Soga Plum Grove
Experience the fragrant beauty of 35,000 plum trees, with potential views of Mount Fuji, in this picturesque Odawara grove.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak plum blossom season
Soga Plum Grove
Best Time
Peak plum blossom season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the fragrant beauty of 35,000 plum trees, with potential views of Mount Fuji, in this picturesque Odawara grove.
"A beautiful place to hang out over a sunny weekend with beautiful views of Mt Fuji."
🎯 Check Bloom Forecasts
Bloom timing varies; check local reports for peak plum blossom season.
🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility
A rental car from Odawara Station offers freedom to explore the spread-out grove.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
35,000 Plum Trees in Bloom
Soga Plum Grove
Witness a breathtaking spectacle of approximately 35,000 plum trees, creating a fragrant and visually stunning landscape.
Mount Fuji Backdrop
Soga Plum Grove
On clear days, enjoy the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji framing the vibrant plum blossoms for an unforgettable view.
Soga Plum Festival
Soga Plum Grove
Experience the local culture during the festival, with stalls selling produce and various plum tree varieties on display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Plum Blossoms
+1Getting There and Around Odawara
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Bloom Forecasts
Bloom timing varies; check local reports for peak plum blossom season.
🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility
A rental car from Odawara Station offers freedom to explore the spread-out grove.
🚴 Cycle Through the Grove
Cycling is a great way to experience the village and its dispersed plum trees.
👃 Savor the Fragrance
The air is filled with a delightful fruity and tangy scent from the plum blossoms.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Bloom Forecasts
Bloom timing varies; check local reports for peak plum blossom season.
🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility
A rental car from Odawara Station offers freedom to explore the spread-out grove.
🚴 Cycle Through the Grove
Cycling is a great way to experience the village and its dispersed plum trees.
👃 Savor the Fragrance
The air is filled with a delightful fruity and tangy scent from the plum blossoms.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Use zoom lenses or newer phone cameras to get great shots of Mt. Fuji with the blossoms.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning visual spectacle of thousands of plum trees in bloom, often enhanced by a beautiful backdrop of Mount Fuji. The fragrant air and tranquil village setting are frequently praised, making it a worthwhile visit despite the travel time from major cities. Some note that visiting slightly before peak bloom can offer a quieter experience.
"The place has a large number of plum tree ( the one with white flowers) and it is a beautiful place to hand out over a sunny weekend. There are beautiful views of mt Fuji was well."
Saurabh
"Visited on 3rd Feb 2025 for the Soga Plum Festival 2025 (1st-24th Feb 2025) and was probably a week too early for the full blooms. Nevertheless, the area was quaint and some trees have fully blossomed but most of the trees are only in budding stage and little flowers opening. It was a nice experience to walk around the quiet and tranquil village though and see how the plum trees are grown in a large scale farm. There are some cafes and stalls selling local produce in the farm."
KS Lok
"Great place to see beautiful plum blossoms with around 35,000 plum trees. Best recommended to visit around mid to late February. 🥰"
Yeli's Cafe and Adventures
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the Shinkansen to Odawara Station. From there, you can transfer to local transport or rent a car. Some visitors suggest it's a bit of a drive from Tokyo, but well worth it. +2
While Odawara Station is a hub, the grove is spread out. Local buses and trains can get you to the general area, but renting a car or cycling offers more freedom to explore.
Many visitors enjoy cycling through the village to see the dispersed plum trees. Renting a car from Odawara Station is also a popular option for flexibility.
Yes, it's possible as a day trip, though it involves travel time. Consider an early start to maximize your time enjoying the blossoms and potential Mt. Fuji views.
Parking availability can vary, especially during the festival. If you rent a car, inquire about parking options or look for designated areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Soga Plum Grove itself is generally free, as the trees are often in private gardens and farms spread throughout the village.
As the grove is spread across a village, there are no strict opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours to enjoy the scenery and any festival activities.
The festival itself typically doesn't have an entrance fee, but individual stalls or specific attractions within the festival area might have charges.
