Odawara Flower Garden in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, located at an elevation of approximately 113 meters, features one of the largest plum groves in the Kanto region with about 300 varieties and 500 trees (free admission). The early-blooming varieties are already at their peak.
This Year's Blooms Are About One Week Earlier Than Usual
This year, plum blossoms across Japan are blooming early, and at Odawara Flower Garden, the peak viewing period has arrived approximately one week earlier than usual. The garden's plum grove, situated at an elevation of about 113 meters, features views of the Tanzawa mountain range in the crisp early spring air. While visitors can typically enjoy mid-blooming to late-blooming varieties through late February, this year's peak is expected to arrive earlier, so an early visit is recommended.
"Plum Festival" Held to Coincide with Peak Viewing Season
Odawara Flower Garden will hold the "Plum Festival" from January 24 (Saturday) to March 1 (Sunday), 2026, coinciding with the plum grove's peak viewing period. The garden will be open every day during this period with free admission. Additionally, various programs will be held that allow visitors to experience the charm of the diverse varieties unique to this garden, which features approximately 300 varieties.
2026 Theme: "Late-Blooming Plums - A Splendid World"
Each year, a theme is set to introduce the charm of diverse varieties, and this year the focus is on "late-blooming" varieties, with commentary and quiz rallies highlighting these special plums.
Odawara Flower Garden 2026 "Plum Festival" Overview
Period: January 24 (Saturday) to March 1 (Sunday), 2026
*Open daily during the festival period
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Venue: Odawara Flower Garden Plum Grove
(Location: 3798-5 Kuno, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Access:
From Odawara Station, take the Izu Hakone Bus bound for "Flower Garden/Kanagawa Prefectural Suwa-no-Hara Park" and get off at "Flower Garden" (approximately 30 minutes)
Or about a 20-minute walk (approximately 1.6km uphill) from Iidaoka Station on the Izuhakone Railway Daiyuzan Line
Parking: Free
*Capacity: 148 regular cars, 6 accessible parking spaces
*To ease congestion, please use public transportation when visiting.
*For groups using large buses, please contact us in advance
Peak Viewing Forecast (as of January 19, 2026)
Currently, early-blooming varieties are already at their "peak viewing" stage. Blooming is about one week earlier than usual, and mid-blooming and late-blooming varieties are also likely to bloom earlier, so an early visit is recommended.
*The stream water in the plum grove may be stopped due to facility maintenance.
*Peak viewing forecasts may vary depending on weather conditions. Please check the latest blooming information on the park website and official social media (Facebook, Instagram) before visiting.
Odawara Flower Garden Official Website
Select Programs During the 2026 "Plum Festival" Period
Free Guided Tours
Free guided tours and quiz rallies introducing the highlights of the garden, which boasts approximately 300 varieties and 500 trees, and the characteristics of each variety. This year's theme focuses on "late-blooming" varieties.
Guided Tour by Japan Ume Society President Professor Takayuki Otsubo
Date: February 14 (Saturday), 2026
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Capacity: First 30 people (same-day registration)
Fee: Free
*In case of rain, an indoor lecture will be held
Guided Tour by Garden Staff
Date: February 21 (Saturday), 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Capacity: First 30 people (same-day registration)
Fee: Free
*Cancelled in case of rain
Handicraft Experiences Using the Garden's "Plum Branches"
Visitors can create botanical dye experiences and photo frames using "plum branches" pruned for tree management. Other programs include mist-making inspired by the fragrance of plum blossoms, perfect as souvenirs. For details, please see the garden's website.
Photo Frame Creation Using Garden Plum Branches and Nuts
Date: January 31 (Saturday), 2026
Time: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Capacity: 10 groups (same-day registration)
Fee: ¥200 (tax included)
Botanical Dyeing with Crimson Plum Using Garden Branches
Date: February 1 (Sunday), 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (*12:00 PM to 1:00 PM is break time for boiling)
Capacity: 10 groups (same-day registration)
Fee: ¥400 (tax included)
*For same-day registration programs, a lottery will be held if capacity is exceeded. For details, please see the website.
One Day Only! Enjoy the Plum Grove in Kimono - "Gather, Kimono Ladies!"
