The plum festival at Akima Plum Grove, one of the three great plum groves of Gunma. In 2026 it ran from Saturday, February 14 to late March, with events mainly on weekends and holidays. The ume are usually at their best from early to mid-March.
Red and white ume spread over the hills along the upper Akima River, with walking paths through the grove, and shops serving local dishes open during the season. In 2026 there were the blossom festival on February 28 (taiko drumming and an outdoor tea ceremony), the "Akima Bairin Marche" on weekends and holidays (food trucks, stalls and workshops) and an Annaka products fair on March 6–8, and on Friday to Sunday evenings (18:00–20:00) the grove was lit up for the "BLOOMING LIGHT" light-and-sound night walk.
By car it is about 20 minutes from Matsuida-Myogi IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. From March 2026, buses to the grove were replaced by "Anna-car", a shared ride that must be booked (from Annaka-Haruna and Annaka stations; no service on Sundays and holidays). Parts of the grove are one-way at busy times.
Dates are based on the organizers' announcements and may change with the weather or the bloom. Please check the official information before you go.