Furouen

Overview

Furouen is a plum garden located in Sakeori, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Approximately 3,200 plum trees of more than 20 varieties grace its 50,000 square meter grounds. During the blooming season, from late February to late March, the garden is awash in a breathtaking display of white and pink blossoms. Nestled in the northern foothills of the Kofu Basin, near the southern tip of a ridge extending from the Okuchichibu mountain range, Furouen cleverly utilizes the natural terrain, resulting in a compact yet undulating plum garden. Beyond the plum trees, Furouen features a diverse array of plants, including cherry blossoms, peonies, and nandina, offering stunning seasonal beauty throughout the year. Furouen's history dates back to 1897 (Meiji 30), when it was established as a villa by the seventh-generation Okumura Masuemon, a textile merchant from Kofu City. Masuemon traveled extensively throughout Japan, collecting and planting various plum trees, and dedicated himself to landscaping, incorporating cherry blossoms, peonies, and nandina into the garden. After his death, five of his sons inherited Furouen. To ensure its long-term preservation, it became the Okumura Furouen Foundation in 1970 (Showa 45), continuing to thrive to this day. Beloved by Yamanashi residents, Furouen also draws significant crowds during the blooming season, particularly day-trip visitors from the Keihin area. During the open season, you'll find stalls offering plum bonsai for sale, amazake (sweet rice drink), oden (hot pot), and other treats. Be sure to pay a visit!