Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2026: Dates, Tickets, and Highlights
Discover the Mito Plum Festival 2026 at Kairakuen and Kodokan in Ibaraki. This guide covers dates, tickets, and highlights, including special illuminations.
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After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a scriptwriting course for three and a half years with the aim of becoming a screenwriter. After that, I started working as a writer to utilize my writing skills. At MATCHA, I mainly write articles introducing places to go out, but so far I have been involved in creating articles related to beauty, rental cars, and MVNO.
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Ibaraki's Famous Mito Plum Blossom Festival
Photo by PR TIMES
The Mito Plum Blossom Festival is an event held from mid-February to late March at Kairakuen Garden, Kodokan, and other venues in Mito, the capital city of Ibaraki Prefecture.
Kairakuen is one of Japan's three most scenic gardens and a famous plum blossom viewing spot. There are approximately 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties within its grounds.
The other main venue, Kodokan, is a historical complex of buildings that were once part of Mito Castle.
Read on to learn the highlights and best viewing times of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival, along with access information.
Highlights of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2026
From here, we will introduce the highlights of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2026.
1. Kairakuen: One of Japan's Three Great Gardens
Kairakuen is a Japanese garden created by lord Tokugawa Nariaki in 1842, bustling with tourists during the splendid plum blossom season.
Within the garden, approximately 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties are planted, offering visitors the chance to leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful scenery created by red and white plum blossoms.
Furthermore, from Kobuntei, visitors can gaze over the expansive plum orchard. Lake Senba also offers amazing scenery.
During the festival period, tea ceremonies and guided tours are held so be sure to check them out.
2. Kodokan: One of the Largest Schools in Edo-Period Japan
Kodokan was one of the largest schools in Edo-period Japan, established by the 9th lord of the Mito domain, Tokugawa Nariaki, and serves as a spot where visitors can enjoy the plum blossoms amidst historical architecture.
The grounds feature about 800 plum trees, showcasing a stunning contrast between the majestic wooden architecture and the plum blossoms.
Additionally, at Kodokan, exhibitions related to the Tokugawa family and events to experience traditional culture are also held, so be sure to visit at least once!
3. Kairakuen UME The Lights (night illumination program)
Photo by PR TIMES
Kairakuen UME The Lights debuted in 2025 and returns in 2026 as a nighttime program that reimagines Kairakuen after dusk.
Photo by PR TIMES
Running on selected nights from February to mid-March, the program illuminates the park’s extensive plum groves with artistic lighting and projection mapping.
Photo by PR TIMES
Highlights include subtle uplighting and color washes that sculpt plum trees into intimate vignettes, and an immersive sea of clouds projection in the bamboo grove that creates an ephemeral, dreamlike atmosphere.
Photo by PR TIMES
Night-only food stalls and seasonal plum-flavored offerings are also available, giving visitors a chance to sample warm snacks and desserts designed for evening enjoyment. The illumination aims both to create striking photo moments and to reinterpret the garden’s historical sightlines and structures through light.
Photo by PR TIMES
Furthermore a very limited overnight package for 2026 (six groups total) pairs evening admission to Kairakuen UME The Lights with a stay at Hotel Terrace the Garden Mito, a guided morning tour by the Mito Plum Ambassadors, drone aerial photos over the plum groves, and a private sweets-and-matcha experience in Koubuntei’s inner garden.
Sessions run on selected weekends between February 27 and March 15, 2026; prices start at 69,000 JPY for two people. Sales open on the official website (Japanese) from December 1.
Overview of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2026
The overview of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2025 is as follows:
- Event Name
- Venues
- Event Period
- Event Hours
- Admission Fee
- Official Website
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Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2026 |
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Kairakuen Garden MAP, Kodokan MAP, Daikumachi MAP |
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February 11 - March 22, 2026 Kairakuen UME The Lights: February 13 - March 15, 2026 |
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Kairakuen: 6:00 – 19:00 Kodokan: 9:00 – 17:00 Kairakuen UME The Lights: 18:00 - 20:30 |
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Kairakuen: Adults 320 yen, Children and Seniors (70 years and older) 160 yen Kodokan: Adults 420 yen, Children and Seniors (70 years and older) 210 yen Kairakuen UME The Lights Tickets: Advance Sale (E-ticket): Adult: 800 yen, Children 400 yen (elementary & junior high students)Free for children below elementary school Same-day Sale (Paper Ticket): Adult 1,000 yen, Child 500 yen (elementary & junior high students), Free for children below elementary school |
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https://ibaraki-kairakuen.jp/en/language/ Kairakuen UME The Lights Official Website: https://ume-the-lights.jp/en |
During the festival period, congestion is expected, so it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information and to plan accordingly.
Access to the Mito Plum Blossom Festival
Accessing the Mito Plum Blossom Festival is convenient via Mito Station (JR Joban Line).
To reach Kairakuen Garden, take a local bus from the north entrance of Mito Station and get off at Kairakuen Mae, which is a 5-minute walk from the garden. Additionally, during the festival period, a shuttle bus is expected to operate.
For Kodokan, it is just a 10-minute walk from the north exit of Mito Station, making it easy for first-time visitors to find.
There are numerous parking options available around Kairakuen and Kodokan, so access by car is also possible. However, congestion is expected on weekends and holidays, so using public transportation is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mito Plum Blossom Festival
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best viewing time for the Mito Plum Blossom Festival?
Typically, red plum blossoms are at their best from early March, while white plum blossoms begin to bloom from late February. However, this can vary depending on the year's temperatures, so be sure to check the weather forecast before your visit.
Will there be light displays and food stalls at the Mito Plum Blossom Festival?
During the Mito Plum Blossom Festival, light displays will be held from February 15 to March 9, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. In the vicinity of Kairakuen, food stalls will also be available, offering sweets made with plums. Additionally, in Daikumachi, lanterns inspired by plum blossoms will illuminate the area, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the town.
What is the history of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival?
The Mito Plum Blossom Festival is said to have started in 1896. Initially, it was held as a community event for local residents, but as Kairakuen became recognized as a tourist destination, the festival expanded and evolved into its current form.
After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a scriptwriting course for three and a half years with the aim of becoming a screenwriter. After that, I started working as a writer to utilize my writing skills. At MATCHA, I mainly write articles introducing places to go out, but so far I have been involved in creating articles related to beauty, rental cars, and MVNO.
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