Kairaku-en is a beautiful Japanese garden located in the city of Mito. It is considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, along with Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and Koraku-en in Okayama. The garden was built in the 1840s by the local feudal lord Tokugawa Nariaki, who wanted to create a place of relaxation and enjoyment for the people of Mito.
Kairaku-en covers an area of about 13 hectares and features a large central pond surrounded by hills, forests, and various types of trees and flowers. The garden is designed in the traditional Japanese style, with winding paths, stone lanterns, bridges, and tea houses. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the garden in all seasons, as each season brings its own unique colors and scents.
In spring, Kairaku-en is famous for its plum blossoms, with over 3,000 trees of more than 100 varieties. The plum blossom festival is held every year in late February to early March, attracting thousands of visitors from all over Japan. In summer, the garden is a cool oasis with its many streams and waterfalls, while in autumn, the leaves of the maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold. In winter, the garden is transformed into a magical wonderland with its snow-covered trees and lanterns.
Kairaku-en also has several tea houses where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese tea and sweets while admiring the garden. The most famous tea house is called Kobuntei, which was built by Tokugawa Nariaki as a place for poetry and literature gatherings. The tea house has a beautiful view of the pond and the surrounding hills.
Overall, Kairaku-en is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and Japanese culture. It is a place of peace and tranquility, where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
