Hello, fellow travel lovers!
As spring approaches, let me introduce the Mito Plum Blossom Festival held at Kairakuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens!
We will take you on a recommended route to enjoy the beautifully blooming plum blossoms in the vast garden at their best!
- ①好文亭表門から入園！ まずは陰の世界へ…
- 2. Recharge with the power of spring water at Togyokusen!
- 3. Found a dango shop! The perfect combo of stunning scenery and delicious dumplings!
- 4. Step into the world of light! Enjoy the breathtaking views from Kobuntei.
- 5. Take in the stunning scenery at Miharashi Viewing Plaza!
- 6. Capture a memorable photo with Mito’s Plum Blossom Ambassador and Lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni!
- 7. Entering the Plum Grove Area! A Vibrant World of Blossoms Awaits!
- 8. Exit through the East Gate and visit Tokiwajinja Shrine.
- 🌸 Summary: Fully Enjoy the Mito Plum Blossom Festival at Kairakuen with This Recommended Route!
1. Enter through the Kobuntei Front Gate! First, step into the world of shadows…
Start at the entrance of Kairakuen, the Kobuntei Front Gate!
You will soon encounter the serene atmosphere of the Moso Bamboo Grove and Osugimori Forest. This area is known as the "world of shadows," where a mystical ambiance fills the quiet surroundings. As you walk through the bamboo grove, the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind creates a soothing and truly relaxing experience.
2. Recharge with the power of spring water at Togyokusen!
After passing through the bamboo grove, you will arrive at Togyokusen, a marble-crafted spring. This natural spring is famous for its healing properties, especially for eye ailments. I tried washing my eyes with the water… and somehow, my vision felt clearer! (Just my personal impression, though. Haha!)
One of the highlights of Kairakuen, Taro Sugi is a massive cedar tree that boasts an impressive 800-year history. Standing beneath it and looking up, you can't help but be overwhelmed by its sheer size and vitality.
3. Found a dango shop! The perfect combo of stunning scenery and delicious dumplings!
On the way to Kobuntei, I discovered a dango shop at a teahouse!
There was no way I could just walk past… so of course, I had to try some!
They serve freshly grilled dango topped with your choice of sweet paste.
Freshly grilled dango + a breathtaking view = the ultimate luxury!
Enjoying delicious dango while admiring the beautiful garden made for an exceptional experience.
4. Step into the world of light! Enjoy the breathtaking views from Kobuntei.
Next, we head to Kobuntei, the symbol of Kairakuen. From here, the world of light unfolds!
This three-story, two-tiered building was specially designed for admiring the beauty of plum blossoms.
The view from the top floor is breathtaking, offering a panoramic sight of the vast plum groves and the stunning scenery of Senba Lake.
After finding tranquility in the "world of shadows," embrace the sense of openness in this "world of light"!
5. Take in the stunning scenery at Miharashi Viewing Plaza!
After leaving Kobuntei, you will arrive at Miharashi Viewing Plaza, a spot with breathtaking views overlooking Senba Lake and the city of Mito. This open space offers a refreshing sense of freedom, making it the perfect place to take a break while enjoying the spring breeze.
6. Capture a memorable photo with Mito’s Plum Blossom Ambassador and Lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni!
In the plum grove area, Mito’s Plum Blossom Ambassador and Lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni made a special appearance! It was a delightful surprise that they were taking photos with visitors.
The vibrant kimono of the Plum Blossom Ambassador, the fully bloomed plum trees, and the clear blue sky created a stunning contrast, like a scene from a painting. It was a truly special experience unique to this season!
7. Entering the Plum Grove Area! A Vibrant World of Blossoms Awaits!
From Miharu Viewing Plaza, pass through Shibamae Gate, and finally, enter the plum grove area!
With around 100 varieties and 3,000 plum trees in full bloom, this area truly represents the "world of light."
The contrast of white, pink, and deep red blossoms is simply stunning, with a gentle and sweet plum fragrance filling the air. Bathed in the warm spring sunlight, being surrounded by these vibrant plum blossoms is the ultimate relaxation.
8. Exit through the East Gate and visit Tokiwajinja Shrine.
After enjoying the plum blossoms, exit through the East Gate and visit Tokiwajinja Shrine, which enshrines Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the former lord of the Mito domain (also known as Mito Kōmon). The shrine is believed to bring blessings for health and academic success, so don’t forget to pray for a safe journey!
I forgot to take a photo, but I borrowed one from the official website.
Additionally, the area around the shrine is lined with stalls featuring plum-themed treats! From pickled plums and plum rice cakes to even plum trees for sale, there’s so much to explore. Strolling through and tasting these plum delights is one of the best parts of the Plum Blossom Festival!
🌸 Summary: Fully Enjoy the Mito Plum Blossom Festival at Kairakuen with This Recommended Route!
✔ Experience the serene bamboo grove (world of shadows) → Refresh yourself at the spring water → Take a break at the dango shop → Enjoy the breathtaking views from Kobuntei (world of light) → Admire the stunning scenery at Miharu Viewing Plaza → Pass through Shibamae Gate into the vibrant plum grove (world of light) → Capture a memorable photo with the Plum Blossom Ambassador & Lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni → Visit Tokiwajinja Shrine. This route is highly recommended!
By experiencing the contrast between the "world of shadows" and the "world of light," you can fully appreciate the depth and beauty of Kairakuen!
And of course, taking a break at the dango shop is one of the joys of traveling. Enjoy both the stunning scenery and the delicious dango!♪
The journey continues... Wishing you all a wonderful trip! – TabiJun
Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2025 Information🌸
