Akima Plum Grove Festival
The Akima Plum Grove Festival celebrates the arrival of spring. From mid-February to the end of March, plum blossoms fill the air.
Tomas Kauer - News Moderator 
Gunma Prefecture is known for having the second-largest plum harvest in Japan. The town of Annaka hosts the Akima Plum Grove Festival to celebrate the arrival of spring. From mid-February to the end of March, pink and white plum blossoms fill this place. The Akima Plum Grove is home to approximately 35,000 plum trees spread over 50 hectares of gently sloping terrain. As the flowers begin to bloom, the hills come alive with color.
Akima Plum Grove Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ tenjou Explore the grove.
Every year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors eager to enjoy the fragrance of the blossoms and the beautiful scenery. Visitors can walk along a nice path that goes through the grove. This path is easy to access and lets people of all ages enjoy the flowers. There are benches and pavilions where they can relax along the way.
The Akima Plum Grove Festival is not just about the stunning blossoms; it’s also a heartwarming celebration of local culture and cuisine. As you walk through the grove, you will see booths filled with tasty local food. One highlight is the mochi pounding contest, where participants smash glutinous rice into a chewy treat. It’s fun to watch and even more enjoyable to taste! Local farmers are proud of their products and love sharing their culinary creations. Each bite lets you savor the flavors of Gunma and its rich traditions.
Cultural performances add another layer of excitement to the festival. Traditional taiko drum shows echo throughout the grove, and the rhythmic beats draw crowds together in celebration.
Festival Highlights
Photo by: PIXTA/ M・H Megane bashi
The Akima Plum Grove Festival also emphasizes community involvement and education. Local farming women play a vital role in the festivities, sharing their knowledge of plum cultivation and the grove’s history. Their warmth and passion for farming create a welcoming environment that invites everyone to learn more about agriculture and sustainability.
For those interested in hands-on experiences, the festival offers a “Plum Experience” walking course. Here, you can enjoy a farm-fresh lunch, participate in making your plum syrup or jam, and even enjoy a relaxing salt bath at Megumi no Yu – a local spa. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the scenery beyond the grove, including the Megane-bashi bridge at Usui Pass and the beautiful, abandoned railway from Yokokawa to Karuizawa.
