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Mount Tsukuba is the tallest mountain in Ibaraki Prefecture and it is a very popular hiking spot amongst casual walkers and avid hikers alike. For more than 50 years the Mount Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival has been held annually from mid-February to mid-March at a plum grove (“bairin” in Japanese) situated on the foothills of Mount Tsukuba at an altitude of around 250m. This area spans around 4.5 hectares and has over 1000 plum blossom trees which bloom in spring into a gorgeous array of white, pink and red flowers.

There are several viewing spots, including the Azumaya observation deck at the top of the grove, where you can enjoy unique panoramic views of the plum blossoms against a backdrop of Japanese landscapes. On very clear days visitors can see as far as Tokyo or even Mount Fuji.

Don’t miss out on a visit to the Ume Café, located in the Omotenashi-kan. This café offers various delicious beverages made with ume syrup from Mount Tsukuba’s plums and local souvenirs that make for a great memento of your visit. Just outside the café, food stalls sell a variety of local dishes, including Tsukuba Udon, natto and lotus root croquettes, and Tsukubasan-yaki—a pancake-style sweet with various fillings.

Also on sale at the Omotenashi-kan and Tourist Information Center is the special limited-edition paper for collecting “goshuin” (shrine and temple seal stamps) from Tsukubasan Shrine and Tsukubasan Omido. This special paper has plum blossom motifs and can only be purchased during the festival so make sure you don’t miss out!

There are also various events held throughout the festival such as a zip line across the grove. Other scheduled events include a Local Tsukuba Sake Event held on the March 1 and 2 and a Kimono Photoshoot Event on March 2 (pre-registration required). Check the official event website listed below for more information on these events and how to get involved.

As the plum grove covers a large space, its best to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. To ensure all visitors can most the make of their visit, there is a free bus with priority for users not confident in walking to the top of the grove. This bus is available everyday from 9:00 to 16:00 and takes visitors from the plum grove entrance to the Azumaya observation deck and back. On weekends, there is another free bus which takes passengers from the festival entrance to Tsukuba Shrine and the hot spring facility Tsukuba-no-Yu Onsen. Toilets are available on-site, and free Wi-Fi covers most of the grove, making the festival even more enjoyable and accessible for all visitors.

For more information on the events, special accommodation plans at local hotels, souvenir shops and restaurants offering limited-edition plum-themed dishes, please check the official event homepage.

Dates:

February 8 (Sat) – March 9 (Sun), 2025

Business Hours:

09:00-16:00

Location:

Mount Tsukuba Plum Grove

4 Numata, Tsukuba, Ibaraki

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QRUDk37f9fkszifW6

Fees:

Free of charge

About Mount Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival:

https://umematsuri.jp/ (Japanese)