Photo: Jelleke Vanooteghem / Unsplash ()
Plum blossoms are often seen as a sign that winter is over and spring has arrived, and one of the best places to enjoy the blooms in Gunma is at the Akima Plum Grove – it's regarded as one of the three great plum groves in the prefecture. Around 35,000 plum blossom trees can be found here, and when they are at their colorful best a festival is held which draws visitors from all across the Kanto region.
Along with the picturesque and fragrant blossoms to enjoy, the event also includes a variety of eats available for purchase, cultural performances such as taiko drumming demonstrations, mochi pounding competitions, and even a flea market.
Please note that the official event flyer gives a starting date for the festival, but the end date is simply listed as late March. Blossoms are likely to have past their best by that stage.
Venue: Akima Plum Grove When: Feb 18th - Mar 31st 2023
GETTING THERE
The Akima Plum Grove is located approximately 20 minutes driving time from the Matsuida-Myogi IC on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.
