Guida
Tsukuba San Bairin is a renowned plum grove managed by Tsukuba City, located on the southern slope of Mt. Tsukuba (at an altitude of approximately 200 to 270 meters). Established in 1966, the 4.5-hectare garden features about 1,000 plum trees, including 800 white plum trees and 200 red plum trees. With approximately 30 varieties of plum, the earliest blooms arrive in late January. The landscape offers a stunning harmony between the massive rocks of Mt. Tsukuba and the full bloom of the plum trees. On clear days, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo Skytree in the distance.
The grove was created in 1966 by reclaiming wasteland on the mid-slope as part of the Tsukuba Mountain tourism development. The first "Tsukuba San Plum Festival" was held in 1974, and it has since 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 here are characterized by their unique trunks covered in lichen and low, spreading branches, shaped through meticulous pruning performed between November and January to create a beautiful, crawling aesthetic.
The garden offers several features that showcase the beauty of nature. A major highlight is the contrast between the massive rocks of Mt. Tsukuba and the delicate plum blossoms. The area contains many rock masses of gabbro deposited by debris flows. Additionally, the exposed granite bedrock allows for interesting geological observations of white pegmatite veins. For relaxation, there is a wooden observation pavilion (Azumaya) where you can sit on benches and gaze out over the Kanto Plain. The terrace of the Tsukuba San Omotenashi-kan also provides a close-up view of the 1,000 red and white plum trees.
The best time to visit is from January to February. The early-blooming varieties begin to appear in late January, signaling the arrival of spring. It is highly recommended to visit during bright, sunny days to clearly see the distant views of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. During the seasonal "Tsukuba San Plum Festival," you can enjoy a deeper cultural experience by purchasing processed products such as plum wine (umeshu) and pickled plums (umeboshi) made from the local harvest.
Visitors can enjoy nature walks combined with observing local geology and flora. The area is home to various plants including mountain cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, and wild flowers like violets, offering different seasonal expressions. You can also relax at facilities like the Tsukuba San Omotenashi-kan. During the Plum Festival, you can touch upon local traditional processing techniques through the purchase of specialty products.
The grove is surrounded by the rich natural environment of Mt. Tsukuba. The exposed granite bedrock provides a chance to learn about the geological formation of the area. Nearby, you can also explore historical sites like Tsukuba Shrine. Access is well-established via shuttle buses from Tsukuba Station and by car via the Tsuchiura Kita IC.
As this is a natural environment, please prepare according to the season and weather. Since visits typically occur from winter to early spring, we strongly recommend wearing warm clothing. While there are wooden paths that make the area accessible for wheelchairs, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating the natural terrain. Please check the latest information regarding specific payment methods, English language support, and reservation requirements before your visit.