Inabe City Plum Blossom Festival
At the foot of the Suzuka Mountains in Mie Prefecture, Inabe Agricultural Park becomes one of central Japan’s earliest and most striking spring destinations. As the largest plum grove in the Tokai region, this 38-hectare hillside bursts into colour during the Inabe City Plum Blossom Festival, when roughly 4,000 ume (plum) trees representing 100 different varieties bloom in layers of soft pink and white. In 2026, the Inabe City Plum Blossom Festival is scheduled to run from February 21 to March 20.
Inabe Agricultural Park
Photo by: PIXTA/ shimantoInabe Agricultural Park is a sprawling countryside escape dedicated to local agriculture and outdoor recreation. The park has two zones: the Plum Grove Park and the Eco Welfare Plaza.
The Inabe Plum Grove was first planted in 1999 by a small group of local senior residents. The project aimed to restore underused farmland while providing meaningful community work, laying the foundation for what has become one of the region’s most celebrated spring landscapes.
While plum blossoms define the beginning of spring, the park’s floral calendar does not end there. From late April to early May, attention turns to the peony garden, where rows of oversized blooms in shades of crimson and ivory come into season. Although the official peony festival is no longer held, entry remains free during peak bloom.
Beyond the flower fields, the Eco Welfare Plaza offers year-round activities. The Fujiwara Park Golf Course features a 36-hole experience. If you’ve never tried it, park golf is a simplified version of the sport that requires just one club and one ball. It’s incredibly accessible, with 100-yen equipment rentals and staff on hand to give beginners a quick rundown of the rules.
For a post-game meal, head to Restaurant Fleur, an on-site buffet featuring 20 to 30 dishes made with fresh produce sourced directly from Inabe’s local farmers.
Festival Highlights
Photo by: PIXTA/ オフィスKWhile much of the country waits for cherry blossom season, Inabe’s plum trees bloom weeks earlier, marking the true start of spring in Mie Prefecture.
During the festival, the best way to appreciate the scale of the display is from the park’s observation deck. From this vantage point, take in the views of the plum grove before exploring the festival, where local craft stalls await. Try the local “Ume White,” craft beer brewed with local plums that pairs perfectly with ume-flavored sweets on offer.
With flowering dates influenced by temperature, reviewing the official calendar will help you see the grove at its most impressive.
