HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Plum Blossoms in Inabe
A colorful patchwork of blooming plum trees greets visitors at the unique Nogyokoen garden in Inabe City
Mie Prefecture
The ume plum grove at Inabe Nogyokoen Agricultural Park in Mie Prefecture is one of Japan's largest, boasting an astounding array of some 4,000 ume plum trees from 100 species. Aside from the massive grove, the 38 hectares of sprawling parkland also features an allotment where visitors can try their hand at plum picking.
Under the right weather conditions, the plum blossoms usually bloom from late February through mid-March, during which time the Ume Matsuri plum festival is held. Visitors from all over take part in the festivities, leisurely strolling through the park and snapping photos of the picturesque panoramas.
A key feature of the park is the view from atop its stellar observatory, where a mesmerizing patchwork display of vivid pink and white ume plum blossoms blankets the landscape as far as the eye can see. The snow-topped Suzuka Mountains provide the backdrop to this majestic scene, perfectly personifying spring's farewell to winter. To avoid the crowds, come witness this beautiful display of nature before noon.
The ume plum grove achieved its current splendor thanks to 20 years of hard work by a passionate local community, which tends to the trees to this day for everyone to enjoy.
How to get there
From Nagoya Station, take the train to Kuwana Station (about 30 minutes). Then walk to nearby Nishi-Kuwana Station and take the Sangi Railway to Ageki Station (about 1 hour). The park is about 20 minutes away from the station by taxi.
171, Kanae, Fujiwara-cho, Inabe-shi, Mie-ken
