The Kairakuen was built relatively recently, in 1841, by the local prince Tokugawa Nariaki. In contrast to the two other great landscape gardens of Japan, Kenrokuen and Korakuen, Kairakuen was not only for the pleasure of the ruling prince, but was also for open to the public, Kairakuen means "Park to Enjoy Together" ".
The garden consists of a forest with 3000 trees with over a hundred different plum tree varieties with white, pink and red flowers. The Mito Plum Festival (Mito Ume Matsuri) takes place annually from mid-February to March. In addition to the plum trees, Kairakuen also has a bamboo grove, cedar forests and the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese-style building. Like the entire park, the Kobuntei was always open to the public and served educational and recreational purposes. From the top floor of the building there is a beautiful view of Kairakuen and the nearby Senba Lake.
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Every year during the second last week of February, Mito’s Kairakuen plays host to the Mito Plum Festival. Thanks to its long history and beautiful attractions, this is one of Eastern Japan’s biggest festivals, and Ibaraki’s most popular.
Kobuntei is a traditional Japanese house located in Kairakuen and open to the public viewing.
Each garden has its own different set-up and selection of flora, but behind Kairakuen’s beauty lies a twist: beyond simply pleasing the eye, it was built for battle.
Kairakuen garden was built by Nariaki Tokugawa, the 9th lord of Mito. The name Kairaku means to share pleasures with people.
Kairakuen is one of the most famous gardens in Japan. It is most well-known for its plum blossoms, which bloom in March.
Kairakuen is a large park in Mito, Ibaraki and it's famous for its over 3,000 plum trees of different kinds and colours.
Every year during the second last week of February, Mito’s Kairakuen plays host to the Mito Plum Festival. Thanks to its long history and beautiful attractions, this is one of Eastern Japan’s biggest festivals, and Ibaraki’s most popular.
The TeamLab Kairakuen Light Festival will run throughout February and March, and intends to enhance the immense natural beauty that the garden is renowned for.
The Hotel Season Mito is located close to JR Mito Station. Featuring all of the modern comforts, the hotel is close to many places of interest like Korakuen Garden, the Tokugawa Museum and the Ibaraki Museum of Modern Art.
Just a minute from Mito station in Japan's Ibaraki prefecture, APA Hotel Mito Ekimae is a typical business hotel, with rooms that are compact but affordable and comfortable.
Hidden in the back of a building, with only a very simply sign advertising it, is one of Mito’s best-kept secrets. Rin is an exquisite little café on the ground floor of one of the many eponymous buildings near the Daiku area of Mito, featuring a soothing and relaxing atmosphere and delicious home-style meals.
Spicy Tandoor’s curry is delicious, and there is no other place in Mito to eat on a budget, especially considering the massive amounts you can consume for 1080 yen.
The Drunken Duck, one of the best places to eat or drink in Ibaraki, is located in Mito City (as well as a second location in Katsuta) and offers something for everyone.
Finally reopened after several long months of reconstruction, Mito’s historically rich Kobuntei could be considered the jewel in the crown of the city’s famous Kairakuen. With its delicately painted wall-screens and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, this former aristocratic villa offers a glimpse at a different lifestyle.
Umeshu is a type of Japanese liqueur which is made by steeping ume plums in alcohol and sugar. The Japan Umeshu Festival celebrates this popular drink, and the event will include over 140 umeshu types available to sample from breweries all across Japan.
One of Mito’s landmark attractions is the beautiful Lake Senba, a part of the famous Kairakuen Park. Though it is a man-made lake, this has allowed the city to incorporate many attractive features that make it a mainstay of life for many residents, and there are several different facets to enjoy at any given time.