The popular Yamagata hot springs town of Yutagawa Onsen has many good reasons to visit, and if you're a flower lover the Yutagawa Onsen Bairin (plum grove) Park is a lovely destination during spring. The park comes alive with the color of around 300 plum trees blooming in reds and whites, with a picturesque view of the onsen town below.
An annual festival takes place at the park during the blooming season, and it's typically held around late March or early April depending on weather conditions. Along with the bounty of blossoms to enjoy, there are usually a number of booths selling various eats and drinks.
Admission to the event itself is free, but bring yen if you plan on buying food or beverages.
Getting there
Yutagawa Onsen Bairin Park can be accessed in around 30 minutes by bus bound for Yutagawa Onsen from JR Tsuruoka Station.
For those who opt to drive, the park is around 10 minutes from Tsuruoka IC on the Yamagata Expressway, or around the same travel time from Tsuruoka Nishi IC on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway. On-site parking is available for approximately 50 vehicles.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
