Kairakuen

Kairakuen is counted among Japan’s three great gardens, together with Kenrokuen (Ishikawa) and Korakuen (Okayama). It opened in 1842, established by Tokugawa Nariaki, the 9th lord of the Mito Domain. The name comes from a line in the Chinese classic “”Mencius””: “”The people of old enjoyed together with the people; therefore they were able to enjoy,”” expressing the wish to create a place where the lord and his people could enjoy together. Kairakuen is nationally famous for its plum blossoms, with about 3,000 trees across roughly 100 varieties. Each year from February 20 to March 31, the “”Mito Plum Festival”” is held, and the garden is also illuminated during the period, drawing many visitors. After plum season, you can still enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and azaleas, autumn bush clover and fall foliage, and even winter-blooming sakura. Natural features such as Senba Lake within the expansive grounds and the spring-fed water feature Tokugawa Nariaki is said to have designed himself, the Kobuntei pavilion, are also highlights. Access is by bus from JR Joban Line “”Mito Station”” (about 20 minutes).