Background and Establishment
Anpachi Hyakubai-en opened in April 1998 to create a welcoming place where people could gather and relax along the Nakasu River, which flows through the center of the town. The garden was also developed to improve the environment around the local wastewater treatment center.
Covering approximately 3.9 hectares, the garden received its name through a public naming contest. The name expresses the idea of a garden where visitors can admire more than 100 varieties of plum trees.
Plum Varieties and the Best Time to Visit
The garden is home to more than 100 varieties of plum trees, allowing visitors to enjoy blossoms for several months. Early-blooming varieties, such as Kankobai and Tsuki no Katsura, can begin flowering in late January, while late-blooming varieties, including Kaiunbai and Rinshibai, may continue flowering until late March.
Flowering times vary according to the weather each year, but different varieties can generally be enjoyed from December through April. This extended season makes the garden an appealing destination for visitors hoping to experience the beauty and fragrance of plum blossoms.
Garden Features
The garden contains both fruit-bearing plum trees and ornamental varieties, including trees donated through the town’s Plum Tree Bank initiative.
Within its approximately 3.9-hectare grounds, visitors can explore an impressive collection of plum varieties and appreciate the delicate colors and fragrances of the blossoms. The diversity of cultivars means that the scenery changes as different trees come into bloom.
Anpachi En’yukai and Annual Events
Since the garden first opened, the annual Anpachi En’yukai event has been held on the first Sunday of March. The program includes a variety of activities, such as Yosakoi naruko dancing under the name Genki Hyakubai, photography sessions, haiku poetry contests, and arrangements of plants inspired by the Manyoshu, Japan’s ancient poetry anthology.
The event attracts many participants and offers opportunities to enjoy the garden while experiencing local culture and community activities.
Anpachi Plum Festival
The Anpachi Plum Festival is held from late February through mid-March. During the festival, visitors can stroll among the blooming plum trees and enjoy their fragrance and beauty.
Food stalls and bazaars offer dishes and treats such as udon noodles, mitarashi dango rice dumplings glazed with sweet soy sauce, and zenzai, a traditional sweet red-bean soup. Visitors can also purchase fresh local vegetables, processed agricultural products, and regional specialties. A bonsai plum exhibition is another highlight of the festival.
What Makes Anpachi Hyakubai-en Special?
Anpachi Hyakubai-en is loved by both local residents and tourists for its remarkable variety of plum trees and long flowering season. A leisurely walk through the garden offers the chance to appreciate the blossoms, enjoy their delicate fragrance, and take in the peaceful natural surroundings.
During the annual events and festivals, visitors can also experience local food, shop for regional products, and participate in cultural activities. The combination of beautiful flowers, community traditions, and seasonal festivities makes this garden a rewarding spring destination in Gifu Prefecture.
Summary
Located in Anpachi Town, Gifu Prefecture, Anpachi Hyakubai-en is a renowned plum garden featuring more than 1,200 trees of over 100 varieties. Since opening in 1998, it has served as a popular place for relaxation and seasonal sightseeing.
Annual events such as Anpachi En’yukai and the Anpachi Plum Festival bring the garden to life with cultural performances, exhibitions, food stalls, and local products. Visitors can enjoy the changing beauty and fragrance of plum blossoms while spending a peaceful and memorable time surrounded by nature.