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White and pink plum trees on the slopes of Makuyama Park

Seasonal guide · February and March

Plum blossom in Yugawara.

Every February, about 4,000 pink and white plum trees cover the slopes of Makuyama Park, below a big rock face at the head of the valley. Here's when to go, how to get there and what to do after.

When to go

The grove flowers from early February to mid-March, and the town holds its Plum Festival while it's in bloom. In 2027 the festival runs 6 Feb 2027 – 7 Mar 2027, 9:00–16:00.

How far along the blossom is depends on the winter, so check the town's bloom report before you set a date. The paths get busy at the peak, so go early in the day if you can.

Town bloom report (Japanese) ↗

At the festival

  • Walk the grove

    A trail winds up through the blossom. Look for trees with pink and white flowers on the same branches. Keep going to the 626-metre summit if you have the legs, for views over Sagami Bay.

  • Eat at the stalls

    Down by the gate, stalls sell local produce, plum soft-serve and hot amazake. On opening day, Yugawara's geisha dance.

  • Stay the night, get in free

    Entry is ¥300, but it's free if you're staying overnight in Yugawara. Ask your hotel about it when you book. Places to stay

Red plum blossom below the wooded hills at Makuyama
Red plum blossom below the wooded hills at Makuyama · Photo: Matt Ketchum
Plum blossom close up, with the valley behind
Plum blossom close up, with the valley behind · Photo: Matt Ketchum

Getting there

From Yugawara Station, take the bus to Makuyama Park, the last stop. It takes about 15 minutes, and extra buses run during the festival.

If you drive, parking costs ¥500 a day while the festival is on. Fires and smoking are banned throughout the park.

Makuyama Park: map, facts and bouldering · Trains from Tokyo

Make a day of it

Take the bus back to the station and you're two minutes from a bath: Hotel Shiroyama takes day bathers until 22:30. Or head up the valley to Kogome no Yu, the town's day bath.

There's plenty to eat around the station for lunch or dinner.

Hotel Shiroyama · Kogome no Yu · Food and drink · All onsen

Quick answers

When is the 2027 plum festival in Yugawara?

The Plum Festival at Makuyama Park runs 6 Feb 2027 – 7 Mar 2027, 9:00–16:00. The trees usually flower from early February to mid-March; the town posts how the blossom is coming along.

How much does it cost?

Entry is ¥300 during the festival and free the rest of the year. It's free during the festival too if you're staying overnight in Yugawara (ask your hotel) or live in town.

How do I get to Makuyama Park from Yugawara Station?

Take the bus to Makuyama Park, the last stop, about 15 minutes. Extra buses run during the festival. If you drive, parking costs ¥500 a day while the festival is on.

Is there a hot spring nearby?

Take the bus back to the station: Hotel Shiroyama is two minutes' walk away and takes day bathers until 22:30. Kogome no Yu, the town's day bath, is a short bus ride up the valley.

The 2027 Plum Festival →

Bathe and stay nearby

Day baths

Every day bath in Yugawara, compared →

Places to stay

All places to stay →