- Address: 1 Chome Tokiwacho, Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture 310-0033, Japan
- Phone: +81 29-244-5454
- Website: koen.pref.ibaraki.jp
- It was founded in 1941.
- Working hours: 08:00 to 17:00
The city of Mito , located in the Japanese prefecture of Ibaraki, is proud of one of the most beautiful parks in the country - Kairaku-en.
Plum Orchard
The Kairaku-en Garden appeared on the city map in 1841. Its founder is the local Tokugawa Nariaki feudal lord. The first visitors to the park appeared here in 1842. The former owner of the wonderful garden adored plum trees, which is why a large grove was broken in the territory of the Kairaku-en park. Nariaki considered the flowering Japanese plum the first sign of the onset of spring, in addition, by the autumn, fragrant and tasty fruit appeared on it, which could be cooked and eaten on cold winter evenings.
The founder's intentions
Tokugawa Nariaki was a wise ruler, his park was supposed to reunite the ruling individuals and ordinary inhabitants of Mito. Archival documents store records in which the Kairaku-en garden is listed as a "effort and rest" project. The matter is that near the park the samurai school worked, and its pupils after exhausting trainings could enjoy the natural beauties of Kairaku-en.
Helpful information
Today the garden is significantly different from a small park that appeared in the XIX century. In Kairaku-en in Mito grows more than 3 thousand plums. The species composition of trees is also amazing, as there are about 100 varieties. The park preserved the Shinto sanctuary, the wooden pavilion of Kobuntay, which hosted many cultural events in the city.
Every year from February 20 to March 31 in the Kairaku-en Garden, the Plum Blossom Festival is held, which attracts locals and foreigners.
How to get there?
The fastest way to get to the park is by metro. The nearest Mito Station is a 10-minute walk away. Trains arrive from different parts of the city. You can rent a car and get to the place by coordinates: 35. 4220, 139. 4457.