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The Odawara Plum Blossom Festival near Tokyo features over 35,000 plum trees sprawled across a historic landscape. This article covers highlights, locations, and event details. With food stalls available, it's a great seasonal outing for family and friends in February.
The Odawara Plum Blossom Festival 2025 will be held from February 1 to the 24th.
One particularly recommended place, the Soga Plum Grove, boasts about 35,000 plum trees in full bloom. It offers breathtaking views including the Hakone mountain range and Mount Fuji.
Additionally, the main venue, Odawara Castle Park, features a stunning contrast between the historic scenery and the plum blossoms!
During the festival, there will also be food stalls and sales of local specialties, making it perfect for strolling with family and friends.
Odawara can be easily reached from Tokyo in 33 minutes by Shinkansen (3,280 yen) or one hour and 23 minutes by regular train on the JR Tokaido Main Line (1,518 yen).
Here are four highlights of the Odawara Plum Blossom Festival. The main venues for the festival are Soga Plum Grove and Odawara Castle Park.
Photo by Pixta
The history of the Odawara Plum Festival and Soga Plum Grove (Japanese) dates back about 600 years, beginning when many plum trees were planted in the castle town to use the plums as provisions.
In the background of the blooming approximately 35,000 plum trees, you can see Mount Fuji and the Hakone mountains. This scenic view is truly the main highlight!
In the past, horseback archery was conducted in hopes of peace reigning across the land and providing a bountiful harvest. However, this event is temporarily paused due to various circumstances.
There are also shops and restaurants around the information center, so you won't grow hungry. Don't miss trying the very popular plum-scented udon and picking up the perfect souvenir, Soga pickled plums.
Photo by Pixta
At Odawara Castle Park, about 250 plum trees bloom against the backdrop of the castle keep, the copper gate, and the Tokiwa Bridge. The contrast between the historic scenery and the plum blossoms is a highlight!
Additionally, there will be a Setsubun (the last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar) haiku poetry meeting and a painting competition.
The spacious grounds feature walking paths, ponds, and a museum, providing an opportunity to enjoy both nature and history. It is a recommended spot for outings with family and friends.
Photo by Pixta
At Tsujimura Botanical Garden, the seasonal blooms in February are primarily late-blooming white plums. The garden, which occupies a large part of the park's approximately 4.7 hectares, features an impressive 560 plum trees.
During the harvest season, visitors can experience making pickled plums and purchase green plums.
Since it is located on a hillside, take in the views of Sagami Bay alongside the plum blossoms while enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Tsujimura Botanical Garden
Address: 4377-1 Kuno, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Official Website: https://odawara-jigyo-kyokai.jp/wanpaku/tsujimura (Japanese)
Photo by Pixta
The Odawara Flower Garden features approximately 480 plum trees of 200 varieties, from early to late bloomers, creating a vibrant plum grove.
Situated at an elevation of about 113 meters, it offers picturesque views of the Tanzawa Mountains behind the plum grove, resembling a beautiful painting.
During the festival period last year, various craft events and light snacks were offered. Be sure to check in advance for this year's offerings.
The Odawara Plum Blossom Festival 2025 will be held from February 1st (Saturday) to 24th (Monday), featuring over 35,000 plum trees in full bloom.
The main venue, Soga Plum Grove, showcases the stunning plum blossoms and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, with a history dating back about 600 years.
Not only will you enjoy the plum blossoms and historical background, but there will also be food stalls and sales of local specialties, making it a great spot for strolling with family and friends!
Official website for the Odawara Plum Blossom Festival: http://www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp.e.aez.hp.transer.com/kanko/event/FEB/umematuri_52.html
Main image by Pixta