The grove is planted on the site of the historical battlefield of the Soga Brothers' Revenge from the Kamakura period.
The trees produce a significant portion of the plums used for Odawara's famous traditional salted plum products.
Unlike manicured city parks, the grove consists primarily of working fruit orchards owned by local farmers.
The site hosts a specific festival period, the 'Soga Bairin Festival,' coinciding with the peak bloom.
Visitors can see historical monuments related to the Soga brothers scattered throughout the orchard paths.
Soga Plum Grove is a sprawling agricultural area featuring approximately 35,000 plum trees set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji and the Hakone mountains. It is one of the three most famous plum viewing spots in the Kanto region. The grove is divided into several areas, including the Bessho, Hara, and Nakagawara districts, which are connected by walking paths through working farms. Visitors can view diverse plum varieties such as Shirakaga and Jiroshiraka. The site is a major center for the production of 'Umeboshi' or pickled plums. During the peak blooming season, the area hosts traditional performances, local product markets, and tea ceremonies.
The viewing point in the Bessho area that frames the rows of white and pink plum blossoms with the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji in the distance.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes as the terrain includes unpaved agricultural paths and slight inclines.
Bring cash for small stalls selling fresh local plums, Umeboshi, and seasonal vegetable snacks.
Check the official blooming status on the website before traveling, as peak timing shifts annually based on winter temperatures.
Visiting outside of the February plum season, as the orchards are largely private and lack the scenic appeal of the blooming period.
The site is an open agricultural area; however, visitor services, festival stalls, and designated parking are only operational during the plum blossom season in February.
Respect private property by staying on marked paths, as many trees are part of active commercial orchards.
