About the festival
Mito Plum Blossom Festival celebrates the plum gardens at Kairakuen and Kodokan. Blossom timing varies, so the festival period does not guarantee peak flowers.
Who is it for?
Garden lovers and travelers interested in Mito's domain history.
Photo: wellflat . · CC BY 2.0
Original date: 2017-03-03 15:28. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
Usually February–March; flowering and event dates differ
Usual season; next dates not confirmed. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Mito · 水戸
Kairakuen is at 1-3-3 Tokiwa-cho, Mito. Kodokan is at 1-6-29 Sannomaru, north of Mito Station. They are separate sites, not the endpoints of a procession.
偕楽園・弘道館
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Take a JR Joban Line limited express from Ueno to Mito, then a bus toward Kairakuen. Seasonal Kairakuen Station stops depend on JR's published timetable.
What to see
- Plum gardens
- Historic Kodokan buildings
- Seasonal garden events
History and origins
The festival began in 1896 in connection with rail travel and special blossom-viewing trains. Kairakuen was founded by Tokugawa Nariaki.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Split your time between flowers and the historic buildings; allow transport time if you visit both gardens.
Places to visit nearby
Kodokan
弘道館
The former Mito domain school, with historic buildings and plum gardens.
Explore its buildings as well as the blossoms; allow separate travel from Kairakuen.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Mito Plum Blossom Festival: common questions
When is Mito Plum Blossom Festival?
Usually February–March; flowering and event dates differ This is the usual season, rather than a confirmed timetable for the next edition. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Mito Plum Blossom Festival take place?
Kairakuen is at 1-3-3 Tokiwa-cho, Mito. Kodokan is at 1-6-29 Sannomaru, north of Mito Station. They are separate sites, not the endpoints of a procession.
How do I get to Mito Plum Blossom Festival by public transport?
Take a JR Joban Line limited express from Ueno to Mito, then a bus toward Kairakuen. Seasonal Kairakuen Station stops depend on JR's published timetable.
Will the plums be in full bloom throughout the festival?
No. Different varieties and weather affect flowering. Use current official blossom reports as well as the event dates.
Official sources
- Festival and visitor guide 1 (www.ibarakiguide.jp) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 2 (www.ibarakiguide.jp) ↗
Sources reviewed: .