“One Million Blossoms in a Single View”
The greatest attraction of Minabe Plum Grove is its enormous scale. Plum orchards stretch across the gentle hills along the Minabe River, creating a spectacular panorama that seems to continue as far as the eye can see.
When viewed from a distance, the countless white blossoms covering the hills can even resemble a blanket of snow. This extraordinary scenery attracts visitors from throughout Japan as well as photography enthusiasts looking for beautiful seasonal landscapes.
The expression “One Million Blossoms in a Single View” conveys the overwhelming scale of the plum groves, while “Their Fragrance Reaching Ten Ri” evokes the wonderful aroma carried far across the surrounding countryside.
Walking through the orchard, visitors can enjoy the refreshing and gently sweet fragrance of the blossoms. Walking trails of approximately 2–4 km are available, allowing visitors to choose a route according to their available time and fitness level. The gentle mountain paths also offer changing views of the plum-covered hills.
A Beautiful Sunset Landscape
Minabe Plum Grove has also been selected as one of the “100 Best Sunrise and Sunset Views in Wakayama Prefecture.” At sunset, the landscape takes on a completely different and especially atmospheric character.
As the sun sets toward Minabe Bay, its warm light illuminates the plum blossoms. The white flowers and orange-colored sky create a striking contrast, producing a romantic scene that is particularly popular with photographers.
Watching the sun slowly disappear over the quiet hills while surrounded by blooming plum trees offers a peaceful opportunity to appreciate the arrival of spring. It is a moment that many visitors remember long after their journey has ended.
The History and Culture of Minabe’s Plum Industry
The history of plum cultivation in Minabe dates back to the early Edo period. It is said that the Ando family, hereditary retainers of the Kishu Domain, encouraged local farmers to cultivate plum trees because they could thrive even in relatively poor soil.
The mountainous terrain and limited agricultural land made it difficult to grow many conventional crops. Local farmers adapted to these conditions by cultivating plum trees, gradually transforming the area into one of Japan’s most important plum-producing regions.
Today, the Minabe and Tanabe region accounts for approximately 55% of Japan’s domestic plum production. Much of this production consists of the renowned Nanko Ume, a premium variety known for its large size, soft flesh, and rich aroma. Nanko Ume is widely used to produce Umeboshi and Umeshu, a traditional Japanese plum liqueur.
The region’s distinctive system of sustainable agriculture has also gained international recognition. In 2015, the “Minabe-Tanabe Ume System” was designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).
This system reflects a close relationship between agriculture and the natural environment, including plum orchards, forests used for producing Binchotan charcoal, pollination by honeybees, and cooperation between farmers and food-processing businesses.
Harutsuge-no-Oka: A New Viewpoint
In 2024, a new scenic area called Harutsuge-no-Oka, or “Spring-Announcing Hill,” was created at Minabe Plum Grove. Plum blossoms are sometimes called “Harutsugegusa,” or “the flowers that announce spring,” because they bloom before many other flowers and signal the coming of the new season.
The viewpoint provides expansive views over the plum orchards, Minabe Town, the surrounding mountains, and the sea. The open scenery is especially impressive during the evening, when the setting sun bathes the plum-covered hills in warm, dreamlike light.
Although Harutsuge-no-Oka is a relatively new attraction, it is expected to become a memorable new destination where visitors can create their own springtime memories.
Koun-no-Kane: The Bell of Good Fortune
In 2025, a new bell called Koun-no-Kane was installed at Harutsuge-no-Oka. Surrounded by plum blossoms in full bloom, visitors can ring the bell while enjoying the feeling of standing high above the magnificent orchard.
The sound of the bell carries a special wish: that good fortune will reach everyone who visits Minabe Plum Grove. After walking up the hillside, hearing the bell ring among the fragrant plum trees can provide a particularly rewarding and peaceful moment.
Events During the Plum Blossom Season
Plum Blossom Festival
Every year, Minabe Plum Grove hosts a Plum Blossom Festival around February 11, known as “Plum Day” in Japan. During the festival period, visitors can enjoy a variety of events celebrating Minabe’s plum-growing culture.
Activities include a memorial service honoring local contributions to the plum industry, as well as opportunities to sample plum-based dishes and Umeshu. On weekends, the popular traditional mochi rice-cake tossing event attracts large crowds and creates a lively atmosphere.
The chance to interact with local residents and experience the warm hospitality of the community is another special feature of the festival.
Photography Contest
A photography contest is also held during the plum blossom season, attracting photographers from across Japan. Popular subjects include the vast white plum orchards, colorful sunset skies, and Japanese white-eyes visiting the blossoms.
Nearby Attractions
Roadside Station Minabe Ume Promotion Center
Visitors to Minabe Plum Grove should also consider stopping at the Roadside Station Minabe Ume Promotion Center. Exhibits introduce the history and culture of plum cultivation in the region, while shops offer local specialties such as Umeboshi and other plum-based products.
The first floor introduces the region’s history and traditional agricultural culture, while the second floor features exhibits and materials related to plums. The third floor serves as the roadside station, providing tourist information, a rest area, and a shop selling local products.
JA Kishu Honmamon Farmers’ Market
For travelers who would like to purchase local agricultural products, the JA Kishu Honmamon Farmers’ Market is another recommended stop. In addition to Umeboshi and locally grown citrus fruits, the market offers fresh seasonal vegetables, flower seedlings, and other products from the Minabe area.
Access to Minabe Plum Grove
Location
Kounoka, Oshね, Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture 645-0022, Japan
By Car
Minabe Plum Grove is approximately 5–10 minutes by car from Minabe Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway. Because the area becomes particularly busy during the plum blossom season, arriving early is recommended.
By Public Transportation
From Minabe Station on the JR Kii Main Line, visitors can take a temporary bus service operated during the plum blossom season. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
Experience the Arrival of Spring at Minabe Plum Grove
Minabe Plum Grove is more than a beautiful flower-viewing destination. It is a place where visitors can experience the history, culture, agriculture, and natural beauty of Minabe, one of Japan’s most important plum-producing regions.
The sight of countless white blossoms covering the hills, the gentle fragrance of plum flowers, birds singing among the trees, and the magical scenery at sunset all come together to create an unforgettable experience of spring in Japan.
When traveling through Wakayama Prefecture, be sure to visit Minabe Plum Grove and take a leisurely walk through the plum-covered hills. It is a wonderful place to experience the arrival of spring a little earlier than elsewhere in Japan.