One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens

Kairaku-en is a famous strolling garden located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It was created in 1841 by Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth feudal lord of the Mito Domain. Unlike many gardens built for nobility or religious purposes, Kairaku-en was intended for the public. Hence, the name “garden to be enjoyed together,” highlighting its original purpose of bringing joy to everyone, not just the elite.

This garden is especially famous for its over 3,000 plum trees. This is because from late February to early March, the trees bloom in soft shades of white, pink, and red. This season draws thousands of visitors and is considered the best time to explore the garden. However, other seasons offer beauty too. In summer, bamboo groves and cedar trees provide cool shade. Additionally, in autumn, maple trees paint the landscape in vivid red and orange.

This traditional strolling garden is built around Lake Senba, with walking paths that curve through plum groves, bamboo forests, and open lawns. One of the highlights is Kobuntei, a three-story wooden building used for gatherings and poetry readings. From its balcony, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the plum trees and lake.

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Gallery

  • View of a traditional tatami room and sliding shoji doors inside Kobuntei at Kairaku-en
  • Exterior of Kobuntei pavilion with a raised wooden walkway and Japanese architectural details
  • View of the Kairaku-en garden
  • trail inside Kairaku-en garden
  • Serene bamboo grove and walking trail inside Kairaku-en garden

    • Want to know why it’s one of the Three Great Gardens?

    Explaining the Three Great Gardens of Japan (日本大三名園)

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    Directions

    How to get to the garden

    The garden belongs to Mito-city. From Ueno station in Tokyo, you can take the JR Hitachi line ‘Fresh Hitachi’ towards Katsuta or ‘Super Hitachi’ towards Iwaki (platform 16/17). After one hour and about 10 minutes, get off at Mito (水戸). From the station, walk two kilometers in western direction, take a taxi or the bus to get to Kairakuen.

    View Google Map (Google Website)

    Address

    • JP: 〒310-0912 水戸市見川1-1251偕楽園公園
    • EN: Mito-shi Migawa 1-1251 Kairakuen-Koen

    Official Website

    Opening times

    Mid February – September 30: 6am – 7pm


    October 1 – Mid February: 7am – 6pm

    Admission fee

    • free
    • during Plum Blossom festival 300 Yen
    • Kobutei 200 Yen (Closing 5pm in summer, 4:30pm in winter/ Closed Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)

    Facilities & Accessibility

    • Public restrooms at various points

    • Benches and shaded rest spots

    • Tea and snack stalls (seasonal)

    • Gift shop near the entrance

    • Wheelchair-accessible paths in most areas

    • English pamphlets and signs available

    Best time to visit

    • Late February to early March: peak plum blossom season

    • Late October to November: vibrant fall foliage

    • Early mornings on weekdays offer a quieter experience

    Map

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