Atami Plum Garden (Shizuoka Prefecture) Complete Guide | Enjoy Japan’s Earliest Blooming Plums and Latest Autumn Leaves at This Famous Tourist Attraction
The Atami Plum Garden in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a historic municipal garden that opened in Meiji 19 (1886). Known for two “Japan’s #1″ distinctions—”Japan’s earliest blooming plums” and “Japan’s latest autumn foliage”—it has become Atami’s representative tourist destination, attracting many visitors throughout the year.
Spanning approximately 44,000 square meters along Hatsukawa River, the garden contains 60 varieties and 469 plum trees, including ancient trees over 100 years old, as well as approximately 380 maple trees. It is a healing space where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of all four seasons.
History and Overview of Atami Plum Garden
Background of Opening
The Atami Plum Garden was established in Meiji 19 (1886) with funding from wealthy merchants in Yokohama. At that time, Atami was beginning to develop as a hot spring destination, and the plum garden was established as a place of relaxation for hot spring visitors. With a history of over 130 years since its opening, this plum garden continues to be cherished as a tourism resource for Atami.
Characteristics of the Facility
The greatest feature of the Atami Plum Garden is its “early blooming plums,” which take advantage of the warm climate. Every year from late November to early December, the first plum blossoms open, welcoming the plum season ahead of the rest of the nation. Since the plums in the garden bloom in sequence as “early blooming → mid-blooming → late blooming,” visitors can enjoy plum blossoms for an extended period from early January through early March.
Meanwhile, the autumn foliage peaks from mid-November to early December, sometimes overlapping with the plum blossom season. This is known as “Japan’s latest autumn foliage,” a precious spot where beautiful autumn leaves can be enjoyed even after other famous foliage sites have finished their displays.
Main Attractions and Ways to Enjoy the Garden
60 Varieties and 469 Plum Trees
The Atami Plum Garden features diverse varieties of plums such as Toji Ume, Yae Kanko, Benizutori, and Shirakaga. Each variety has different blooming periods, flower colors, and shapes, offering a different appearance with each visit.
Ancient trees over 100 years old feature thick trunks and characterful branches shaped by long years, imparting a sense of historical weight. The plum blossoms blooming from these venerable trees possess exceptional beauty and are popular photography spots.
Garden Walking Courses
Six bridges have been constructed along the path beside Hatsukawa River within the garden, allowing visitors to enjoy walks while listening to the stream’s murmur. The scenery of viewing plum trees while crossing bridges has the poetic atmosphere characteristic of Japanese gardens.
There is also a waterfall in the garden, serving as a healing spot where visitors can feel negative ions. During the new green season (May–June), the greenery of the trees is beautiful, offering discoveries of different charm than the plums and autumn foliage.
Korean Garden and Nakayama Shinpei Memorial Hall
A Korean garden has been established within the Atami Plum Garden, offering an atmosphere different from the Japanese garden. Additionally, the Nakayama Shinpei Memorial Hall commemorates the composer Shinpei Nakayama, allowing visitors to learn about the accomplishments of this cultural figure with deep ties to Atami.
These facilities enhance the diversity of the plum garden, serving not only as a place for plum appreciation but also as a venue for cultural learning.
Annual Events
Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival (Early January–Early March)
The “Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival,” held annually from early January through early March, is a representative winter event for Atami. In Reiwa 8 (2026), the 82nd festival is planned, running from January 10 (Saturday) through March 8 (Sunday).
During the plum festival period, various events are held throughout the garden. On weekends, local specialty products are sold, amazake (sweet rice beverage) is served, and traditional performing arts are presented, drawing large crowds of flower viewing enthusiasts. Arriving early in the morning allows visitors to monopolize the sight of plum blossoms illuminated by the morning sun and the quiet atmosphere.
Momiji Festival (Mid-November–Early December)
In autumn, the “Momiji Festival” is held, where visitors can enjoy the sight of approximately 380 maple trees changing color. Night illumination is also conducted during this period, creating a fantastical autumn foliage landscape different from the daytime view.
