For total serenity, visit the Atami Baien Plum Garden. This colorful park at the western end of the city has a rock-filled stream and mountainous vegetation. It is known for its early blooming plum blossoms as well as a particularly long autumn season of colorful foliage.
To see the park at its best, come for the Plum Blossom Festival, which is held from January to March each year. Cross the wooden bridge that hovers above the stream and appreciate the views of the colorful foliage and rolling terrain surrounding you. Hike up the nature trails adorning the hills and admire the purple hues of the plum blossom flowers known as ume.
Stop at several of the souvenir shops and pick up items as remembrances of your trip. Chat with vendors behind the stalls and attend some of the events organized in this park.
The site first opened in 1886, as an exercise spot for people to visit after soaking in the nearby hot springs. Affluent Yokohama businessman Mogi Sobei funded the construction of the park. It is said that flowers from this site were given to an emperor.
There is a fee to enter the site during the Plum Festival Season from January to March. Ask for discounts for groups and free entry for junior high school children. The festival runs daily from morning until late afternoon. At other times of the year, entrance to the park is free.
From the city center, walk west for less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to reach the Atami Baien Plum Garden in about 20 minutes. You can also walk 10 minutes from the Kinomiya Train Station. While you’re in the area, consider visiting other nearby attractions such as the Kinomiya-jinja Shrine and the Sawada Seiko Memorial Museum.
