While cherry blossoms receive much of the spotlight, plum blossoms are just as dazzling. In some ways, I even favor plum blossoms over cherry blossoms. Plums carry a unique, potent, almost hypnotic fragrance, a perfume that lingers in the air around each tree. At times, it feels as though you could simply follow your nose straight to a plum grove.

The trees themselves also seem to possess a deeper character. Plum trees often have gnarled, twisting limbs that curl dramatically in different directions, whereas typical cherry trees are more straightforward and stately in appearance.


Both types of trees come in many varieties, but I would especially like to draw your attention to those that include “shidare” (weeping) in their name. These varieties feature cascading branches that fall from central limbs, creating a graceful curtain of blossoms around the tree.


Many of the plum gardens I have visited tend to showcase mostly non-weeping varieties arranged throughout their grounds, with a few shidare-ume scattered here and there. Suzuka Forest Garden, by contrast, presents a spectacular collection composed primarily of weeping plums.

Suzuka Forest Garden is about a 40-minute drive from Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station. While a shuttle bus is available, I opted to rent a car from Nippon Rent-a-Car near the station so I could explore the surrounding area more freely. (If you decide to rent a car, you can save 10% with this deal from Live Japan.)

The drive to the garden takes you past beautiful tea plantations and quiet farmland, to a parking area (for around 200 cars) in a field near the entrance. (There is also a temporary lot for more vehicles not far away.)

I visited the day after the garden opened in 2026. After checking the official website for bloom updates, I knew the trees were already flowering beautifully, though it would still take a few more days for the branches to fully fill out. After purchasing my ticket, I walked down a short walled corridor that concealed the landscape from view, heightening the sense of anticipation.

Then suddenly, the garden opened before me: a sweeping panorama of weeping plum trees, anchored at the center by the majestic 7-meter giant Tennoryu (Dragon of the Heavens). It was a breathtaking sight. Tennoryu and a nearby tree, Chinoryu (Dragon of the Earth), are both estimated to be over a century old.

Continuing to the right leads up to Miharashidai (Lookout Point), where much of the garden spreads out below, framed by the Suzuka mountain range in the distance. During my visit, the weather was excellent, and I was able to enjoy the striking contrast of vivid pink blossoms against a brilliant blue sky, with snowcapped peaks rising beyond.

The garden is thoughtfully arranged, with “islands” of trees set along gravel-lined paths wide enough to allow visitors to move smoothly even when others stop for photos and videos. While it is possible to stroll through the grounds in about 30 minutes, I found myself lingering longer, taking in the scenery from different angles.

For an extra dose of enchantment, visit in the evening when the plum trees are illuminated from 6 PM to 8:30 PM, with last entry at 8 PM. One of Suzuka Forest Garden’s signature features is its nighttime light-up, when soft illumination highlights the cascading blossoms and mist machines create a gentle fog that drifts around the base of certain trees. The effect is otherworldly.


Two types of tickets are available: Single Entry and a One-day Pass. This is when the latter truly proves its value, allowing you to enjoy both the daytime scenery and the magical transformation after dark. While evening illuminations were not yet being offered during my visit, here is a glimpse of how the garden appears at night.

Positively enchanting.

If you plan to attend the evening session, consider wearing lighter-colored clothing so you stand out beautifully against the glowing backdrop. And be sure to dress warmly, as February and March evenings can be quite chilly.

There is not much else in the immediate vicinity of the garden, as it is surrounded by farmland, but this is where renting a car becomes especially useful. You could take a short side trip to Suzuka Flower Park, about 10 minutes away, or head to Suzuka Circuit, roughly 30 minutes away, before returning in time for the 6 PM illumination. If history appeals to you, consider a detour to Seki-juku, around 20 minutes away, a beautifully preserved Edo-period post town that invites a leisurely stroll through Japan’s past.

During my visit, several food stalls were set up, along with a small seating area where visitors could grab a bite and rest their feet. A selection of light snacks was available, making it easy to refuel after wandering through the blossoms.

There is also a souvenir shop offering a variety of local foods, snacks, sweets, and teas. Below are a few of my recommendations.

1. Suzuka no Mori (鈴鹿の森 / 6 pieces for 1,150 yen, tax inclusive)
These Japanese-style cookies, lightly dusted with powdered sugar to resemble freshly fallen snow, come in two flavors: Ume (plum) and Matcha, made with locally grown Suzuka matcha. They are crafted by Oharagi Honpo, a local confectioner with a history dating back 300 years.

2. Original Postcard (5 for 500 yen)
While you will no doubt take plenty of photos yourself, these postcards beautifully capture the trees at the height of their bloom. Why not pick up a few to send to friends and family?

3. Suzuka Matcha Tea (Single-serving pack, 130 yen; 3-serving packs, 500 yen)
On your way to Suzuka Forest Garden, you likely passed expansive tea plantations stretching across the countryside. These pouches contain 2 grams of locally grown tea, making for a simple yet thoughtful souvenir. The kimono-themed three-packs are especially charming and gift-worthy.

Getting to Suzuka Forest Garden is relatively straightforward, though it does require some advance planning. From Nagoya, it takes about 40 minutes by train to reach either JR Yokkaichi Station or Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station. From there, a seasonal bus operates to the garden in approximately 40 minutes. The bus runs from February 21 to March 15, 2026.

For the latest schedules and details, be sure to check Suzuka Forest Garden’s official website.

So, grab your camera, pack a light jacket, and head to Mie Prefecture this spring. Suzuka’s weeping plums are waiting to welcome you with open branches!