TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Yugawara Plum Grove (located in Makuyama Park, Yugawara Town) is a plum grove that spreads across the southern slope of Mt. Makuyama overlooking Sagami Bay. Every year from winter to spring, approximately 4,000 red and white plum trees bloom all at once. Locals hold a plum festival known as "Umenoen" (Plum Festival), attracting many tourists with food stalls, sales of local specialties, and illuminations. The location, with Mt. Makuyama (approximately 626m above sea level) towering in the background and the sea, is beautiful, and the scenery of the green mountains, plum blossoms, and the sea in the distance is captivating.
Highlights
- A tunnel of tiered plum blossoms blooming all over the slope: Colorful plum blossoms bloom in tiers, and the dense flower density makes for a great photo opportunity.
- A spectacular view with Mt. Makuyama in the background: The contrast between Mt. Makuyama and Sagami Bay seen through the plum blossoms is a popular photo spot.
- Events during the Ume no Utage festival: local food stalls, sales of local specialties, performances of local performing arts, etc. (Content varies from year to year).
- Nighttime illumination: During the event period, the trees are lit up after sunset, allowing you to enjoy the fantastical scenery of plum blossoms at night.
- Combining hiking with cherry blossom viewing: From the plum grove, you can access the Makuyama hiking trail, which combines light trekking with enjoying nature.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Yugawara Station on the JR Tokaido Line (starting point for walking or buses).
- Walking: It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk from Yugawara Station to the venue (depending on your physical strength as there are many slopes and uphill sections).
- Bus: From Yugawara Station, you may be able to take the municipal bus or Izu Hakone bus to the nearest bus stops such as Makuyama Park or Plum Grove Entrance (during the Plum Festival, there may be special direct buses, so it is recommended to check in advance).
- By car: Access from the Atami direction on National Route 135. There is parking around the park, but the number of spaces is limited, so when it is crowded, it is more convenient to use temporary parking lots nearby or public transportation.
- From the city center: Approximately 1.5 hours by JR train from Tokyo Station (depending on train type and connections).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit (cherry blossom viewing only): Approximately 1-2 hours for strolling around the garden and taking photos.
- If you want to take it easy: 2-3 hours if you want to browse the food stalls and shops and relax at the observation points.
- If you combine it with hiking: You should plan on hiking Mt. Makuyama for half a day (3-5 hours) including the round trip.
Nearby spots
- Yugawara Onsen: There are many baths and day-trip hot springs to soak in after a stroll. You can also enjoy a stroll around the hot spring town.
- Manyo Park (close to the Yugawara Plum Grove): Perfect for a relaxing stroll, with a Japanese garden and foot baths along the stream.
- Strolling around Okuyugawara's hot spring town: An area where tranquil hot spring inns and stone steps remain.
- Manazuru Peninsula/Mitsuishi Coast: Accessible by car, recommended for sea views and strolls.
- Odawara Castle and Hakone: It is also possible to combine this with sightseeing spots within a day trip.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds during peak viewing season: It gets very crowded during peak times (usually weekends from mid-February to early March). If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit on a weekday or early in the morning.
- Footwear and clothing: The venue has many slopes and unpaved roads, and after rain there may be muddy and slippery areas. Please bring comfortable shoes and warm/rain gear.
- Parking: Parking spaces are limited, and temporary parking lots and traffic restrictions may be in place. We recommend using public transportation.
- Manners: Plum trees are protected. Breaking branches, picking flowers, and entering restricted areas are strictly prohibited. Take your trash home or dispose of it in designated areas. Please view the plum trees quietly and be considerate of local residents and other visitors.
- Pets, Tripods, Drones: Whether pets are allowed, restrictions on the use of tripods, and prohibitions on drone flying vary depending on the venue and period. Please check the official information in advance.
- The flowering period varies from year to year: The flowering period varies depending on the weather. Please check the official websites of Yugawara Town and the tourist association for the latest flowering information and the dates of the plum festival.
(Reference) Before visiting, check the official guides from the Yugawara Town Tourism Association and the Yugawara Plum Grove (Makuyama Park) Plum Festival to get the latest information on events, illumination schedules, special bus schedules, and more.