The foliage peak runs from mid-November to early December, and since early blooming plum varieties also begin flowering during this time, it’s possible to encounter the rare sight of enjoying both autumn foliage and plum blossoms simultaneously.
Access Information
Access by Train
From JR Atami Station
- One stop on the Ito Line to “Komori Station,” then approximately 10 minutes on foot
- From Atami Station by bus: Take the bus to Ainohara Danchi or Umesono, and get off at “Umesono” bus stop immediately
From Komori Station, you pass through residential areas and descend a gentle slope to reach the plum garden. Direction signs are posted along the way, so even first-time visitors can find their way without difficulty.
Access by Car
From the Tomei Expressway
- Approximately 60 minutes from Atsugi IC
- Approximately 40 minutes from Numazu IC
During the plum festival period, surrounding roads become congested, so using public transportation is recommended. For those driving, early morning hours are relatively less crowded.
Parking Information
The plum garden’s dedicated parking is limited, so temporary parking lots are established during the plum festival period. However, on weekends and during peak bloom season, parking lots often fill up, so it’s recommended to visit with extra time.
Operating Hours and Admission Fees
Basic Information
Location
〒413-0032 Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Umesono-cho 8-11
Phone Number
0557-86-6218 (Maintenance and Management Division)
Operating Hours
Generally open 24 hours (Paid hours during plum festival period: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM)
Admission Fees
Regular Period
Free
Plum Festival Period (Paid Designated Period)
- General: 300 yen
- Groups (11 or more): 200 yen
- Atami residents, lodging guests, and Yugawara town residents: 100 yen
- Middle school students and below: Free
Lodging guests can receive discounted admission by obtaining proof from their accommodation facilities. If staying at an Atami hot spring and visiting the garden, check with the lodging facility’s front desk.
Best Viewing Times and Peak Seasons
Plum Blossom Peak Season (Early January–Early March)
The plums at Atami Plum Garden begin blooming with early varieties from late November through early December. The peak viewing season is from mid-January through mid-February, when many plums in the garden reach full bloom, and visitors can stroll through the garden enveloped in plum blossom fragrance.
Late blooming varieties can be enjoyed from late February through early March, allowing plum appreciation over approximately three months—a major attraction of the Atami Plum Garden.
Autumn Foliage Peak Season (Mid-November–Early December)
Foliage begins changing color from mid-November, with the peak season from late November to early December. It’s a precious spot where beautiful autumn foliage can be enjoyed even after other famous foliage sites have finished.
Night illumination is also conducted, allowing visitors to enjoy the foliage in different appearances—daytime and nighttime.
New Green Season (May–June)
The new green season, which doesn’t attract crowds like plum and foliage seasons, is a hidden gem of best seasons at Atami Plum Garden. The bright green of young leaves and the murmur of Hatsukawa River provide perfect conditions for enjoying forest bathing.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Komori Shrine
Located within walking distance of the plum garden, Komori Shrine is famous for its great camphor tree, said to be over 2,000 years old and known as a power spot. Many tourists visit both the shrine and garden together, making it a standard course for Atami sightseeing.
Atami Hot Spring District
Many hot spring inns and hotels line the area around Atami Station, with numerous day-trip hot spring facilities also available. After strolling through the garden, relaxing at a hot spring to soothe tired muscles is also recommended.
Atami Sunbeach
Sunbeach, stretching along Atami’s coastline, offers beautiful scenery not only during summer beach season but throughout the year. It is approximately 10 minutes by car from the plum garden.
Tips for Enjoying Atami Plum Garden
Appropriate Clothing and Items to Bring
The garden features natural terrain with some elevation changes, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. During the plum festival period from January–February, cold days occur, so be sure to prepare warm clothing.
A camera is an essential item. With abundant photography spots including close-ups of plum blossoms, landscapes combining river and plums, and the characterful forms of ancient trees, there is plenty to capture.
Tips to Avoid Crowds
During weekends of the plum festival period, particularly during February’s peak season, the garden becomes very crowded. Weekdays and early morning hours are relatively quiet, allowing leisurely plum appreciation. Arriving around 8:30 AM when the garden opens allows enjoyment of plums in a peaceful atmosphere.
