Yugawara Plum Grove Makuyama Park
1 / 10

Yugawara Plum Grove Makuyama Park

4
·799 reviews·Yugawara, Japan

Hillside park famous for its thousands of fragrant plum trees blooming late Jan-early Mar, also offering hiking and autumn foliage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Jan - Early Mar

Peak plum blossom season

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Yugawara Plum Grove Makuyama Park

Yugawara Plum Grove Makuyama Park

Best Time

Late Jan - Early Mar

Peak plum blossom season

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hillside park famous for its thousands of fragrant plum trees blooming late Jan-early Mar, also offering hiking and autumn foliage.

4
(799 reviews)

"Makuyama Park truly shines during plum blossom season, offering a fragrant and colorful spectacle."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Time Your Plum Blossom Visit

Visit late Jan to early March for the best plum blossom views. Ask at Yugawara Station visitor center for peak bloom info.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking and hiking trails. Good footwear is essential for exploring the park's many paths.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Plum Blossom Spectacle

Plum Blossom Spectacle

Makuyama Park

Thousands of plum trees burst into fragrant bloom, painting the hillside with vibrant colors. A must-see in late winter/early spring.

Scenic Hiking Trails

Scenic Hiking Trails

Various trails throughout the park

Explore well-maintained paths offering expansive views and a chance to connect with nature. Great for exercise and fresh air.

Autumn Foliage Views

Autumn Foliage Views

Makuyama Park

Experience the park's beauty in a different season with stunning autumn colors peaking in early December.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Plum Blossoms

Yugawara Plum Grove Makuyama Park truly shines during plum blossom season, typically from late January to early March. Visiting outside this window means you'll see a dormant park. Plan your trip for peak bloom to experience the fragrant beauty and vibrant colors that draw visitors.

Beyond the Blossoms: Year-Round Appeal

While famous for its plum trees, Makuyama Park offers more. Enjoy hiking trails, picnic spots, and even autumn foliage in early December. The park is accessible via a short bus ride from Yugawara Station, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

Best Times

When
Late Jan - Early Mar
Why
Peak plum blossom season
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Dec
Why
Beautiful autumn colors
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Time Your Plum Blossom Visit

Visit late Jan to early March for the best plum blossom views. Ask at Yugawara Station visitor center for peak bloom info. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking and hiking trails. Good footwear is essential for exploring the park's many paths. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

If driving, the park offers ample parking, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🧺 Picnic & BBQ Spots

Enjoy a meal amidst nature. The park has designated picnic and BBQ areas for a relaxing outdoor experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Time Your Plum Blossom Visit

Visit late Jan to early March for the best plum blossom views. Ask at Yugawara Station visitor center for peak bloom info. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking and hiking trails. Good footwear is essential for exploring the park's many paths. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

If driving, the park offers ample parking, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🧺 Picnic & BBQ Spots

Enjoy a meal amidst nature. The park has designated picnic and BBQ areas for a relaxing outdoor experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(799 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking plum blossom displays in late winter and early spring, describing the park as a fragrant wonderland. Many also appreciate the scenic hiking trails and the beauty of the autumn foliage in early December. While the park is primarily known for its seasonal blooms, its year-round appeal for outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking is also noted.

"Lovely spot. We caught it as plum trees were beginning to bloom. Lovely scents too. We hiked up the mountain a ways for a nice bit of exercise. We spent about 3 hours there. Easy 15 minutes bus ride up from Yugawara station."

Tony O'Connor

"Makuyama Park spends 11 months out of the year essentially dormant and uninteresting, but in February it puts on its full dress in the form of a wide variety of plum blossoms. Now is the time to visit. For those in the area on the last week of February, I highly recommend visiting. For details ask at the visitor center next to Yugawara Station."

Steffen Eckart

"Nice shaded park with ample parking. Fun obstacle playground. Access to the river and fishing. Also some great trails available from here."

Knud Hermansen

What People Like

Spectacular plum blossoms
Scenic hiking trails
Beautiful autumn foliage

What People Dislike

Dormant outside blossom season

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to take a bus from Yugawara Station. It's a short, approximately 15-minute ride. Reddit If driving, there is ample parking available at the park. Reddit

Yes, public transport is readily available. Buses run from Yugawara Station directly to the park, making it a convenient option for visitors without a car.

