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Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2025 at Kairakuen Garden and Kodokan
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The Mito Plum Blossom Festival is an annual spring event held from mid-February to late March at Kairakuen Garden in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture. We introduce the festival's highlights, the schedule for 2025, best viewing times, access, and more.
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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.
Ibaraki's Famous Mito Plum Blossom Festival
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 2025
From here, we will introduce the highlights of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2025.
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. DAIKUMACHI NIGHT
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
DAIKUMACHI NIGHT is a special event held in Daikumachi to coincide with the Mito Plum Festival.
During the event period, the lanterns designed with plum blossoms will light up the streets with a pink hue, creating a magical atmosphere.
At DAIKUMACHI NIGHT, visitors can also enjoy plum-themed food and drinks specially created by local restaurants.
Additionally, tuk-tuks wrapped in plum colors will be in operation, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out!
Overview of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2025
The overview of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2025 is as follows:
- Event Name
- Venues
- Event Period
- Event Hours
- Admission Fee
- Official Website
| Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2025 | |
| Kairakuen Garden MAP, Kodokan MAP, Daikumachi MAP | |
| February 11 - March 20, 2025 | |
| Kairakuen: 6:00 – 19:00 Kodokan: 9:00 – 17:00 | |
| 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 | |
| https://ibaraki-kairakuen.jp/en/language/ |
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.
Written by
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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