When is the best time to visit Atami Plum Garden?

The peak blooming period is mid-February when most of the 470 plum trees are in flower. The overall season runs from early January through early March due to the 60 different varieties blooming at different times.

What can I do at Atami Plum Garden besides viewing plum blossoms?

The garden has walking paths, traditional bridges, and photography viewpoints. The shop sells umeboshi (pickled plums) and plum wine made from the garden's harvest. During the festival, evening illuminations are available.

Are the plum blossoms at Atami different from cherry blossoms?

Plum blossoms bloom January to March, earlier than cherry blossoms. They have stronger fragrance, grow directly on branches without stems, and appear in colors from white to deep pink. The trees are more gnarled in appearance, with some over 100 years old.

Can I visit Atami Plum Garden outside of plum blossom season?

Yes, the garden is open year-round with free admission outside the January to March blooming season. However, the plum trees will not be in flower, and special events like illuminations and festival activities are only available during peak season.

How long should I plan to spend at Atami Plum Garden?

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the 4.4-hectare garden. This allows time to walk the pathways, photograph the blossoms, and visit the shop. Adding festival activities or evening illuminations extends the visit.

Shizuoka

Atami Plum Garden

4 (4793)ParkTourist AttractionPlaygroundPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 10, 2026

The Atami Plum Garden, known locally as Atami Baien, is one of Japan's most celebrated early-blooming plum tree destinations, established in 1886 during the Meiji period. The garden was created on land reclaimed from the sea and has since grown to encompass approximately 4.4 hectares with over 470 plum trees representing 60 different varieties. Its strategic location on the warm Izu Peninsula allows the plums to bloom significantly earlier than most other regions in Japan, typically from early January through early March, making it the country's first major plum blossom viewing spot each year.

The garden holds particular cultural importance as a symbol of Atami's development as a resort town. The varieties planted include both ornamental and fruiting plums, with colors ranging from white to deep pink and red. Notable specimens include ancient trees over 100 years old that have been carefully preserved. During the peak blooming season, usually mid-February, the garden hosts the Atami Plum Garden Festival, which features traditional performances, local food stalls, and evening illuminations that transform the landscape after dark.

Visitors can explore winding pathways that lead through the sloping terrain, offering varied perspectives of the blossoms against the backdrop of Atami's hills and occasional glimpses of Sagami Bay. The garden includes a small stream, traditional Japanese bridges, and rest areas where visitors can enjoy the scenery. Photography is particularly popular here due to the vibrant contrast of blossoms against the winter landscape. The garden also produces umeboshi (pickled plums) and plum wine from its harvest, with products available for purchase at the on-site shop.

The Atami Plum Garden is located approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Atami Station, accessible via the Atami Yuyu Bus bound for the Izu-Tokai Bus route. Alternatively, it is roughly a 20-minute walk from the station for those preferring to travel on foot through the town. Admission during the plum blossom season is typically ¥300 for adults, while entry is free outside the blooming period when fewer trees are in flower.

Phone

+81 557-86-6218

Website

www.city.atami.lg.jp

Overview

Address

8-11 Baienchō, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0032, Japan

Phone

+81 557-86-6218

Website

www.city.atami.lg.jp

Traveler reviews

The parking I found was across from the garden – somewhat of a slope. Nearby a 7/11. The walk around the garden was lovely, there's a toilet located in the facility. We came during a quiet time so there was only a handful of people, some were walking their pets. There are signs to tell you which direction buildings are, museum also has parking beside it. I had a lovely time.

Mabel

Jun 24, 2026

Entry fee 100jpy if you are staying in atami. Everything requires extra payment once inside (hot spring 200jpy, museum 400jpy, etc…) It smelled and looked nice, closes early (3:30 or 4pm). It actually stays open all night but not everything will be available to visit.) Would recommend taking a taxi to the entrance as it is very far uphill. Nice visit, there is also the shrine with the old tree at walking distance that is 100% worth a visit! (open late)

Pier-Olivier

Mar 16, 2026

Visiting Atami Plum Garden in late January is awesome for checking out the plum blossoms! I see tons of pretty pink and white ones. Though, I think it's probably more beautiful in early February. Some of the trees are just about to blossom. Entrance fee is 300 yen per person.

Lillian Wang

Jan 30, 2026

I visited the garden on the last week of February of 2026. The flowers were not yet bloom, but it was definitely still worth visiting. The garden is well maintained and the staff is very friendly. Don’t forget to check out the little cave under the waterfall!