Akashi City west of Kobe is best known for the magnificent collaborated view of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the Seto Inland Sea, and Awaji Island as the backdrop. But what many aren’t aware of is the city also has a few plum blossom spots that worth a visit from late February to mid-March. So, if you plan to visit the Kansai region in early spring, consider including the below attractions to your itinerary!
The Plum Blossom Spots in Akashi City
Mikuriya Shrine (御厨神社)
While the shrine’s name is Mikuriya instead of Tenmangū, Mikuriya Shrine is related to the Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), the famous scholar from the Heian period (794 – 1185). Thus, there is a plum grove in the precinct. Afterall, Michizane is known for his love towards the plum blossoms.
The reason that the shrine isn’t a Tenmangū is because it existed long before Michizane’s arrival. It was where Empress Jingū (神功皇后) collected food before she went on an expedition to Korea in the 4th century. The shrine was erected in the late 9th century and thus was named Mikuriya.
In 901, Michizane spent a night resting at Mikuriya Shrine on his way to Dazaifu in Fukuoka. A stone monument was placed at the spot where Michizane hand-planted a pine tree. The tree was therefore named Narine no Matsu (仮寝の松).
Refer to our Dazaifu Tenmangū article for the life story of Sugawara no Michizane.
Since Mikuriya Shrine’s establishment, the locals have prayed here for safe sailing. And since Sugawara no Michizane has been enshrined here, students also visit Mikuriya Shrine to pray for success in passing the exams.
Mikuriya Shrine’s plum grove has over 200 plums. The red plums usually bloom from early to mid-February whereas the white plums usually bloom from mid to late February.
The cannonball in the precinct was placed to pray for world peace.
How to Get to Mikuriya Shrine
- Mikuriya Shrine is a 10-minute walk from Sanyo’s Higashi-Futami Station (東二見駅).
- From JR Tsuchiyama Station (土山駅) south exit, it is a 20-minute walk.
Ishigadani Park (石ケ谷公園 梅園)
With around 800 plums planted, Ishigadani Park is the best spot in Akashi City to adore plum blossoms. The vast park, which has a ground of approximately 14 hectares, is located in the hills of northern Akashi. In addition to the plum grove, it also has around 500 cherry blossoms and different types of seasonal flowers and herbs.
In addition to walking in the plum grove, remember to hike up to the pavilion (明錫亭) at the top of a hill. It is the best spot to overlook the plum grove at Ishigadani Park.
- The plum blossom season at Ishigadani Park is usually between late February and mid-March.
- The cherry blossom season at Ishigadani Park is usually between late March and early April.
- Refer to the Flowering Condition on the official website to plan your visit.
Ishigadani Park also has a horse riding area. The pasture is just next to the plum grove. So, when you adore the plum blossoms from the pavilion, you might see some horses and ponies relaxing and eating grass (the 2nd photo in the right IG post)!
Horse and pony-riding is possible for an extra cost.
If you will travel with children, they will have fun at the outdoor playground at Asobi no Oka (あそびの丘).
The area’s planning and design were completed with the local elementary school students. After all, only children know what they enjoy the most. There is even a dinosaur-shaped roller slide!
Ishigadani Park’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Ishigadani Park is open from 9 am to 9 pm daily except for the 1st, the 3rd, and the 5th Monday of each month unless it is a public holiday.
- The park is also closed from the 29th of December to the 3rd of January.
- To get to Ishigadani Park, get off at JR Ōkubo Station (大久保駅). Then, take a bus from the north exit and get off at Akashi Chūō Taiikukan (明石中央体育館) or Takaoka Icchō-me (高丘1丁目). The park is a 10-minute walk from either of the bus stop.
- The services are operated by Shinki Bus (神姫バス).
- You can use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe
Kobe City next to Akashi also has a couple of places where you can see the plum blossoms. As most of them are close to a train station, you can easily stop by one of them as you explore other parts of Kobe. If you like hot spring, the renowned hot spring town in Kobe, Arima Onsen, also has two places for you to appreciate the flowers.
So, refer to our article on the Guide to the Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe and start planning!
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Osaka
We are sure Hyōgo Prefecture is one of many destinations you will visit in the Kansai region. Osaka Prefecture, for example, has many plum groves awaiting you to discover, too. If you fly into Osaka, there are a few plum blossom spots close to the Kansai Airport!
So, refer to our article on the Plum Blossom Posts in Osaka to plan your trip!
