Wander through a sea of white and pink plum blossoms at the Misato Plum Festival in Takasaki.
Note that the ending date of the festival is estimated. Double-check the website for the current information.
What happens?
Gunma’s largest plum blossom festival, the Misato Plum Festival, transforms Takasaki’s Misato Plum Grove into a sea of white and pink blossoms every year from late February to late March.
The festival isn’t just about stopping to smell the flowers (though that’s highly recommended). You’ll also find an array of stalls selling all things ume — from plum sweets to pickled plums and even plum-based drinks — on certain days.
How to get there
Take the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station (about 50 minutes). Alternatively, you can also take the Shonan-Shinjuku Line Special Rapid from Ōmiya Station to Takasaki (about 1 hour and 50 minutes).
From Takasaki Station, it’s easiest to take a taxi straight to the grove (about 25 minutes).
Otherwise, take a bus heading towards Misato or Ikaho Onsen. Either get off at the Yotsuya stop and walk for 40 to 50 minutes. Or get off at the Misato Eigyosho stop and transfer to a bus heading towards Komayose. Get off at the Sakashita stop. From there, it’s a 20 to 40-minute walk.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.