A bus is the most recommended method. It's a quick and direct journey, offering a pleasant ride up to the park. Reddit

Information on specific bus routes can be obtained at the visitor center next to Yugawara Station. They can provide the most up-to-date schedules and route details. Reddit

While possible, it's a significant uphill walk. Taking the bus is highly recommended for ease and to save energy for exploring the park itself. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding admission fees or if the park is free to enter is best confirmed at the Yugawara Station visitor center, as it can vary. Reddit

The park is generally accessible, but specific facilities or areas might have operating hours. It's advisable to check locally or at the visitor center for any restrictions. Reddit

The plum blossoms typically bloom from late January to early March. For the most accurate peak bloom information, consult the visitor center at Yugawara Station. Reddit

While many reviews highlight the natural beauty, specific details on entrance fees are not widely mentioned. It's recommended to inquire at the Yugawara Station visitor center for the latest information. Reddit

Yes, the park is open year-round. While the plum blossoms are the main draw, you can enjoy hiking and autumn foliage in other seasons. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy hiking on scenic trails, have picnics in designated areas, and admire the plum blossoms (in season) or autumn foliage. Some visitors have also noted rock climbing activities. Reddit

Absolutely! The park features several trails, including the Niizaki River trail, which is not too steep and offers expansive views, making it great for a hike. Reddit

Yes, the park has an obstacle playground and picnic areas, making it a good spot for families to enjoy the outdoors. Reddit

Expect a hillside park with thousands of plum trees, offering beautiful floral displays in season, as well as lovely autumn foliage and expansive views from its trails. Reddit

The park is described as having ample parking and picnic areas, suggesting basic facilities are available for visitors to enjoy their stay comfortably. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant plum blossoms in late winter/early spring and the stunning autumn foliage in early December are prime subjects. The expansive views from the hiking trails also make for great shots. Reddit

Yes, especially during plum blossom season or autumn. The clear skies in the dry air during autumn make foliage particularly photogenic. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography, especially during the autumn foliage season when you can enjoy it until late. Reddit

The sacred place with a mountain god enshrined along the Niizaki River trail offers a unique cultural and photographic element. Reddit

Yes, some visitors have noted rock climbing activities in the plum grove, which can be an interesting subject for photography from the sidelines. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Makuyama Park is a great outing for families. It features an obstacle playground that kids will love, providing a fun way for them to burn off energy. The park also has picnic and BBQ areas, perfect for a relaxed family meal surrounded by nature. Reddit

While the plum blossoms are a beautiful sight, the accessible hiking trails and open spaces offer plenty of room for children to explore. The short bus ride from Yugawara Station is also manageable for families. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for a day of fun.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to hike, Makuyama Park offers rewarding trails with expansive views. The Niizaki River trail is particularly recommended for its moderate incline and scenic vistas. Reddit It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the fresh air. Reddit

Beyond the designated trails, the park's hillside setting provides a natural landscape to explore. Whether you're seeking a vigorous workout or a leisurely stroll, the park's varied terrain caters to different preferences. Don't forget to bring water and wear appropriate hiking gear.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Plum Blossom Season

Yugawara Plum Grove Makuyama Park is renowned for its spectacular plum blossom displays, typically occurring from late January to early March. During this period, the hillside transforms into a fragrant wonderland with thousands of plum trees in bloom. Visitors can expect a breathtaking spectacle of white, pink, and red blossoms, accompanied by a delightful floral scent that fills the air. It's a fleeting but incredibly rewarding experience, making it the prime reason many travelers visit this park. Reddit

To make the most of your visit during this popular season, it's advisable to check for peak bloom times. The visitor center at Yugawara Station is an excellent resource for this information. While the blossoms are the main attraction, the park also offers opportunities for light hiking and enjoying the serene atmosphere, even amidst the crowds that can gather during peak bloom. Reddit

Exploring Makuyama Park Beyond the Blossoms

While the plum blossoms steal the show, Makuyama Park offers a rich experience throughout the year. For those who appreciate autumn colors, the park is a hidden gem. The foliage typically peaks in early December, providing a beautiful display of reds, oranges, and yellows. The dry air and clear skies during this time make the autumn colors particularly vibrant and photogenic. Reddit

The park is also a fantastic destination for hikers. Trails like the Niizaki River trail are well-maintained and offer expansive views, making them suitable for various fitness levels. Beyond the natural beauty, the park features amenities like picnic and BBQ areas, and even an obstacle playground, making it a versatile destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2