Guide
Tsukuba San Bairin (Tsukuba Mountain Plum Grove) is a renowned destination located on the southern slope of Mt. Tsukuba (at an altitude of approximately 200 to 270 meters) in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Established in 1966, the grove covers about 4.5 hectares and is home to approximately 1,000 plum trees, including 800 white plum and 200 red plum trees. With about 30 different varieties of plum, the earliest blooms begin to appear in late January. The landscape offers a stunning coexistence of the massive rocks of Mt. Tsukuba and the lush blossoms. On clear days, visitors can enjoy distant, breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo Skytree.
The grove was developed in 1966 as part of the Mt. Tsukuba tourism development project, reclaiming the barren land on the mountainside. Since the first "Tsukuba San Ume Matsuri" (Tsukuba Plum Festival) in 1974, this event has become a cherished local tradition. In 2000, the "Tsukuba San Bairin Revitalization Project" was launched to maintain the natural environment and enhance the scenery. The plum trees are characterized by their unique trunks covered in lichen and branches that are pruned to grow low and wide, creating a beautiful, spreading aesthetic. Every year from November to January, pruning is performed to shape the branches into a graceful, crawling form.
The grove offers several scenic spots where you can feel the beauty of natural formations. A major highlight is the striking contrast between the massive rocks of Mt. Tsukuba and the plum blossoms. The area features many boulders composed of gabbro deposited by debris flows. Additionally, along the paths, you can observe exposed granite bedrock and white pegmatite veins, offering a fascinating geological experience. For relaxation, there are wooden gazebos (azumaya) where you can sit on benches and gaze out over the vast Kanto Plain. You can also enjoy a close-up view of the 1,000 red and white plum blossoms from the terrace of the Tsukuba San Omotenashi-kan.
The best time to visit is from January to February. The early-blooming varieties begin to signal the arrival of spring in late January. We highly recommend visiting during bright, sunny daylight hours to ensure the clearest views of the distant Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. During the seasonal "Tsukuba San Ume Matsuri" festival, you can enjoy a deeper cultural experience by purchasing local products such as plum wine (umeshu) and pickled plums (umeboshi) made from the harvested fruit.
Beyond walking through the blossoms, you can enjoy observing the local geology and flora. The area is rich in biodiversity, featuring wild cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, and various wildflowers like primroses and violets, each offering a different look depending on the season. The Tsukuba San Omotenashi-kan provides a comfortable place to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings. During the festival, you can also experience local traditions through the purchase of specialty plum-based products.
The grove is surrounded by the rich natural environment of Mt. Tsukuba. The area is a great place to learn about nature, with exposed granite bedrock visible in several spots. Nearby, you can also visit historical sites such as Tsukuba Shrine to combine a nature walk with cultural sightseeing. Access is well-established via shuttle buses from Tsukba Station or by car via the Tsuchiura Kita IC.
As the grove is a natural environment, please prepare accordingly for the season and weather. Since visits typically occur from winter to early spring, we strongly recommend wearing warm clothing to protect against the cold. While wooden paths are maintained and allow for wheelchair-accessible movement to the gazebos, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for navigating the natural terrain. Please check the latest information regarding specific payment methods, English language support, and reservation requirements on-site.