Plum blossoms at Kairakuen and the historic Kodokan give Mito’s festival two different settings. Varieties flower at different times, so an event date alone cannot tell you whether the blossoms are at their peak.
Photo: wellflat . · CC BY 2.0
Original date label: 2017-03-03 15:28. Original or supplied resized image; no additional editing.
Mito Plum Blossom Festival dates
Usually February–March; flowering varies independently of the event dates
Usual annual season · exact next dates not confirmed
Event dates and times use Japan Standard Time (JST). Usual annual dates are not a confirmed booking schedule for the next edition. Check the organizer’s notices for daily times, admission and weather-related changes.
Where to watch
Mito · 水戸
Kairakuen Garden and Kodokan
偕楽園・弘道館
The map marks one reference point, not the entire route or every entrance. For village rites or moving processions, use the organizer’s venue map.
View reference location on Google Maps ↗Getting there by train or bus
Take a Joban Line limited express to Mito Station, then a bus toward Kairakuen. Seasonal service at Kairakuen’s temporary station depends on JR’s current announcement.
History and traditions
The festival began in 1896 in connection with the railway from Ueno to Mito and special blossom-viewing trains.
Nearby places to consider
These sights can help you plan the rest of your visit. Check each location’s opening hours and access separately; festival road closures may affect the journey.
Before you visit Mito Plum Blossom Festival
When is Mito Plum Blossom Festival?
Usually February–March; flowering varies independently of the event dates. These are the usual seasonal dates, not a confirmed schedule for the next edition. Check the linked organizer for times and changes.
How do I get to Mito Plum Blossom Festival by public transportation?
Take a Joban Line limited express to Mito Station, then a bus toward Kairakuen. Seasonal service at Kairakuen’s temporary station depends on JR’s current announcement.
What should I plan before visiting Mito Plum Blossom Festival?
For flowers, choose a date using the official blossom updates rather than the opening day alone. Allow travel time between the garden and Kodokan instead of treating them as one site.
These planning suggestions are JapanLiveNow’s editorial advice. Admission and operating arrangements follow the organizer’s current program.
Official program and visitor information
- www.ibarakiguide.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.ibarakiguide.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
- kodokan-ibaraki.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
This guide uses the shared festival source register reviewed on October 3, 2026. Official notices take priority over archive photos and previous editions.