Written by Aarohi
This open-air museum is a relatively serene spot for plum blossoms.
What happens?
Located in western Tokyo, Kyōdo-no-Mori is home to around 1,300 plum trees across 120 varieties, including red and white plums gifted from Fukuoka’s Dazaifu Tenmangū and newly planted weeping plums on the hillside above the grand staircase.
Flowers start appearing from late January, with the best overall viewing usually around mid-February. Exact timing shifts each year depending on the weather, so it’s worth checking bloom updates before you go.
There are evening light-ups in the plum garden, tea ceremonies with matcha and sweets, and guided walks where staff introduce different plum varieties (in Japanese).
On top of that, you’ll find traditional craft performances, taiko drumming, a spring concert, hands-on workshops, a plum-themed haiku contest, and short night-time planetarium shows on illumination evenings.
Schedule
The illuminations will run from February 22 to 24, and again on March 1, from 5 to 8 p.m.
A tea and manju service runs on select days during the festival: January 31, February 1, 7, 8, 11 (national holiday), 14, 16 to 21, 28, and March 7 and 8.
Each tea session lasts about thirty minutes and is limited to eight people. There is one morning session at 11 a.m., and five afternoon sessions at 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Participation costs ¥700 and requires a numbered ticket. Tickets for the morning session are handed out from 10 a.m., and tickets for the afternoon sessions from noon, in front of the tea house.
Opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with last entry at 7:30 p.m.
How to get there
To get to Kyōdo-no-Mori, take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Bubaigawara Station. Then, walk for around 25 minutes.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.-
Adults:
At the door: ¥300
