Kairakuen was founded in July 1842 during the Edo period by Tokugawa Nariaki, the 9th lord of the Mito domain.

The name “Kairakuen” comes from a passage in the Chinese classic Mencius, reflecting Lord Nariaki’s strong desire to create a place where he could “enjoy together with the people.”

Lord Nariaki is said to have personally designed the gardens, envisioning Kōdōkan as a place for study and training and Kairakuen as a space for relaxation. Together, these two facilities form a harmonious and complementary pair.

Today, it is recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama. It also serves as the main venue for the Mito Plum Blossom Festival.

The expansive garden features around 3,000 plum trees across roughly 100 varieties, offering visitors the chance to appreciate the blossoms throughout an extended timeframe, from early to mid, and into the late blooming seasons.

Kairakuen is said to have been created with an awareness of the concept of yin and yang.

Visitors entering through the Kobuntei Front Gate, the entrance to the “yin world,” will pass through the tranquil Mōsō bamboo grove and the clear waters of Togyokusen Spring, eventually reaching the expansive plum grove, representing the “yang world.” This route allows visitors to fully experience Kairakuen’s design concept of yin and yang.

偕楽園

General Information

Address	1-3-3 Tokiwacho, Mito City
Opening Hours	Mid-February to September 30: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM October 1 to Mid-February: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Hours may vary depending on the season and events. Please note that Kōbuntei has different operating hours.
Public Holidays	Open year-round ※Please note that Kōbuntei has different public holidays.
Access	By public transportation From Mito Station North Exit Bus Terminal (Stop No. 4), take a bus bound for Kairakuen (approx. 20 minutes). To Kobuntei Omotemon Parking (Kōbuntei Main Gate): Get off at the “Rekishikan Kairakuen Iriguchi” or the “Kobuntei Omotemon Iriguchi” bus stop, then walk for about 5–8 minutes. To East Gate: Get off at the “Kairakuen Higashimon / Tokiwa Shrine North Approach” or “Kairakuen / Tokiwa Shrine-mae” bus stop, then walk for 3 minutes. Alternatively, take a bus bound for Kairakuen from Mito Station North Exit Bus Terminal (Stop No. 6) (approx. 20 minutes). To East Gate: Get off at the final stop, “Kairakuen”, then walk for about 5 minutes.
Note	Kairakuen Main Garden (Tokiwa Park) is a designated historic site and scenic spot. Please refrain from bringing pets (including dogs) into the park. Additionally, smoking is prohibited within the main garden. Please use the designated smoking areas outside the garden. With the implementation of an entrance fee for the main garden, the Onarimon Gate has been closed. Please be advised. Please note that the South Gate is closed to visitors except during the Plum Blossom Festival. Additionally, outside of this period, the Togyokusen Entrance is designated for exit-only. For those using the Baiō Bridge, please enter through the Kobuntei Front Gate. Wheelchairs are available for free at Miharashi-tei inside the East Gate.

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Kairakuen

General Information

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