【Spring 2026】 "The Scent of Plum Blossoms!" Plum Groves in Wakayama Prefecture Blooming Soon!

• Table of Contents
• Wakayama -- A Spring Poem Woven by Plum Blossoms
• Minabe Plum Grove
• Kishu Ishigami Tanabe Plum Grove
• Feel the Arrival of Spring with Loved Ones
• Photo and Video Credits

Wakayama -- A Spring Poem Woven by Plum Blossoms

As Japan's #1 plum-producing region, Wakayama celebrates the charm of plum blossoms recognized as a symbol of early spring in Japan every February.

From early February through mid-March each year, tens of thousands of plum trees bloom all at once in the plum groves, reaching their peak in mid-February.

Because plum blossoms endure the winter cold and bloom ahead of peach and cherry blossoms, filling the air with a deep, elegant fragrance, they have been cherished since ancient times. In the Man'yōshū-- Japan's oldest existing anthology of poetry-- 118 poems feature Plum Blossoms, compared to 42 regarding Cherry Blossoms. Additionally, expressions like 観梅 "kanbai" (plum blossom viewing) and 松竹梅 "shōchikubai" (literally pine-bamboo-plum), show how plum trees have long been deeply intertwined with the hearts of the Japanese people.
*Source: Kishu Tanabe Plum Promotion Council

Why not visit a plum grove viewing experience firsthand? These blossoms that are so deeply embedded in Japanese culture are sure to take your breath away.

We also introduce special spots where you can enjoy these unique experiences!

Minabe Plum Grove

Known as "one view, one million blossoms; fragrance for ten-miles", the Minabe Plum Grove is one of the largest in Japan. The entire area becomes enveloped in the fragrance of plum blossoms, making it one of Minabe's most iconic scenic destinations.

On weekdays and holidays in February, various events are scheduled, including "mochi-nage" (a traditional event where rice cakes are thrown from an elevated spot). Food trucks also appear on certain days, offering specialties such as imo-mochi (Potato mochi) and Kishu Nanko Ume proucts (Plums from the Kishu Nanko region in Wakayama).

Because the area has many slopes, comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers are recommended. Pets are also allowed inside the grove.

During peak bloom, nearby parking lots may fill up even in the morning, so visiting early is highly recommended.

Information

【Event Dates】January 25, 2025 (Sat) to March 2, 2025 (Sun)
＊The opening period may change depending on the blooming conditions
【Operating Hours】8:00AM - 5:00PM
【Admission Fee】Adults (Highschool Students and above) 500-yen, Children (Elementary and Junior Highschool Students) 200-yen
【Address】Oshine, Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture
【Parking (per day)】Cars: 500-yen 

For bus timetables and event schedules, please visit the website.

Kishu Ishigami Tanabe Plum Grove

Tanabe City, one of Wakayama’s representative plum‑producing regions, is home to the Kishu Ishigami Tanabe Plum Grove—nicknamed “One view, 300,000 blossoms.” The spectacular landscape of overlapping plum orchards stretching toward the Pacific Ocean is one of its signature charms.

Kishu Ishigami Tanabe Grove, its famed "300,000 plum trees at a glance"

In addition to a variety of events, there are food and goods stalls selling local mountain vegetables and handmade products. Visitors can also enjoy special dishes such as plum udon and Ishigami Mother’s Special Bento.

Mother Ishigami's Special Bento

Since there is no public transportation to the grove, visitors are encouraged to come by car or taxi.

Information

【 Event Dates 】February 8, 2025 (Sat) to March 2, 2025 (Sun)
【 Operating Hours 】9:00AM - 5:00PM
【 Admission Fee 】 Free
【 Address 】 5057-2 Kamihaya, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
【 Parking (1-day) 】 
Plum Grove Rooftop Parking Lot: Approximately around 20-cars, Temporary Parking Lot: Approximately 50 cars (free)

HP is here

Bloom Information

The official website provides updates such as “60% bloom,” “full bloom,” and “flowers beginning to fall.” Be sure to check the blooming status before your visit to enjoy the most beautiful scenery.

Tanabe Plum Grove Flowering Information

Feel the Arrival of Spring with Loved Ones

This article has introduced two plum‑viewing spots in Wakayama.

Related reading

Photo and Video Credits

1. Minabe Town Hall Ume Department
2. Tanabe Tourist Association