Major Attractions
Kairakuen Garden
One of Japan's Three Great Gardens, featuring approximately 3,000 plum trees representing 100 different varieties. This expansive garden transforms into a pink and white wonderland each spring, offering visitors winding paths, traditional pavilions, and breathtaking views that have inspired artists for centuries.
Mito Plum Blossom Festival
Running from February 11 to March 20, this annual celebration draws visitors nationwide to witness peak plum blossom viewing. The festival includes the Japan Umeshu Festival, where attendees can sample over 150 varieties of premium plum liqueur while enjoying traditional performances and cultural activities.
Kairakuen UME The Lights
A spectacular nighttime illumination program running through 2025-2026 that transforms Kairakuen Garden into a magical evening wonderland. Advanced lighting techniques highlight the plum blossoms and garden architecture, creating an enchanting atmosphere that offers a completely different perspective from daytime visits.
Lake Senba
Known affectionately as the "Oasis of Mito," this urban lake serves as a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. The lake attracts swans, waterfowl, and migratory birds throughout the year, while its surrounding park provides walking paths, benches, and observation points perfect for nature watching and relaxation.
Kodokan
A prestigious historical educational institution established by Tokugawa Nariaki to cultivate the minds and spirits of samurai. This well-preserved academy showcases traditional Japanese educational philosophy and architecture, offering insights into the intellectual foundations that shaped Japan's modernization.
Tokugawa Museum
Housing an extensive collection of artifacts from the Mito domain, including samurai armor, weapons, calligraphy, and artwork from the powerful Tokugawa clan. The museum provides invaluable context for understanding Mito's role in Japanese feudal history and the cultural sophistication of the samurai class.