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If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of spring in Tokyo before it officially begins, Setagaya Ume Matsuri is a perfect choice.
Held at Hanegi Park, just a short walk from Umegaoka Station on the Odakyu Line, this festival features over 650 plum trees in bloom, offering a rare blend of floral beauty and warm community spirit.
In this article, I’ll share what I saw and felt as I walked through the venue—sights you can only experience on-site, and connections with people that made the day memorable.
Setagaya Ume Matsuri is a plum blossom festival held annually from early February to early March at Hanegi Park in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. Known as one of Tokyo’s top spots for plum blossom viewing, the park boasts over 650 plum trees that signal the arrival of spring.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Setagaya Ume Matsuri |
| Period | Early February to Early March |
| Organizer | Setagaya Ume Matsuri Executive Committee |
| Support | Setagaya Ward |
| Venue | Hanegi Park (4 - 38 - 52 Daita, Setagaya - ku, Tokyo) |
| Access | 3 - minute walk from Umegaoka Station on the Odakyu Line |
| Official Website | https://setagaya-umematsuri.com/ |
The moment you step off the train at Umegaoka Station, the presence of “ume” (plum) in the station name hints at its symbolic role in the neighborhood.
It takes just 3 minutes on foot to reach Hanegi Park, a scenic space quietly nestled within the residential area.
The park’s connection with plum trees began in 1967, when 55 local assembly members planted 55 trees to commemorate their service. Since then, plum trees have been planted to mark milestones like Tokyo’s 100th anniversary and Setagaya Ward’s 40th anniversary. Today, the grove includes 270 red and 380 white plum trees—totaling 650.
Locals say that Hanegi Park was once just a wooded area, but the plum trees always stood out as something special.
Now well-maintained, it has become a beloved destination that heralds the coming of spring.
As soon as you pass through the main entrance of Hanegi Park, you’re greeted by a vibrant spread of blooming plum trees.
Their branches stretch out in all directions, displaying an array of white, light pink, and deep red flowers that capture the season’s spirit.
With 270 red and 380 white plum trees, the park bursts into color, enveloping visitors in a sea of blossoms.
The delicate movement of flowers swaying in the breeze is a beauty that simply can’t be captured in photos.
The plum grove is expansive, and as you follow the gently curving paths, you’ll constantly encounter new scenes.
Each step brings a new variation in shape, color, and blooming style to enjoy.
Beyond the plum grove lies an open plaza where post-blossom enjoyment begins.
Lined with stalls run by local shops, the area offers plum-themed sweets like jam and yokan, along with various souvenirs.
Food stalls offering yakisoba and beer also add to the fun, creating a lively, spring fair-like atmosphere.
The handmade local goods were a perfect complement to the blossom-viewing experience.
Smiles were everywhere as people enjoyed browsing and snacking.
During the festival, various performances and events are held each day.
When I visited, local children performed Yamazaki Taiko drumming.
Their powerful drumming echoed throughout the park, creating a scene of spring where blossoms and rhythm met.
The audience included families, elderly locals, and international visitors, all applauding after each piece.
It was heartwarming to see the community support the young performers with such warmth.
Visitors could enjoy a free tea service offered within the venue.
Cups of roasted green tea (hojicha) were served, providing a moment of comfort and warmth.
On a brisk early spring day, this small gesture was deeply appreciated.
It was a moment that highlighted the warmth of both nature and people.
Spending time among the plum blossoms offered more than just beautiful views.
The kindness of the people I met and the local performances left a lasting impression.
Unlike large-scale festivals, this one had a quiet, intimate atmosphere where local traditions were alive and well.
As spring begins to bloom, why not take a trip and experience a peaceful seasonal shift woven into everyday life?
