Plum Blossom Season at Hakusan Park 2026

• January 21, 2026 at 9:00 am
  Event date:
• March 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm
  Event end:

History

Hakusan Park opened in 1873 as Niigata City’s first modern public park, built on the site of the former Niigata Domain’s villa. The adjacent Hakusan Shrine, dedicated to matchmaking deity Kukurihime no Mikoto, dates back over 400 years and has long been a place where locals prayed for love and prosperity.

The plum grove was planted in the early Showa era (1930s) when the city expanded the park, choosing ume trees for their ability to bloom even under late Niigata snow—symbolizing resilience after harsh winters. Over decades, the collection grew to nearly 1,000 trees in red, pink, and white varieties.

For snow-weary residents who endure meters of snowfall each year, Hakusan’s plum blossoms are the true “first sign of spring,” appearing weeks before cherry blossoms and marking the emotional turning point from winter isolation to renewal.

Overview

Plum Blossom Season at Hakusan Park 2026 runs from late January to late March, when nearly 1,000 plum trees across the park and Hakusan Shrine burst into delicate red, pink, and white blooms. The grove’s location beside tranquil ponds and traditional shrine architecture creates serene, almost painterly scenes—especially magical when late snow dusts the branches.

Peak bloom typically falls mid-February to early March, with lingering flowers into late March. The contrast of vibrant blossoms against Niigata’s lingering snow makes it one of the most atmospheric plum-viewing spots in northern Japan.

Highlights

• Nearly 1,000 Plum Trees: Red, pink, and white varieties blooming progressively for an extended season.
• Hakusan Shrine Setting: Ancient torii gates and stone lanterns framed by blossoms.
• Snow + Blossom Contrast: Late-winter snowfalls often create breathtaking white-on-white scenes.
• Pond Reflections: Calm waters mirror the colorful canopy—perfect for photography.
• Transition to Cherry Blossoms: Some trees overlap with early sakura in late March/early April.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

• Nearly 1,000 Plum Trees: Red, pink, and white varieties blooming progressively for an extended season.
• Hakusan Shrine Setting: Ancient torii gates and stone lanterns framed by blossoms.
• Snow + Blossom Contrast: Late-winter snowfalls often create breathtaking white-on-white scenes.
• Pond Reflections: Calm waters mirror the colorful canopy—perfect for photography.
• Transition to Cherry Blossoms: Some trees overlap with early sakura in late March/early April.

If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with snow-plum photography tours, shrine prayer experiences, Niigata sake pairings, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.

Schedule

Late January – Late March 2026

• First Blooms: Late January
• Peak Bloom: Mid-February to early March
• Lingering Flowers: Late March
• Park open daily (no special hours for plum season)

Pricing

Completely free entry. Parking: ¥100 per 30 minutes (4 lots)

Location

Hakusan Park & Hakusan Shrine 1-1 Ichibanboridori-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture

How to Get There

• By Train: JR Echigo Line to Hakusan Station → 20-minute walk
• From Niigata Station: ~15 min by local train + walk
• By Car: 15–20 min from central Niigata; paid parking available

Accommodation Options

Central Niigata hotels near the station range ¥8,000–¥20,000. Luxury options with onsen (many featuring plum-view baths) start ¥25,000/person.

Bandai area boutique hotels and ryokan offer snow-city atmosphere from ¥15,000–¥40,000. Book early for mid-February peak when plum + snow combinations are most dramatic.

FAQs

When exactly do the plums start blooming in 2026?

First flowers usually appear late January; full bloom mid-February to early March. Check Niigata tourism sites for daily updates.

Is snow common during plum season?

Yes—light snow in February often dusts the blossoms, creating magical scenes.

Can I see cherry blossoms at the same park?

Yes—Hakusan is also one of Niigata’s top sakura spots, with peak around mid-April.

Is the park crowded?

Much quieter than cherry-blossom season. Weekdays are especially peaceful.

Are there food stalls?

Limited—mostly weekends in peak season. Nearby Bandai City has excellent cafés and ramen shops.

Location