Akebonoyama Plum Festival 2026

• February 1, 2026 at 9:00 am
  Event date:
• March 10, 2026 at 5:00 pm
  Event end:

History

Akebonoyama Agricultural Park opened in 1994 as part of Kashiwa City’s effort to preserve farmland while creating a public green space for recreation and education. The plum grove was planted shortly after, featuring over 100 trees in 25 varieties chosen for their beauty, fragrance, and staggered blooming times.

The annual Plum Festival started in the late 1990s to celebrate these early blossoms and showcase traditional Japanese flower culture. Over the years it has grown to include ikebana demonstrations, craft workshops, and local markets, blending horticulture with community arts.

Thanks to the park’s windy hilltop location—once rice paddies—the plum trees thrive in the open landscape, making it one of northern Chiba’s most beloved early-spring destinations.

Overview

The Akebonoyama Plum Festival 2026 will run from early February to early March, when more than 100 plum trees across 25 varieties burst into delicate whites, pinks, and reds. Set on breezy hills with views toward Tokyo Skytree on clear days, the grove offers a peaceful preview of spring before cherry-blossom season.

Weekend workshops include flower-arranging classes, craft exhibitions, and peony sales, while food stalls serve seasonal treats. Entry is completely free, though some hands-on activities require advance booking and small fees.

Highlights

• 100+ Plum Trees in 25 Varieties: Fragrant white, pink, and red blossoms with staggered bloom times for extended viewing.
• Ikebana & Flower Workshops: Hands-on flower-arranging classes and demonstrations by local experts (weekends, booking required).
• Craft Exhibitions & Markets: Stalls selling handmade goods, peony seedlings, and seasonal plants.
• Panoramic Hilltop Views: Open landscape with distant Tokyo Skytree sightings on clear days.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Wide lawns, windmills, and tulip fields starting to emerge alongside the plums.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

• 100+ Plum Trees in 25 Varieties: Fragrant white, pink, and red blossoms with staggered bloom times for extended viewing.
• Ikebana & Flower Workshops: Hands-on flower-arranging classes and demonstrations by local experts (weekends, booking required).
• Craft Exhibitions & Markets: Stalls selling handmade goods, peony seedlings, and seasonal plants.
• Panoramic Hilltop Views: Open landscape with distant Tokyo Skytree sightings on clear days.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Wide lawns, windmills, and tulip fields starting to emerge alongside the plums.

If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can assist with custom flower-viewing tours, workshop bookings, private transportation from Abiko Station, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.

Schedule

Early February to early March 2026

• Park Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed: Every Monday (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a holiday – Feb 25, 2026 in this case)
• Main Events & Workshops: Primarily weekends

Pricing

• Park & Festival Entry: Completely FREE
• Workshops: Some flower-arranging and craft classes have fees (usually ¥500–¥2,000) and require advance reservation

Location

Akebonoyama Agricultural Park 2005-2 Fuse, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0825, Japan

How to Get There

• By Train + Bus: JR Joban Line to Abiko Station (North Exit) → free shuttle or local bus (~15 min) to park entrance.
• From Tokyo: ~50–60 min via Tsukuba Express to Kashiwa or JR to Abiko.
• By Car: 20 min from Kashiwa IC (Joban Expressway); free parking available.

Accommodation Options

Kashiwa and Abiko offer business hotels from ¥7,000–¥14,000 per night with easy JR access. Nearby Tsukuba has more family-oriented options from ¥9,000–¥20,000.

For a traditional stay, ryokan in the Tone River area (30–40 min drive) start around ¥18,000–¥35,000 including meals. Book early for late February weekends when plum viewers arrive.

FAQs

When is the best time to see the plum blossoms in 2026?

Peak bloom is usually late February to early March, but the 25 varieties ensure beautiful flowers throughout the festival period.

Is the park really closed on Mondays?

Yes—and if Monday is a national holiday (like Feb 24, 2026), it closes Tuesday instead (Feb 25).

Do I need to book workshops in advance?

Yes—popular flower-arranging and craft classes fill quickly. Check the official Japanese site (auto-translate recommended) or ask Jasumo for assistance.

Is parking free?

Yes—on-site parking is free, even during the festival.

Are there other flowers blooming at the same time?

Yes—early tulips and other spring bulbs often start appearing alongside the plums, adding extra color to the fields.

Video

Location