A Two-Day Trip to Visit Kairakuen

Purpose of the Trip Kairakuen, along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama, is one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. The goal is to enjoy the plum blossoms during the season, experiencing both the daytime and nighttime views of the plum trees! Schedule Day 1 Starting at JR Mito Station, I first dropped off my luggage at Mito Sannomaru Hotel, which is just a 2-minute walk from the station's north exit. Then, I took a bus from the Mito Station North Exit Bus Terminal, arriving at Kairakuen in about 20 minutes. Kairakuen features approximately 3,000 plum trees of about 100 varieties. The plum blossoms come in various colors and shapes, including white plums, vibrant red plums, and even trees with multiple colors of blossoms on a single tree. Each variety offers a unique appearance. Additionally, the blooming periods vary, with early, mid, and late bloomers, allowing visitors to enjoy the plum blossoms over an extended period. Inside the garden, there is a building called Kobuntei, a wooden structure consisting of a two-story, three-floor main building and a single-story annex. Kobuntei is known for its beautiful fusuma (sliding door) paintings and the stunning views from the third floor, which is especially referred to as "Rakuju-ro" for its scenic beauty. Note that a separate admission fee is required to enter Kobuntei. After enjoying the daytime plum blossoms, I took a bus back to the station. Next, I visited Mito Toshogu Shrine, which was founded in 1621 by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Domain, to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine is about a 10-minute walk from JR Mito Station's north exit. The ceiling leading to the main hall is particularly beautiful, featuring paintings of plum blossoms and white-eyes (a type of bird). Afterward, I returned to the hotel for a short rest. Mito Station is home to the Mito Station Building Excel Main and Excel Minami, which house numerous shops, restaurants, and convenience stores. I bought some cake and deli items to relax and enjoy in my room. In the evening, I headed back to Kairakuen to see the illuminated plum blossoms. The nighttime light-up creates a magical atmosphere, distinct from the daytime view. Note that separate tickets are required for the daytime and nighttime visits. After enjoying the enchanting light-up, I returned to the hotel by bus. Day 2 I traveled from Mito Station to Kasama Station and walked 20 minutes to Kasama Inari Shrine. Depending on the time, the Kasama Sightseeing Loop Bus is also available, and using Tomobe Station is another recommended option. Upon arrival, I had an early lunch at Garden Café KULA, a renovated storehouse near the shrine. I had made a reservation for 11:30 AM and ordered the KULA Plate. The interior was charming, and arriving a bit early allowed me to relax. Afterward, I visited Kasama Inari Shrine, which is dedicated to the Inari deity and is considered one of Japan's three major Inari shrines. After paying my respects, I explored the nearby Monzenmachi (shrine town). I enjoyed "Happiness Dango" at Nabeya, a shop selling rice balls and dumplings. Other stores in the area sell croquettes, steamed buns, and more, making it perfect for a food stroll. Soba Inari is also recommended. From Kasama Inari Shrine, I took the Kasama Sightseeing Loop Bus back to the station and returned home by train. Transportation I recommend purchasing the "Mito Manyo 1-Day Free Pass." Walking to Kairakuen is not feasible. The regular bus fare between Mito Station and Kairakuen is 540 yen round trip, but this pass costs only 500 yen and allows unlimited rides within the designated area for one day, making it a great deal. Additionally, showing this pass at the reception of participating facilities like Kobuntei and Kodokan offers discounts on admission fees. For the Kasama Sightseeing Loop Bus, note that the number of buses is limited, so check the schedule carefully. Tips Kairakuen is an outdoor venue, so bad weather can make the visit quite challenging. Accommodation I stayed at Mito Sannomaru Hotel, which is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Mito Station's north exit and is visible from the station. The hotel features a large public bath called "Nagi," an artificial hot spring inspired by the reflection of Kairakuen's fully bloomed plum blossoms on the surface of Lake Senba. The bath is open from 3:00 PM to 10:00 AM the next day. I stayed in a Classic Modern Designer Compact Single Room, which was equipped with a Simmons bed for a comfortable stay. Although the room only had a shower, the large public bath made up for it.