Mito Plum Blossom Festival

Mito City

Central Ibaraki

Parks/Nature

Castles/Historical Sites

Festivals/Events

The Mito Plum Blossom Festival began in 1896 when the railway between Mito and Ueno opened, and trains for viewing plum blossoms were implemented. The festival is held annually from mid-February to late March, coinciding with the blooming season of plum blossoms. Mainly, the festival takes place at Japan Heritage sites: Kairakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and Kodokan, previously the domain school of the Mito Domain. At Kairakuen, there are approximately 100 varieties and 3,000 plum trees, while at Kodokan, there are around 60 varieties and 800 plum trees. During the festival, there will be various events such as evening illuminations, fireworks, and the Japan Umeshu (plum liqueur) Festival. At this festival, you can try over 150 varieties of plum liqueur from all parts of the country.
The Mito Plum Blossom Festival is a beloved annual festival that brings the spirit of spring to Mito, attracting both locals and visitors.

Information

Address: Mito City
Access: ・Kairakuen
By public transport:
20 minutes by bus from Mito Station, alight at the following stops: "Kobuntei Omotemon Iriguchi", "Rekishikan/Kairakuen Iriguchi", "Kairakuen Higashimon/Tokiwa Jinja Kitasando", "Kairakuen/Tokiwa Jinja Mae", or "Kairakuen". From these stops, it's a 3 to 8-minute walk.
Or a short walk from Kairakuen Station. *Please note that trains make stops only during the Plum Blossom Festival on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
By car:
About 15 minutes from Mito-Kita Smart IC (ETC cars only) on the Joban Expressway
About 20 minutes from Mito IC on the Joban Expressway

・Kodokan
By public transport:
3 minutes by bus from Mito Station, alight at "Kodokan" and take a short walk. Or 8 minutes on foot from Mito Station
By car:
About 20 minutes from Mito-Kita Smart IC (ETC cars only) on the Joban Expressway
About 30 minutes from Mito IC on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: Mid-February to late March
Kairakuen: 6:00-19:00
Kobuntei and Kodokan: 9:00-17:00
Website: https://mitokoumon.com/festival/ume.html
Contact: Mito Tourism and Convention Association: 029-224-0441

Map

See More Visit

Kasama City

Central Ibaraki

Izumo Taisha Hitachi Shrine

Established in 1992, this shrine is a branch of the famous Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture. The main building is made from hinoki wood (Japanese cypress) and features a gigantic shimenawa (sacred twisted rope) in front.
The shrine enshrines Okuninushi-no-Okami, also known as Daikoku-sama. Visitors pray to the deity for good luck in marriage, business, and health.
The shrine grounds are also home to a glass-blowing studio and restaurant.

Temples/Shrines

Oarai Town

Central Ibaraki

Oarai Isosaki Shrine

This shrine was founded in 856 when two deities are said to have descended upon the coast of Oarai. The two enshrined at Oarai Isosaki Shrine are Daikoku-sama, the god of nation-building and national prosperity, and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, the god of medicine.
Oarai Isosaki Shrine is associated with the nearby Kamiiso-no-Torii, a sacred gate where the gods are said to have descended earth. This shrine gate stands dramatically on rocks in the Pacific Ocean and attracts photographers worldwide. On New Year's Day, the sun rises directly between the pillars of the shrine gate.
This shrine is also famous among fans of the anime series "Girls und Panzer," which is set in the town of Oarai and uses real-life locations. Many prayer plaques at the shrine feature illustrations of the characters from the anime drawn by visiting fans.

Temples/Shrines

Hitachinaka City

Central Ibaraki

Hitachinaka Festival & Fireworks

The fireworks display is the highlight of this two-day summer festival. The event features over 3,000 fireworks set to dynamic music that adds to the dazzling display.

In addition to fireworks, the festival features various events, including a dance procession and a traditional mikoshi (portable shrine) parade.

Festivals/Events

View All

Read More About Ibaraki

Ushiku Daibutsu: The Tallest Bronze Buddha Statue in the World! Sightseeing and Food Guide

The Ushiku Daibutsu in Ibaraki Prefecture is the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. Alongside the various attractions inside the statue and is surrounding area, there are also shopping and dining spots nearby, making it an ideal destination for a day trip!

Brewery Visits and Tastings Near Tokyo! 6 Sake Breweries in Ibaraki

In recent years, Japanese sake has grown popular overseas. Ibaraki Prefecture boasts many breweries that can be easily reached from Tokyo. The following is a list of six breweries that provide tours of their facilities and are accessible using public transportation.

Learn From Ibaraki Artisans! 5 Hands-on Activities and Craft Workshops

Ibaraki boasts impressive traditional crafts such as Suifu lantern making, Kasama ceramics, Nishinouchi paper, and the processing of local food specialties. Many studios offer hands-on activities for visitors. We introduce five workshops that are both fun and educational.

View All