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January 21, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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March 10, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
Odawara Flower Garden opened in 1995 as a public botanical space managed by Seibu Landscape Co., Ltd., designed to showcase seasonal flowers year-round on the scenic hills of Kuno. The plum grove—known as the “Ume Garden of the Stream”—was planted with nearly 500 trees across 200–300 varieties to create one of Kanto’s most diverse ume collections.
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Contact Jasumo Now →The annual Plum Festival began shortly after opening, celebrating the staggered bloom times that extend the viewing season from late winter into early spring. The garden’s location near historic Odawara Castle adds a cultural layer, linking natural beauty with the region’s samurai heritage.
Today, the festival highlights botanical education alongside family-friendly activities, drawing flower enthusiasts from Tokyo and beyond.
Overview
The Odawara Flower Garden Plum Festival 2026 will run from late January to early March, transforming the Ume Garden of the Stream into a living rainbow of plum blossoms. With 480–500 trees in 200–300 varieties, blooms appear in waves—early, mid, and late—ensuring color and fragrance throughout the six-week period.
Free guided tours, craft workshops, and limited-time plum-themed menu items (like plum soba for ¥600) add interactive fun. The tropical greenhouse offers an optional ¥200 peek at exotic blooms like the rare Jade Vine.
Highlights
- 200–300 Plum Varieties: Early, mid, and late-blooming trees guarantee continuous color and fragrance from late January through early March.
- Guided Plum Tours: Free expert-led walks explaining varieties, bloom cycles, and cultivation secrets.
- Plant-Dyeing Workshops: Hands-on sessions using natural pigments from flowers and leaves (weekends, small fee may apply).
- Plum-Inspired Menu: Seasonal treats like plum soba, ume onigiri, and plum soft cream at the garden café.
- Tropical Greenhouse Bonus: See the electric-blue Jade Vine in bloom (¥200 entry) alongside the outdoor plum spectacle.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- 200–300 Plum Varieties: Early, mid, and late-blooming trees guarantee continuous color and fragrance from late January through early March.
- Guided Plum Tours: Free expert-led walks explaining varieties, bloom cycles, and cultivation secrets.
- Plant-Dyeing Workshops: Hands-on sessions using natural pigments from flowers and leaves (weekends, small fee may apply).
- Plum-Inspired Menu: Seasonal treats like plum soba, ume onigiri, and plum soft cream at the garden café.
- Tropical Greenhouse Bonus: See the electric-blue Jade Vine in bloom (¥200 entry) alongside the outdoor plum spectacle.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can arrange custom flower tours, private transport from Odawara Station, workshop bookings, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Late January to early March 2026
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Open Every Day: During the festival period (no regular closures)
Pricing
- Garden & Festival: Completely FREE
- Tropical Dome Greenhouse: ¥200 adults / ¥100 children (elementary & junior high)
- Workshops/Food: Small additional fees may apply
Location
Odawara Flower Garden 3798-5 Kuno, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0055, Japan
How to Get There
- By Bus: From Odawara Station East Exit (Platform 2), take Izuhakone Bus bound for “Flower Garden / Prefectural Suwanohara Park” (~20 min). Dedicated stop at garden entrance.
- From Tokyo: Shinkansen to Odawara (35 min) → local bus.
- By Car: Free parking available; 15 min drive from central Odawara.
Accommodation Options
Odawara city offers Hilton and Hot Spring ryokan from ¥18,000–¥45,000 per person with castle views and onsen. Budget business hotels near the station start at ¥7,000–¥12,000.
Hakone (30 min by bus) provides luxury ryokan packages from ¥25,000–¥60,000—ideal for combining plum viewing with hot springs. Book early for late February peak bloom.
FAQs
When is the best time to see plum blossoms at Odawara Flower Garden in 2026?
With 200+ varieties, blooms span late January to early March. Peak diversity usually hits mid-February—check the garden’s website for daily updates.
Is the Plum Festival really free?
Yes—100% free entry to the garden and all outdoor events. Only the tropical greenhouse has a ¥200 fee.
Are guided tours in English?
Tours are primarily in Japanese, but English pamphlets and signage are available. Private English guides can be arranged in advance.
Can I eat inside the garden?
Yes—the café serves plum soba (¥600) and other seasonal items. Picnics are allowed in designated areas.
How frequent are buses from Odawara Station?
Buses run every 20–30 minutes. The ride takes about 20 minutes and drops you right at the garden gate.
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