The Shimosoga area is home to the renowned Soga Plum Grove, one of the largest plum-growing regions in the Kanto area. With approximately 35,000 plum trees spread across gently rolling farmland, the grove is both an agricultural landscape and a cultural treasure. Unlike ornamental cherry trees found in city parks, the plum trees of Shimosoga are working orchards. For generations, local farmers have cultivated these trees for their fruit, producing high-quality ume used in traditional foods such as umeboshi (salt-pickled plums), plum wine, syrups, and sweets. Visiting during festival season allows guests to witness this dual identity, a place of production that also becomes an immersive floral wonderland. Walking paths weave naturally between orchards, where branches arch overhead in clouds of fragrant blossoms. The scent is sweet yet crisp, and the petals appear earlier than cherry blossoms, symbolizing resilience and renewal. The experience feels intimate and authentic...and far from the bustle of larger metropolitan festivals.

Easiest public access is via Shimosoga Station on the JR Gotemba Line.