Kairaku-en Garden

Ranked as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kairaku-en was built in 1842 by Tokugawa Nariaki, lord of the Mito Domain, who envisioned it as a place for samurai and townspeople to enjoy together. The vast garden reflects Nariaki’s ideals with regard to the arts and education, balancing relaxation here with study at the nearby Kodokan, the largest feudal school in Japan.
The highlight of Kairaku-en remains its plum grove, with approximately 3,000 plum trees that bloom in late winter to early spring, filling the gardens with color. Later in the spring, and in the fall many come to see its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, too. Visitors can also explore the Kobun-tei villa, designed by Tokugawa Nariaki himself, with its simple yet elegant wooden architecture and panoramic views. Other features include a dense bamboo forest, soaring cedar groves, and scenic overlooks toward Lake Senba, all designed to create shifting moods as you walk.