Akima Umerin

Overview

Akima Umerin is a vast plum grove located in the mountains of Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, featuring approximately 1,000 plum trees. Along with Haruna Umerin and Minokuni Umerin in Takasaki City, it's considered one of Gunma's three major plum groves, significantly larger than many plum groves in Southern Kanto. Unlike cherry blossoms, where edible and ornamental varieties are different, all the plums in Akima Umerin are edible, and the plantation is farmland, not a park. Therefore, while it's not as well-maintained as a typical tourist spot and might be inconvenient to access, the view of the plum grove and surrounding mountains from a high point is magnificent, rivaling even the famous Yoshino cherry blossoms. It's a breathtaking scene integrated into daily life, unlike the more formally landscaped Kairakuen Garden. The area around the Aima Shrine, slightly off the main walking path, is also highly recommended. If you visit early in the morning, there are fewer crowds. Being primarily farmland, you won't encounter the typical issues seen at popular cherry blossom viewing spots—people staking out spots with blankets or loud, drunk crowds neglecting the flowers. It's far more serene than battling the crowds and smells of alcohol, food, and trash in a place like Ueno Park. Public transportation access is inconvenient. While Annaka-Haruna Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen line is the geographically closest station (about a 40-minute walk), there is no shuttle bus service (as of 2023). Akima Umerin and Haruna Umerin are about a 20-minute drive apart, as are Haruna Umerin and Minokuni Umerin. Access by private car or rental car is recommended; if relying on public transport, a taxi might be considered (though availability may be limited...).