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February 11, 2026 at 8:30 am
Event date:
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March 31, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Event end:
History
Ogose Bairin traces its roots to the Edo period when local farmers began cultivating plum trees on the sunny southern slopes of the Ogose hills for fruit and umeboshi production. By the early 20th century, the area had become one of Saitama’s major plum-growing regions.
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The festival introduced the beloved mini steam locomotive in the 1980s and the town mascot Umerin (a cute plum fairy) in the 2000s. In recent years, night illuminations and ceramics markets have been added, blending tradition with family-friendly fun. Today, Ogose’s 20,000+ town-wide plum trees make it one of Saitama’s most fragrant early-spring destinations.
Overview
The Ogose Plum Blossom Festival 2026 runs from mid-February to mid-March at Ogose Bairin, a 2-hectare grove featuring 1,000 plum trees—including 200 ancient trees—in vibrant white, pink, and red. The hillside setting creates a sea of blossoms with distant views of the Chichibu mountains.
During the festival, a ¥300 entry fee applies (free outside festival period). Highlights include the mini steam locomotive chugging through the grove (weekends/holidays), live performances, food stalls, bonsai & ceramics markets, and the adorable mascot Umerin greeting visitors. Select nights may feature illumination for romantic evening viewing. The gentle terrain and fresh mountain air make it ideal for relaxed hanami.
Highlights
- 1,000 Plum Trees Including 200 Ancient Ones: White, pink, and red blossoms with intense fragrance.
- Mini Steam Locomotive Ride: Charming train winding through the grove (weekends & holidays).
- Umerin the Plum Fairy: Ogose’s cute mascot appears for photos and fun.
- Weekend Events: Taiko, dance, ceramics market, and plum-themed treats.
- Night Illumination (select dates): Blossoms glowing after dark.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- 1,000 Plum Trees Including 200 Ancient Ones: White, pink, and red blossoms with intense fragrance.
- Mini Steam Locomotive Ride: Charming train winding through the grove (weekends & holidays).
- Umerin the Plum Fairy: Ogose’s cute mascot appears for photos and fun.
- Weekend Events: Taiko, dance, ceramics market, and plum-themed treats.
- Night Illumination (select dates): Blossoms glowing after dark.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with shuttle timing, illumination dates, family-friendly itineraries, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Mid-February – Mid-March 2026
- Typical Dates: February 15 – March 20
- Peak Bloom: Late February to mid-March
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Main Events: Weekends & holidays
Pricing
- Festival Period Entry: ¥300–¥400 adults
- Outside Festival: FREE
- Parking: ¥500 per car
- Mini Train: Small additional fee
Location
Ogose Bairin 113 Doyama, Ogose, Iruma District, Saitama 350-0406, Japan
How to Get There
- By Train + Walk/Bus: – JR Hachiko Line or Tobu Ogose Line to Ogose Station → 40-min walk or festival shuttle bus (weekends)
- By Car: – 30 min from Tsurugashima IC (Kan-Etsu Expressway) – Paid parking ¥500 (or cheaper private lots farther away)
Accommodation Options
Ogose and nearby Hanno offer countryside minshuku and onsen ryokan from ¥15,000–¥40,000/person with home-cooked meals. Many provide shuttle service during festival weekends.
Budget hotels in Kawagoe or Sakado (30 min drive) start ¥8,000. Book early for late February–early March peak.
FAQs
When does the 2026 festival officially start?
Typically mid-February (around Feb 15); exact date announced in January 2026.
Is the mini train running every day?
No—usually weekends and holidays only. Confirm on-site.
Are night illuminations every evening?
No—select dates only (often late February weekends). Check official site closer to season.
Can I enter for free before/after the festival?
Yes—outside official festival dates, the grove is free (but no events or train).
When is the best time to visit?
Late February to mid-March for peak bloom and full events. Arrive early weekends to beat crowds.
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