The Soga Plum Festival usually takes place from early to late February, coinciding with the peak plum blossom season.
Yes, you can visit the plum trees outside of the festival dates, especially during the blooming season in February. However, the festival adds a lively atmosphere with local vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the blossoms and Mt. Fuji. Avoid midday sun for softer lighting.
On a clear day, look for vantage points that offer a wide view. Newer phone cameras with good zoom capabilities can help capture both elements effectively.
The grove is spread out, so explore different areas. Look for open fields and elevated spots that provide a good perspective of the trees and any distant mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the grove, while a telephoto lens can help isolate blossoms or frame Mt. Fuji. Even a smartphone with good zoom works well.
Drone regulations can be strict in Japan. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
🎫 🌸 Plum Blossoms & Nature
The plum blossoms typically bloom from mid-February to early March, with the peak usually occurring in the latter half of February.
The Soga Plum Grove is home to approximately 35,000 plum trees, creating a vast and fragrant floral display.
Visitors often describe the scent as a delightful, fruity, and tangy aroma that can be quite strong and pleasant.
While plum blossoms are the main attraction, depending on the season, you might see other early spring flowers. The focus, however, is overwhelmingly on the ume (plum).
Absolutely! The tranquil village setting and the expansive plum groves offer a beautiful and peaceful environment for nature walks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Getting around might require some planning with young children. If you're not driving, consider using a stroller that can handle varied terrain or opting for a shorter, more accessible route within the grove. The scent of the plum blossoms is generally pleasant and not overwhelming, making it comfortable for most children.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
Odawara is a well-connected city, making it easy for solo travelers to reach the grove. Consider renting a bicycle to freely explore the village and discover hidden gems. The local cafes and stalls during the festival can also offer a chance for brief, pleasant interactions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1To maximize your photographic potential, aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for softer light. Be prepared for crowds during peak bloom and festival times, so consider visiting on a weekday if possible. Don't forget to capture the unique scent and atmosphere, perhaps through creative compositions or by focusing on the textures and colors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Plum Blossoms
+2Many visitors find the experience deeply sensory. The scent is often described as a powerful, fruity aroma that can be quite intoxicating. This natural perfume, combined with the visual beauty of the blossoms, makes for a truly immersive experience. It's a time when the Japanese countryside comes alive with color and fragrance, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to appreciate nature's early artistry.
While the plum festival adds a festive atmosphere with local vendors selling produce and crafts, the true magic lies in simply wandering through the groves. The trees are not confined to a single park but are dispersed throughout the village, often found in people's gardens and farms. This unique arrangement allows visitors to experience the local way of life while enjoying the natural beauty.
Capturing the Iconic View: Soga Plum Grove & Mt. Fuji
+2Achieving this perfect shot requires a bit of planning and luck with the weather. While the grove itself offers numerous vantage points, finding the right angle to frame both the blossoms and Mt. Fuji can be challenging. Visitors have noted that newer smartphone cameras with advanced zoom capabilities, like the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 5x zoom, can significantly help in capturing this distant scenery effectively.
Beyond the grand vista, don't forget to appreciate the smaller details. The intricate patterns of the plum blossoms, the textures of the tree bark, and the interplay of light and shadow can all make for compelling photographs. Exploring different parts of the dispersed grove will offer varied perspectives, allowing you to capture the essence of this unique natural spectacle.
Odawara: A Gateway to Natural Beauty
The city itself is a transportation hub, making it convenient for day trips. From Odawara Station, visitors can easily access various modes of transport, including trains, buses, and rental cars. This connectivity is vital for reaching less accessible, yet incredibly rewarding, natural attractions like the Soga Plum Grove, which is spread across a more rural area.
For those looking to explore beyond the plum blossoms, Odawara's location provides a springboard for diverse experiences. Whether it's the mountain scenery of Hakone, the coastal charm of Atami, or the serene countryside, Odawara offers a blend of historical significance and natural allure, making it a versatile destination for any traveler.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit