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February 21, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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March 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
Yakushi-ike Park (officially Shikisai no Mori Yakushiike Park) was created in the 1980s when Machida City transformed the area around historic Yakushi Pond—an Edo-period irrigation reservoir—into a public nature park. The pond’s name comes from a nearby temple enshrining Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), and the site has long been cherished by locals for its serene lotus ponds and seasonal flowers.
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Today, the festival highlights Machida’s commitment to “Satoyama” (village-mountain) conservation, blending natural beauty with cultural performances in a peaceful suburban setting just 40 minutes from central Tokyo.
Overview
The Yakushiike Plum Festival 2026 runs from late February to mid-March at Shikisai no Mori Yakushiike Park in Machida, Tokyo. Around 250 plum trees—mostly vibrant red and pure white varieties—bloom along the shores of historic Yakushi Pond and across gentle hills, creating intimate tunnels of fragrance and color.
The festival features local performing arts (taiko, dance, music), food trucks with seasonal treats, and plum-themed workshops. The park’s mix of traditional Japanese gardens, lotus ponds, and open lawns offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere far from the intensity of central Tokyo’s plum spots. Free entry and easy access make it perfect for a half-day escape.
Highlights
- 250 Red & White Plum Trees: Intense fragrance and striking color contrast around the pond.
- Yakushi Pond Reflections: Blossoms mirrored in the calm water—stunning on sunny days.
- Cultural Performances: Weekend taiko drumming, folk dance, and traditional music.
- Food Trucks & Stalls: Plum sweets, hot amazake, takoyaki, and seasonal street food.
- Lotus Pond & Gardens: Early hints of spring lotuses and traditional landscaping.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- 250 Red & White Plum Trees: Intense fragrance and striking color contrast around the pond.
- Yakushi Pond Reflections: Blossoms mirrored in the calm water—stunning on sunny days.
- Cultural Performances: Weekend taiko drumming, folk dance, and traditional music.
- Food Trucks & Stalls: Plum sweets, hot amazake, takoyaki, and seasonal street food.
- Lotus Pond & Gardens: Early hints of spring lotuses and traditional landscaping.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with timed visits for performances, private Machida tours, plum picnic sets, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Late February – Mid-March 2026
- Peak Bloom: Early to mid-March
- Main Events (performances, stalls): Weekends & holidays
- Park Hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (confirm locally)
Pricing
Completely free entry.
Location
Shikisai no Mori Yakushiike Park 3270 Nozutamachi, Machida, Tokyo 195-0063, Japan
How to Get There
- By Train + Taxi: – Odakyu Line to Tamagawagakuen-mae Station → 8–10 min taxi (~¥1,200)
- From Shinjuku: ~45 min via Odakyu rapid express
- By Car: 15 min from Yokohama-Machida IC (Tomei Expressway); paid parking available
Accommodation Options
Machida city offers business hotels from ¥7,000–¥15,000 near the station. Nearby Tama area has family-friendly resorts and minshuku from ¥12,000–¥30,000.
For a nature stay, consider glamping or farm stays in western Tokyo suburbs (~30 min drive). Book early for early March weekends.
FAQs
When exactly does the 2026 festival run?
Typically late February to mid-March; exact dates announced in January 2026 based on bloom forecasts.
Are performances every day?
No—mainly weekends and select holidays. Weekdays are quieter and perfect for relaxed viewing.
Is parking easy?
Limited—arrive early on weekends or use taxi from the station.
Can I combine with other Machida attractions?
Yes—nearby Machida Squirrel Garden and Yakushi-ike Lotus Pond (summer highlight) are in the same park complex.
When do cherry blossoms start here?
Mid to late March—some late plums overlap with early sakura for a brief double-bloom period.
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