Odawara Plum Blossom Festival

Held annually each February, the Odawara Plum Blossom Festival is a seasonal highlight in Kanagawa Prefecture. This festival features thousands of plum trees in full bloom, showcasing the beauty and cultural importance of ume (plum blossoms). From February 1 to 24, visitors can experience a festival filled with sights, scents and flavors. Among the many sights and experiences that this vibrant celebration offers, Soga Bairin (Soga Plum Grove) stands out as the crown jewel, a sprawling grove of over 35,000 plum trees in full bloom.

Soga Plum Grove

Photo by: PIXTA/Yoshitaka Walk through each of the three gardens in the grove.

Soga Plum Grove is where the true magic of the Odawara Plum Blossom Festival unfolds. Spread across a vast area, this grove consists of three distinct gardens—Nakagawara, Bessho and Hara. Each garden features a myriad of plum trees bearing stunning white, dark pink and red blossoms. When you enter Soga Bairin, you will smell the pleasant scent of plum blossoms in the air. The sight of thousands of trees in full bloom is nothing short of breathtaking, providing the perfect setting for leisurely walks, photography and moments of reflection.

One of the unique features of Soga Bairin is its stunning panoramic views of Mount Fuji. As you stroll through the grove, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the juxtaposition of the delicate plum blossoms against the backdrop of Japan’s most iconic peak. This captivating view has earned Soga Bairin a place on the list of “Kanto’s 100 Best Views for Viewing Mount Fuji.” Many visitors find themselves drawn to this vantage point, capturing photographs that beautifully showcase both the blossoms and the sacred mountain.

Festival Highlights

Photo by: PIXTA/ t.sakai Indulge in plum flavored snacks at the festival!

The Odawara Plum Blossom Festival at Soga Bairin also offers a chance to participate in various cultural activities. People can join special guided tours, which explain the history and features of different plum tree varieties. This helps visitors understand the cultural importance of plum cultivation in Japan, which has a history of over 600 years.

A popular part of the festival is the haiku poetry contest. In this event, participants write short poems inspired by the beauty of the plum blossoms. This tradition emphasizes the connection between nature and art, appealing to both art lovers and casual visitors as they share their creativity. In addition to poetry, Soga Bairin has many food stalls. These stalls offer local dishes and seasonal treats inspired by the blossoms. You can indulge in freshly made umeboshi (pickled plums), umeshu (plum wine) and various plum-flavored sweets.