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Atami Plum Garden: Visitor Guide for Plum & Maple Festivals
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Atami Plum Garden (熱海梅園, Atami Baien) in Shizuoka is celebrated as the earliest-blooming plum garden in Japan. From early winter to spring, visitors gather to admire its plum blossoms, while in autumn, maple trees create a vivid landscape during the annual Maple Festival.
The 2026 Momiji Festival is scheduled for November 14 to December 6, 2026, featuring evening illuminations and cultural performances.
The Plum Festival 2027 is scheduled for January 9 to March 7, 2027.
This guide provides what you need to plan your visit: essential facts, access routes, ticket information, crowd-avoidance tips, and model itineraries combining nearby attractions. By the end, you’ll feel ready to enjoy the Atami Plum Garden without worries.
Basic Information about Atami Plum Garden
Founded in 1886, Atami Plum Garden is a historic strolling-style garden. It features about 470 plum trees (60 varieties) that bloom as early as January, making it the earliest in Japan. In autumn, around 380 maple trees create vibrant colors. Visitors can also enjoy a foot bath, tea house, bridges, and a riverside walkway.
Please see the table below:
Item | Details |
|---|---|
Opening Hours | All day (time restrictions apply during Plum Festival) |
Admission | Free (except during Plum Festival: ~¥300) |
Best Seasons | Plum: Jan–Mar / Maple: mid-Nov–early Dec |
Location | 8-11 Baien-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka |
Key Point: The garden lets you enjoy both early plum blossoms and colorful autumn leaves, a rare seasonal combination in Japan.
During seasonal events such as the Plum Blossom Festival and Maple Festival, you can also enjoy a foot bath experience.
The History of Atami Plum Garden
Atami Baien was established in 1886 by Sen-sai Nagayo, an official from Japan’s Ministry of Home Affairs. He believed that the health benefits of Atami’s hot springs were not just due to their mineral content but also because visitors naturally engaged in light exercise while exploring the area. This philosophy led to the creation of the garden, making it an important part of Atami’s history as a hot spring retreat.
How to Get There & Tickets
Atami Plum Garden is easily accessible by public transport or car.
From JR Atami Station, it takes about 15 minutes by bus or 10 minutes on foot from Kinomiya Station. If traveling by car, be aware that the official parking lot has limited spaces, especially during festivals.
Step-by-Step Access
From Atami Station
Take the bus from Stop No. 1 (“Baien-bound”) → ~15 min → Baien Iriguchi stop
See details about Atami Station bus stops here:
https://visitatami.com/en/access/atami-station-bus-stopsTip: Extra buses may operate on weekends – check the official site in advance
By Car
Use the official parking lot (limited spaces)
Tip: Have a list of nearby coin-parking as backup
Tickets
Admission is charged only during festival periods. Tickets are sold at the entrance.
Transport Comparison
Public Transport
Pros: No traffic jams, convenient from station
Cons: Limited buses in late hours
Car
Pros: Flexible, easy with luggage
Cons: Parking often full during peak times
※For detailed bus information, please refer to this page:
Izu Hakone Bus Official Website
Tips & How to Avoid Crowds
Festivals can be very crowded, especially weekends. Here are practical tips:
Essential Checklist
□ Check the official website for the latest event updates
□ Visit in the morning if going on weekends
□ Wear warm clothes in winter and comfortable shoes year-round
Extra Tips
□ Research nearby coin-parking if coming by car
□ Avoid peak hours around midday
By following this checklist, you can enjoy the garden smoothly without stress.
※Please refer to the Atami City Tourism Association Official Website (Japanese only)
Seasonal Highlights
The garden is best experienced through its festivals:
Maple Festival 2026
Scheduled to be held from November 14 – December 6, 2026. Evening light-ups and cultural events will take place throughout the period.Plum Festival 2027
Scheduled for January 9 – March 7, 2027. Visitors can enjoy early plum blossoms along with traditional shows such as koto performances and free amazake(a traditional sweet, low-alcohol Japanese drink made from fermented rice), continuing the traditions of past years.
Travel Tip: Combine your visit with Kinomiya Shrine, MOA Museum of Art, Atami Sun Beach, or Atami Onsen for a full-day itinerary.
Final Tips for Your Trip
Atami Plum Garden is a destination where you can enjoy both Japan’s earliest plum blossoms and brilliant autumn leaves.To make the most of your trip, check the official website before visiting, plan your access and parking in advance, and follow crowd-avoidance tips. With these preparations, your Atami trip will be worry-free and deeply enjoyable.
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