One of Gunma’s Three Great Plum Groves
Gunma Prefecture has long been known for plum cultivation, particularly in the western part of the prefecture. The three major plum-growing areas of Haruna Plum Grove in Takasaki, Akima Plum Grove in Annaka, and Misato Plum Grove in Takasaki are collectively known as the “Three Great Plum Groves of Gunma.”
All three areas cover extensive hillsides and become especially beautiful in spring when the plum trees bloom. Misato’s particular appeal comes from its elevated location, where visitors can enjoy expansive views across the Kanto Plain together with seemingly endless fields of plum blossoms.
At the height of the flowering season, the hills can appear to be covered in white flowers like a sea of clouds. The impressive scale of the plum groves can even be appreciated from a distance, making this one of the region’s most memorable spring landscapes.
A Historic Plum-Producing Region
Most of the plum trees at Misato are around 10 to 30 years old and cultivated primarily for fruit production. Some trees, however, are more than 100 years old, their broad, mature branches reflecting the area’s long history of plum cultivation.
Takasaki is one of eastern Japan’s major plum-producing areas. When the production of Haruna Plum Grove and Misato Plum Grove is combined, the region has one of the largest plum harvests in eastern Japan.
Plums are harvested in Misato from around early May to early July and are shipped to markets throughout Japan as an important local agricultural product.
Shirakaga Plums and Local Plum Products
One of the main varieties grown at Misato Plum Grove is Shirakaga. These plums are known for their large fruit and thick flesh. Because they contain relatively little fiber and have a soft texture when processed, they are particularly well suited to making umeboshi, or Japanese pickled plums.
The fruit also has a pleasantly sweet-and-sour aroma and refreshing flavor, making it suitable for products such as plum juice and umeshu, or Japanese plum liqueur.
The main harvest season is generally from late May to mid-June. During this period, fresh local plums may also be available at agricultural sorting and distribution facilities in the area.
Another popular variety associated with Misato is Orihime Kōme, a small, attractive plum traditionally used mainly for pickling. It is distributed not only within Gunma but also to supermarkets in the Tokyo metropolitan area and elsewhere.
Plum Blossom Season
The flowering period at Misato Plum Grove varies depending on the variety. Early-blooming small plum varieties may begin flowering around late February, allowing visitors to enjoy blossoms over an extended period through approximately the end of March.
The main viewing season is generally from early to late March. During this period, white and reddish-pink plum blossoms bloom across the hills, transforming the entire area into a colorful spring landscape.
The delicate fragrance of plum blossoms fills the air as visitors walk along the hillside paths. The combination of flowers, open skies, and expansive views makes this an especially enjoyable destination for a leisurely spring walk.
Zenchi and Kanizawa Viewing Areas
Misato Plum Grove is mainly divided into two areas: the Zenchi Area and the Kanizawa Area. Each offers a different way to enjoy the plum landscape.
Zenchi Area – Zenchi Plum Grove Square
The Zenchi Area features an observation deck offering a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Kanto Plain. During the plum blossom season, visitors can look across the hills covered in white flowers while enjoying the broad landscape stretching into the distance.
The observation deck is also known as a place to watch the first sunrise of the year, attracting visitors around New Year’s Day.
Kanizawa Area – Misato Plum Park
The Kanizawa Area contains Misato Plum Park, where visitors can stroll through the plum-growing landscape at a relaxed pace.
Small tea shops and souvenir stalls operate around the area, offering plum products, processed foods, and other local specialties. Several walking routes begin near the parking area, allowing visitors to explore the groves while enjoying the flowers and surrounding countryside.
Misato Plum Festival
The annual Misato Plum Festival is held from around late February through late March, coinciding with the plum blossom season.
On the opening day, a traditional prayer ceremony for a good harvest is held, expressing hopes for an abundant plum crop in the coming season.
Throughout the festival, local restaurants and vendors set up stalls selling umeboshi, plum juice, other plum products, local agricultural produce, and handmade foods. Visitors can enjoy local flavors while admiring the flowering trees.
The festival is more than a flower-viewing event. It allows visitors to experience the aroma, scenery, and flavors associated with Misato’s plum culture, making it one of Takasaki’s characteristic signs of spring.
A Scenic Place for a Spring Walk
Walking paths run through the hilly landscape, providing opportunities to enjoy the plum blossoms and surrounding countryside at a leisurely pace. With plum trees extending across the hills as far as the eye can see, the area is also popular with photographers.
On clear days, the contrast between the vast Kanto Plain and the blossoms covering the hills is particularly striking. A walk through the groves offers a peaceful way to experience the arrival of spring while enjoying the natural scenery of Takasaki.
Access
From JR Takasaki Station, take a bus bound for Misato or Ikaho Onsen and transfer at Misato Eigyōsho. From there, continue to a nearby stop such as Sakashita and walk to the plum grove.
Alternatively, a taxi from Misato Eigyōsho takes approximately 10 minutes.
During the plum blossom season, temporary parking areas are available because of the large number of visitors. Both the Zenchi Area and Kanizawa Area have parking facilities, including spaces suitable for larger vehicles.
A Springtime Highlight of Takasaki
Misato Plum Grove is one of eastern Japan’s outstanding plum-viewing destinations, combining spectacular spring scenery with the agricultural traditions of a major plum-producing region.
With approximately 100,000 plum trees covering the hillsides, panoramic views of the Kanto Plain, seasonal festivals, and locally produced plum products, the area offers much more than flower viewing alone.
For travelers visiting Takasaki in late winter or early spring, a walk through Misato Plum Grove is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of Japan’s countryside while discovering one of Gunma’s important local food traditions.