Best Photography Spots
From the bridges spanning Hatsukawa River, excellent angles can be captured of the river and plum trees together. Additionally, near ancient trees over 100 years old, the historically evocative appearance of plums can be photographed.
During the foliage season, the illuminated nighttime foliage landscape is also fantastical, and tripod photography is recommended.
Atami Plum Garden Through the Four Seasons
Spring (March–May)
Late blooming plums can be enjoyed through early March, after which the season transitions to new green. Since cherry blossoms are also planted, blossoms can be enjoyed from late March through early April.
Summer (June–August)
The garden enveloped in deep green is cool, offering a glimpse of Atami’s charm as a summer resort. With fewer tourists, this season provides an excellent opportunity for quiet strolls and is a hidden gem season.
Autumn (September–November)
The Momiji Festival begins in mid-November, welcoming the autumn foliage season. As “Japan’s latest autumn foliage,” beautiful foliage can be enjoyed through early December.
Winter (December–February)
Early blooming plums begin flowering in early December, and the plum festival starts in early January. This is the season when Atami Plum Garden is most vibrant, drawing many tourists.
Atami City’s Initiatives and Future Prospects
Atami City positions the Atami Plum Garden as an important tourism resource and is making efforts in plum tree conservation and garden maintenance. Systematic work to restore vigor to ancient trees over 100 years old, as well as planned planting of new plum trees, continues to pass the garden’s beauty to future generations.
Additionally, initiatives to expand event content and enhance information dissemination are underway to attract more tourists from Japan and abroad. Festival events during the plum festival period continue to improve annually, offering not only plum appreciation but also increasing opportunities to experience Atami’s culture and specialty products.
Summary
The Atami Plum Garden is a representative tourist attraction in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, with a history of over 130 years since opening in Meiji 19. Boasting two “Japan’s #1” distinctions—Japan’s earliest blooming plums and latest autumn foliage—this municipal garden is beloved by many as a place where natural beauty of all seasons can be enjoyed throughout the year.
The sequential blooming of 60 varieties and 469 plum trees can be appreciated for an extended period from early January through early March, with various events held during the plum festival period. The autumn foliage season, with approximately 380 maple trees changing color, is not to be missed.
Easily accessible by train or bus from JR Atami Station, admission during the plum festival period is affordable at 300 yen for general visitors. For those staying at an Atami hot spring, a discounted rate of 100 yen is available, making combination tourism plans with hot spring stays recommended.
With abundant attractions including riverside walking paths, six bridges, a waterfall, a Korean garden, and the Nakayama Shinpei Memorial Hall, this is a place to refresh body and mind while leisurely walking in nature. When visiting Atami, be sure to experience Japan’s finest plums and autumn foliage at the Atami Plum Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the admission fee for Atami Plum Garden?
A1: Admission is free during regular periods. During the plum festival period (early January–early March) from 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, admission is charged at 300 yen for general visitors, 200 yen for groups (11 or more), 100 yen for Atami residents, lodging guests, and Yugawara town residents, and free for middle school students and below.
Q2: When are the plums in peak bloom?
A2: Early blooming varieties begin flowering from late November through early December, with peak season from mid-January through mid-February. Late blooming varieties can be enjoyed through early March, allowing plum appreciation over approximately three months.
Q3: How do I get there from Atami Station?
A3: One stop on the Ito Line to Komori Station, then approximately 10 minutes on foot. By bus, take the Ainohara Danchi or Umesono bound bus from Atami Station and get off at “Umesono” bus stop.
Q4: When are the autumn foliage at their best?
A4: Peak foliage runs from mid-November through early December. Known as “Japan’s latest autumn foliage,” night illumination is also conducted during the Momiji Festival period.
Q5: Is there parking available?
A5: Dedicated parking for the plum garden is limited, with temporary lots established during the plum festival period. However, parking often fills on weekends and during peak season, so using public transportation is recommended.
Q6: What facilities are in the garden?
A6: The garden features 60 varieties and 469 plum trees, approximately 380 maple trees, six bridges, a waterfall, a Korean garden, and the Nakayama Shinpei Memorial Hall. Various attractions can be enjoyed while walking along riverside paths.
