Akima Plum Grove is one of the most famous plum-viewing destinations in Annaka, Gunma Prefecture. Together with Haruna Plum Grove and Misato Plum Grove in Takasaki, it is recognized as one of the “Three Great Plum Groves of Gunma.”
Covering approximately 50 hectares of rolling hills in the upper reaches of the Akima River, the grove is home to around 35,000 plum trees. During the flowering season, the hillsides are transformed into a spectacular landscape of white and pink blossoms.
Akima has a history of more than 60 years as a tourist plum-growing area. The grove has developed over the decades while being carefully maintained by local residents. As one of Annaka’s signature attractions, it draws many visitors from both within and outside Gunma each spring.
The usual flowering season runs from mid-February through late March, with the peak generally occurring from early to mid-March. Around February 20, small Japanese plum varieties begin to bloom, followed by the gradual spread of white and pale pink flowers across the surrounding hills.
The delicate fragrance of plum blossoms drifting through the clear early-spring air creates a strong sense that winter is giving way to spring.
Walking paths run through the plum grove, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll among the flowering trees. From the higher parts of the grove, you can look out over central Annaka and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, the colorful plum blossoms can be enjoyed together with peaceful rural landscapes and traditional satoyama scenery.
The Akima Plum Grove Festival takes place during the flowering season. In 2026, the festival is scheduled to run from Saturday, February 14 through late March, with a variety of events held mainly on weekends and public holidays.
An annual flower-opening celebration is also held in early March, attracting large numbers of visitors.
During the festival, stalls operated by local farming families line the area, offering plum-based products and regional dishes. The cheerful local women who run these stalls are known for their energetic hospitality, sometimes associated with Gunma’s traditional expression “kakaa denka,” which affectionately describes strong and spirited wives and mothers.
Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as umeboshi pickled plums, plum jam, and plum juice while taking in the beautiful blossoms. The friendly atmosphere created by local residents is one of the special charms of Akima Plum Grove.
During busy periods of the opening season, one-way traffic restrictions may be introduced on some roads. Visitors arriving by car are advised to check the latest traffic information in advance.
Flowering begins in mid-February, with the trees generally reaching full bloom around mid-March. The blossoms can often be enjoyed until around the spring equinox, making this a popular highlight of the early-spring sightseeing season.
The harvest of small plums begins in late May. In early June, varieties such as Shirokaga, which are suitable for making plum wine, plum juice, and crisp pickled plums, are harvested.
By late June, fully ripened plums are collected for use in products such as umeboshi and plum jam.
The harvested plums are salted and left to pickle for approximately one month. This initial process is known as shirozuke, or plain salt pickling.
For shiso-flavored umeboshi, red shiso leaves are carefully rubbed to remove bitterness and excess moisture before being added after the plums have released their plum vinegar.
On a series of sunny days, the pickled plums are spread out and sun-dried for approximately two to four days. They are turned regularly so that both sides dry evenly, while great care is taken to protect them from rain.
Once the plums have been fully dried, each one is carefully trimmed to remove its stem. The finished umeboshi are then packed into containers and shipped.
They are sold at direct-sales shops and farm stands in Annaka, eventually making their way to dining tables throughout the region and beyond.
In October, unnecessary branches are pruned in preparation for the following year’s flowers and fruit. Keeping the branches properly spaced improves sunlight exposure and air circulation, helping the plum trees grow in healthy conditions.
In this way, Akima Plum Grove is more than simply a scenic tourist destination. It is a “home of plums” sustained by the year-round work of local growers.
Learning about the harvesting, processing, and cultivation of plums can add another dimension to a visit, allowing travelers to appreciate the grove not only for its beautiful flowers but also for the agricultural traditions behind them.
By public transportation, take a bus bound for Akima Nakaseki from Annaka Station on the Shinetsu Main Line. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Get off at Akima Bairin Top Guchi, then walk for about 15 minutes to reach the plum grove.
From Annaka-Haruna Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the grove is approximately 5 minutes by car, making it a convenient destination for travelers arriving by high-speed train.
With its hills covered in white and pink plum blossoms and the warm hospitality of local residents, Akima Plum Grove offers a memorable way to experience early spring in Annaka.
When visiting Annaka in the early spring, consider adding this beautiful plum-growing landscape to your itinerary and discover both the scenery and the traditional agricultural culture that have shaped Akima for generations.