Overview
Tsukubasan Bairin is a plum grove operated by Tsukuba City, spreading across the foothills of the famous Mount Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture. Opened in 1966, it has long been cherished as one of Tsukuba's foremost spots for viewing plum blossoms. Set on the mountainside, its slopes are planted with red and white plum trees that color the hills in early spring. The view over the Kantō Plain seen through the blossoms is another draw, and together with the scent of plum drifting in the clear air, it is a place to feel the arrival of spring a little ahead of the season. As a public grove run by the city, it is easy to visit and enjoy a stroll.
Highlights
- ●Views of red and white plum blossoms coloring the slopes of Mount Tsukuba
- ●An early-spring landmark bustling during the February–March plum festival
- ●Vistas of the Kantō Plain spreading out beyond the blossoms
- ●A historic public grove run by Tsukuba City, opened in 1966
History
Tsukubasan Bairin was opened by Tsukuba City in 1966. Making use of its location at the foot of Mount Tsukuba, the celebrated peak sometimes paired with Mount Fuji in the saying "Fuji in the west, Tsukuba in the east," it was created as a place for residents and visitors to enjoy the spring. For more than half a century since, it has been loved as a seasonal feature of early spring, and the plum festival held to coincide with the blossoms has become a major springtime event for the area. For details of its history and operation, it is best to check the official information of Tsukuba City.
Access
The grove lies on the mid-slope of Mount Tsukuba in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, around latitude 36.21 north and longitude 140.09 east. A common route is to take a shuttle bus toward Mount Tsukuba from Tsukuba Station on the Tsukuba Express, then walk from near the Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine entrance. By car, head for Mount Tsukuba via the Jōban Expressway area. As the plum festival period is especially crowded, using public transport or arriving early is recommended. Please check official information for the latest transport and parking details.
Best season
The best viewing runs from February to early March, when the plums come into full bloom, and the plum festival held then is the main highlight. Red and white blossoms dye the slopes, offering scenery unique to early spring together with the sweeping views afforded by the mountain foothills. Since bloom timing shifts from year to year, it is wise to check flowering information before your visit.
Map
36.2142, 140.0909 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Take a shuttle bus from Tsukuba Station to the foot of Mount Tsukuba
- 2Visit Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine and enjoy the atmosphere at its gate
- 3Stroll Tsukubasan Bairin, savoring the slope's red and white plums and the views
- 4Round out the day with festival stalls and a cable car or ropeway ascent of the mountain
Did you know?
💡 This is a public plum grove operated by Tsukuba City, with a history dating to its opening in 1966. Its mid-slope setting on Mount Tsukuba lets you take in the Kantō Plain along with the blossoms, a charm not found at other plum groves.
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