Plum Blossom Festival ~Edo Flower Garden Adorned with Plum Blossoms~
A Celebration of Edo Culture and Plum Blossoms
Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden, established in the late Edo period, was originally a renowned plum blossom viewing spot, affectionately nicknamed "Shin Ume-yashiki" (New Plum Garden). It boasted approximately 360 plum trees. Today, the garden continues this legacy, showcasing nearly 20 varieties of plum blossoms, including Tsuki-kage, Hatsukari, Shira-kaga, Michi-shirebe, and Kagoshima-beni. During the peak viewing season, the garden hosts a series of events designed to immerse visitors in both the beauty of the blossoms and the rich culture of the Edo period.
The Plum Blossom Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience a refined, early spring moment, surrounded by the delicate fragrance of plum blossoms and the ambiance of Edo.
Festival Events
A variety of events, detailed below, are scheduled throughout the festival, allowing visitors to engage with Edo culture and appreciate the natural beauty of the garden.
Plum Blossom Poetry 📝 (Cancelled in case of inclement weather)
Visitors are invited to compose haiku and waka poems inspired by the plum blossoms, contributing their verses to a haiku notebook.
- Date and Time: Daily during the festival, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Location: Arbor next to the wisteria trellis.
- Participation Fee: Free (separate admission fee required).
Edo Street Performance 🎭 (Cancelled in case of rain)
Traditional street performances, including Daikoku-mai and Houka-gei, will be presented by the Asakusa Zatsugei-dan.
- Date and Time: February 8th (Sunday) and February 24th (Monday, Holiday), at 11:40 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM (each performance approximately 30 minutes).
- Location: Plaza in front of the shop.
- Performers: Asakusa Zatsugei-dan.
- Viewing Fee: Free (separate admission fee required).
- Viewing Method: Open viewing on the day.
Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance) 💃 (Cancelled in case of rain)
The Suzume Odori, a dance originating in Sendai (the birthplace of the garden’s first owner, Sahari Mariu), will be performed. This dance also appears in "Hokusai Manga," created by Katsushika Hokusai, a ukiyo-e artist with connections to Sumida Ward.
- Date and Time: February 9th (Sunday) and February 16th (Sunday), at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM (each performance approximately 30 minutes).
- Meeting Place: Plaza in front of the shop.
- Performers: Fuku-rai Suzume.
- Viewing Fee: Free (separate admission fee required).
- Viewing Method: Open viewing on the day.
Wild Plant Watching 🌿 (Cancelled in case of rain)
An instructor, Mr. Yoshiki Wakabayashi (Plant Researcher), will lead guided observations of wild plants within the garden, providing insightful commentary.
- Date and Time: February 15th (Saturday), at 11:40 AM and 2:40 PM (each session approximately 60 minutes).
- Instructor: Mr. Yoshiki Wakabayashi (Plant Researcher).
- Capacity: 20 people per session (first-come, first-served).
- Participation Fee: Free (separate admission fee required).
- How to Participate: Reception begins 10 minutes before the start time at the Autumn Seven Herbs corner.
Tea Ceremony 🍵
The Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden Tea Ceremony group will offer tea ceremony demonstrations and serve matcha.
- Date and Time: February 22nd (Saturday) and February 23rd (Sunday, Holiday), 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (each session approximately 30 minutes).
- Location: Onari-zasiki (Reception Room).
- Capacity: 13 people per session (reception on the day).
- Participation Fee: 1,000 yen per seat (separate admission fee required).
- How to Participate: Reception from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM in front of the Onari-zasiki (ends when capacity is reached).
Garden Stroll ~How to Enjoy Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden~ 🚶 (Cancelled in case of rain)
Staff will lead a guided tour of the garden, highlighting the unique floral displays and scenic views specific to Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden.
- Date and Time: February 23rd (Sunday, Holiday), 1:00 PM (approximately 60 minutes).
- Capacity: 10 people (first-come, first-served).
- Participation Fee: Free (separate admission fee required).
- How to Participate: Reception begins 10 minutes before the start time next to the Service Center.
Basic Information
- Venue / Nearest Station:
Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden
Higashi-mukojima Station / Keisei-hikifune Station / Hikifune Station. - Address:
〒131-0032
3-chome, Higashi-mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
MAP - Event Period: February 8th (Saturday) – March 2nd (Sunday), 2025.
- Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
- Fees:
Admission: General – 150 yen; 65 years and older – 70 yen.- Elementary school students and younger, and junior high school students living or attending school in Tokyo are admitted free of charge.
- Inquiries:
Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden Service Center
03-3611-8705 - Official Website:
Let’s go to the park! Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden
Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden Twitter - Notes:
Information regarding cancellations due to rain or inclement weather will be announced on the Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden Twitter feed. For inquiries, please contact the Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden Service Center. Published content is subject to change; please refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information.
What is Mukojima Hyakkaen?
Mukojima Hyakkaen is a historic garden in Tokyo’s Sumida ward, known for its cultural significance and natural beauty. Established in the early 19th century during the Edo period by Sahara Kiku, a wealthy antiques dealer and horticulturist, the garden stands out for its focus on a wide variety of flowering plants, especially those celebrated in Japanese poetry and literature.
The name "Hyakkaen" means "Garden of One Hundred Flowers," highlighting its dedication to seasonal blooms. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a diverse array of plants, with plum blossoms being particularly notable in late winter and early spring. The garden’s design, featuring winding paths, stone lanterns, and a pond, reflects the aesthetics of classical Japanese poetry and creates a tranquil atmosphere.
Mukojima Hyakkaen offers insight into the horticultural practices and artistic sensibilities of the Edo period. It provides a peaceful retreat from the city, allowing visitors to appreciate the enduring charm of Japan’s historical gardens.
