Guida
Furowen is a vast and beautiful garden located at the foot of the mountains in the eastern part of the Kofu Basin in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Spanning approximately 50,000 square meters, the garden is masterfully designed to utilize the natural terrain, including valleys and ponds. It features a harmonious arrangement of about 3,200 ornamental plum trees, cherry blossoms, Japanese red pine, Nandina, azaleas, and maple trees. This garden is renowned as a premier destination to witness the arrival of spring through its exquisite plum blossoms.
The history of Furowen dates back to 1897. It was originally established as a private villa by Seiemon Okumura VII, a prominent textile merchant in Kofu. The name 'Furowen' is derived from an ancient Chinese phrase meaning 'Entering the Gate of Immortality to wander among wondrous rocks and famous trees to reach the Hermitage of Longevity.' In keeping with this poetic origin, the entrance features a grand gate symbolizing the 'Gate of Immortality,' the central pond is named 'Shoyo Pond,' and the nearby pavilion is called 'Choseikaku,' preserving a cultural landscape that is deeply integrated with nature.
The garden features winding paths that follow the natural landscape, offering a delightful stroll. Major highlights include:
The peak highlight of Furowen is the plum blossom season from February to March, attracting many visitors from the Kanto and Keihin regions. The view of the plum blossoms in the crisp morning air and the sight of Mt. Fuji under the bright midday sun offer two distinct, beautiful experiences. Beyond plums, you can also enjoy the changing colors of cherry blossoms, maples, and peonies.
Beyond walking through the gardens, visiting the local shop 'Komeian' is a delightful experience. You can enjoy seasonal treats like Oden (Japanese stew) and Amazake (sweet fermented rice drink), which are perfect for warming up during a stroll. The scenery is so beautiful that it is often a subject for photography contests, making it a perfect spot for amateur and professional photographers alike.
Located in the eastern part of the Kofu Basin, Furowen is surrounded by the beautiful landscapes characteristic of Yamanashi Prefecture. Its proximity to Kofu City makes it a very convenient base for sightseeing in the region.
Most shops within the garden primarily accept cash. It is highly recommended to carry cash if you wish to enjoy seasonal snacks like Oden or Amazake.
While some signs may be in English, most communication is in Japanese. Using a translation app is helpful for navigating and interacting with staff.
No advanced reservations are required to enter the garden. Please check the seasonal opening dates before your visit.
The garden features undulating terrain and some unpaved paths. We strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. As it can be quite cold during the peak season (February–March), please bring warm clothing.
Photography is permitted throughout the garden. Please be mindful of other visitors while taking photos.
Due to the natural terrain, there are elevation changes and some unpaved sections. Please note that accessibility for wheelchairs may be limited in certain areas.
To protect the precious plants, please stay on the designated paths. Please also ensure you take your trash with you or use the provided bins.