Guide
"Yoruume Matsuri" (Night Plum Festival) is a rare and enchanting evening event held at the historic Kairakuen Garden, Tokiwa Shrine, and the Kodokan school in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture. Celebrating the 110th anniversary of the Mito Plum Festival, this event offers a unique way to experience the beauty of plum blossoms under the moonlight. Visitors can enjoy the stunning visual of illuminated plum groves and the intoxicating fragrance of blossoms that intensifies from night until dawn.
The main attraction is the breathtaking sight of over 5,000 candles illuminating the grounds. Wander through the "Path of Light" in the bamboo groves and admire the delicate Japanese paper (washi) decorations that create a dreamlike atmosphere. A spectacular fireworks display by the renowned Nomura Fireworks Industry is also a major highlight. Beyond the visuals, you can immerse yourself in local culture through food stalls serving local seasonal ingredients and special demonstrations of Mito's traditional samurai tea culture (Mito Shusu-ryu).
The festival is typically held around March each year. Please note that schedules may vary between the Kairakuen and Kodokan venues, so we recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date information for your specific visit date.
The event takes place across two main areas: the "Kairakuen & Tokiwa Shrine Area" and the "Kodokan Area." To ensure smooth travel, temporary buses provided by Ibaraki Kotsu or Kanto Railway may be in operation. Please be aware that Kairakuen Station does not have special late-night service, so you may need to use local route buses to return to Mito Station.
As this is a nighttime event, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking through the gardens. Since you will be outdoors at night, bringing layers or a warm jacket is essential to stay comfortable. Having small change ready for local food stalls and planning your bus route back to Mito Station will help you enjoy the evening to the fullest.