a variety of exciting and engaging activities. The festival offers a chance to explore Japan’s ancient culture and traditions, with ‘Plum Blossom Ambassadors,’ elegant young women in traditional kimonos, guiding visitors through the different types of plums in the Kairakuen garden. The kimono designs worn by the ambassadors are specially created each year, reflecting the colors of the blooming plums. In addition, the festival features lively performances, including Koto music, tea ceremonies, swordsmanship, and the opportunity to explore exhibitions of local traditional arts and crafts.
For the Japanese, in addition to cherry blossoms, plum blossoms are also a symbol of spring. If you wish to admire both plum and cherry blossoms, the best time to visit is mid-March when Mito is bathed in the colors of plum flowers, while cherry blossoms are in full bloom, filling the skies of Japan. Mytour’s affordable Japan tour will take you to witness the magical beauty of Japan's spring season. Not only will you enjoy the beauty of nature, but you'll also have the chance to shop and savor the delicious cuisine of the Land of the Rising Sun.
