Umesono Ume no Eki

The Ogose plum trees date back to when the Umezono Shrine separated from the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Named after Heian period scholar, poet, and politician, Sugawara no Michizane, they are recognized as one of the three major plum groves in Kanto. The park covers an area of around 2 hectares and is home to about 1,000 plum trees such as Shirakaga, Kobai, Koseno-ume, and most notably an ancient plum tree called Kaisetsu, estimated to be 650 years old. The Mini SL steam locomotive train running through the park is also rare on a national scale. Including the surrounding area, about 20,000 plum trees are in full bloom during peak season.

There are around 1,500 hydrangea plants in bloom along this 3-kilometer-long road, and you can enjoy the fresh air and chirping of birds while surrounded by nature.

Ancient trees said to have been planted more than 350 years ago line either side of the stone steps of Godaison, where the five statues of Myo-o, the gods of wisdom, are enshrined. The adjacent Azalea park is one of the best Azalea viewing spots in the Kanto region, with about 10,000 azalea plants in bloom.

Around 300 Someiyoshino cherry trees are in full bloom at Sakuranoyama Park in early April and the mountain peak boasts a view that overlooks the Saitama-Shintoshin area. A large fireworks display is held every year on the second Saturday of May.

Ranked 16th in the 1988 Japan Big Trees Ranking, this giant camphor tree is certified 1st in the prefecture. The tree has a trunk circumference of 15m, a height of 30m, and is over 1,000 years old. The tree canopy is also a magnificent sight to see. It is designated a natural monument of the prefecture.