Yudagawa Plum Grove Park

The gentle scent of plums heralds spring in Tsurumochi, where a lot of snow falls.

Plum blossoms begin to fade in the still cold weather.
Yudagawa Plum Orchard Park is a place that gently signals the beginning of spring.

Yudagawa Plum Grove Park, located not far from downtown Tsuruoka in Yamagata Prefecture, is filled with fluffy plum blossoms every spring, and is secretly popular among locals and those in the know as a cherry blossom viewing spot.

The moment you stand at the entrance of the park, the gentle scent of plum blossoms wafts out of nowhere. The best time to view them is from mid-March to early April, and you can feel the early arrival of spring in Tsuruoka.

This plum grove park was originally developed little by little by the local people. One of the charms of this park is that you can feel the richness of nature with all five senses, not only from the plum blossoms, but also from the air, birdsong, and the smell of the soil. It is less crowded and perfect for those who want to take a leisurely stroll. Some people enjoy the flowers with a camera in hand, others sit on a bench and enjoy the quiet time, each enjoying spring in his or her own way.

A short distance from the park, visitors can enjoy the historic townscape of Yudagawa Onsen and the emotionally rich hot springs inns. This area, which offers sightseeing and healing at the same time, is a must-visit destination for those who want to travel at a leisurely pace.