Mito’s Plum Blossom Festival 2026
Last Updated on March 5, 2026
The city of Mito is preparing for the upcoming Mito Plum Festival, an expansive celebration hosted at the historic Kairakuen Garden to honor the arrival of spring.
Established originally to mark the opening of the Joban railway line, the event has evolved into a major seasonal attraction that draws over one million visitors to Ibaraki Prefecture each year.
Kairakuen, recognized as one of Japan’s three most celebrated landscape gardens, will showcase more than 3,000 plum trees representing approximately 100 different varieties.
The festivities are scheduled to span over a month and a half, featuring a wide array of cultural activities including outdoor tea ceremonies hosted by various tea schools every Sunday.
Travelers can take advantage of special weekend transportation options, such as the Joban line making direct stops at the Kairakuen station and free tours provided by vintage Meiji era buses.
A highlighting tradition of the festival involves the Plum Blossom Ambassadors, a group of representatives dressed in elaborate kimono who serve as guides and photographic subjects for guests.
The park plans to extend its hours for a two week period to allow for evening viewing, during which the blossoms will be illuminated to create a romantic atmosphere until the gates close at 9pm.
Additional entertainment at the nearby Tokiwa Shrine will include traditional musical performances featuring the koto and shachi, alongside cultural dances and No theater.
Visitors can also look forward to unique local events such as natto eating contests, food fairs, and the Hina Nagashi ceremony where dolls are placed on a pond to ensure the well being of children.
Event Details
| calendar_month DATE | Feb 11 2026 - Mar 22 2026 |
|---|---|
| schedule TIME | ALL DAY |
| payments Cost | FREE |
| info Website | Official Website |
| location_on Location | Kairakuen Garden |
|---|---|
| map Area | Ibaraki |
| category CATEGORY | Flowers Gardens |
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