Ikegami Plum Garden: A Springtime Escape

Ikegami Plum Garden (Ikegami Baien) is a tranquil escape in the heart of Tokyo's Ota Ward. This public garden is best known for its stunning plum blossoms, offering a vibrant display of color and fragrance in late winter and early spring. The garden boasts approximately 370 plum trees, featuring both red and white varieties. The plum blossoms typically bloom from late January to early March, attracting many visitors who come to admire the beauty and enjoy the sweet scent. Beyond the plum trees, the garden also features around 800 azalea plants, as well as a variety of other trees and seasonal flowers, ensuring there's something to see throughout the year. Ikegami Plum Garden was once the home and studio of the renowned Japanese-style painter, Shinsui Ito. After being destroyed by fire during World War II, the land was later converted into a plum garden and opened to the public. Today, visitors can still experience the garden's rich history and traditional atmosphere through its two tea houses, Seigetsu-an and Chōuan, where tea ceremonies and other events are held. These tea rooms were relocated to the garden and rebuilt after having been owned by various people. The garden also includes a Japanese-style room and a Suikinkutsu (water harp), adding to the overall ambiance. Ikegami Plum Garden is located a short distance west of Ikegami Honmonji Temple.