Kairakuen Garden

Kairakuen Garden (偕楽園) in Mito is one of Japan’s three great landscape gardens, renowned for its breathtaking display of over 3,000 plum trees. These trees bloom in vibrant shades of white, pink, and red from late February through March, creating a colorful and fragrant landscape that draws crowds from across the country during the annual Mito Plum Festival. Established in 1841 by Lord Tokugawa Nariaki, the garden was uniquely designed as a space for both the samurai elite and the general public—a reflection of its name, which means “a park to be enjoyed together.”

Beyond the plum blossoms, Kairakuen offers a rich natural and cultural experience. Visitors can stroll through tranquil bamboo groves and towering cedar woods, or explore the Kobuntei, a historic three-story villa once used for cultural gatherings and relaxation. From the upper floors of the Kobuntei, panoramic views stretch across the garden and nearby Senba Lake, especially picturesque in seasonal transitions. Just outside the garden stands Tokiwa Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Mitsukuni and Tokugawa Nariaki—two influential figures in Mito’s history. Together, the garden and its surroundings offer a harmonious blend of nature, tradition, and historical depth.