On February 22 (Sunday), 2026, for one day only during the "Plum Festival," kimono rental and fitting services will be offered. Additionally, visitors who come to the garden in kimono on that day will receive complimentary warm "oshiruko" (sweet red bean soup). Enjoy the plum grove to your heart's content in elegant Japanese attire.
Kimono Fitting and Rental Service
Date: February 22 (Sunday), 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (fitting time by appointment)
Capacity: First 20 people (reservation required)
Fee: ¥3,500 (tax included) *Includes full rental, fitting, and craft experience
Cooperation: Hakubi Kyoto Kimono Academy
Reservation Method: Please call to reserve during the period from February 2 (Monday) to February 16 (Monday), 2026.
*Phone number: 0465-34-2814
*For visitors 140cm or taller.
*Please do your own makeup. The fee remains the same if you bring your own kimono.
*A limited number of men's kimonos are available. Please inquire.
Special Benefit for Kimono Visitors! Oshiruko Tasting Service
All visitors who come to the garden in kimono on February 22 (Sunday) will receive complimentary oshiruko with plenty of boiled azuki beans and shiratama (rice flour dumplings) at the on-site takeout café "Hibiscus."
*This offer is also available to those not using the fitting service
Perfect Souvenirs! Odawara Specialty "Fresh Plums" and More on Sale
During the "Plum Festival" period, a limited menu item - "Plum Festival Soba" made with Odawara plum paste and kamaboko - will be available! This popular menu was created based on customer requests. Additionally, souvenirs such as umeboshi (pickled plums) and crispy flavored plums will be on sale. Takeout menu items perfect for strolling through the plum grove are also available.
Limited-Time Menu "Plum Festival Soba"
Price: ¥800 (tax included)
Location: On-site takeout café "Hibiscus"
Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
*Last order for meal menu items is 3:00 PM
*Open daily during the Plum Festival period (except in severe weather)
Odawara "Plum" Souvenir Sales
Location: 1st floor entrance of the management building, souvenir corner
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
*Open daily during the Plum Festival period (except in severe weather)
*During the "Plum Festival" period, various other experience programs will be held. For details, please see the "Event Information" section of the Odawara Flower Garden website.
https://www.kanagawaparks.com/odawarafg/event/
About Odawara Flower Garden
A botanical garden that opened in 1995. The main facility, the "Tropical Dome Greenhouse," features tropical and subtropical plants year-round, along with the "Valley Plum Grove" with one of the largest collections in the Kanto region - approximately 300 varieties and 500 trees of plum blossoms, the "Rose Garden" with approximately 160 varieties and 360 rose plants enjoyed in spring and autumn, and the "Iris Pond" with approximately 180 varieties and 1,000 Japanese iris plants. Visitors can enjoy various flowers throughout the four seasons.
Check Out the "Valley Plum Grove" in VR Before Your Visit!
The plum grove in full bloom and the garden's main facility, the "Tropical Dome Greenhouse," can be viewed in 360-degree panoramic photos along with a garden map. Before visiting, you can scout out photo spots and places to leisurely enjoy the plum blossoms.
"Jade Vine" and More Expected to Peak in the Greenhouse Around Late February
In the on-site Tropical Dome Greenhouse, the mystical "Jade Vine" is also expected to begin blooming around late February. Be sure to see the tropical flowers in the warm greenhouse, even in winter.
*Please check the park website for blooming status
Location: 3798-5 Kuno, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Admission: Free
*Tropical Dome Greenhouse admission is charged
(Adults ¥200, Elementary and Junior High School Students ¥100)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
*Tropical Dome Greenhouse admission until 4:30 PM
Closed:
Mondays (open on holidays, closed the following day)
Weekdays immediately following holidays (including substitute holidays)
Year-end and New Year holidays
*The garden will be open daily from January 24 (Saturday) to March 1 (Sunday), 2026 during the "Plum Festival" period
Access:
From Odawara Station, take the Izu Hakone Bus bound for "Flower Garden/Kanagawa Prefectural Suwa-no-Hara Park" and get off at "Flower Garden" (approximately 30 minutes)
About a 20-minute walk (approximately 1.6km uphill) from Iidaoka Station on the Izuhakone Railway Daiyuzan Line
*For details, please see the "Access" section of the garden's website
