Hokkaido, Japan - Umemura Garden, a Poetic Vision of Maple Red as if from a Postcard.

A garden of maple red that is as picturesque as a poem, its beauty, reflected through Japanese paper windows and lacquered tables, is unbelievably stunning, like a famous painting! Umemura Garden is located in Yakumo Town, Hokkaido, and is designated as a cultural property by the town. It was created by Mr. Tanjiro Umemura as a villa residence; later, the artist Moritaro Nonaka redesigned the landscape and expanded the garden. Now managed by the Yakumo Town City Office, it has become a free tourist spot open to the public. Umemura Garden is beautiful in all seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow in winter. One can sit on a tatami mat in the Japanese garden, watching the small bridges over flowing water, and quietly enjoy the poetic beauty. The reflection on the lacquered tables captures a grand view that seems like it could only be taken at the Glorious Glass Courtyard, making it the perfect cover for a postcard! Although it is a free attraction, the management and maintenance are done with great care. The garden is kept very clean and tidy, with dedicated staff for cleaning and upkeep. Special exhibitions are also held periodically. It is commendable how Japan takes care of its cultural properties with such dedication. Yakumo Town is located in the southern part of Hokkaido, in the coastal town of Futami District. Although there is a JR station, there are very few tourists, so it is recommended to drive there for convenience, and it can serve as a stopover spot. Umemura Garden Business Hours: Open from 4/1 to 12/28 (closed in winter) 4/1-4/30, 11/1-12/28: 1000-1630 5/1-10/31: 0900-1700 Address: 151 Suehirocho, Yakumo, Futami District, Hokkaido 049-3112 Japan Average Cost: Free