Kanabotoke Plum Orchard (Kanabotoke Ume Koen in Japanese) is a 5.3-hectare park with approximately 2000 plum trees of five varieties; Tougorou, Koshi-no-ume, Shirakaga, Bungo, and Nankou-ume. There is a nearly 30-year old Shirakaga plum tree with white flowers blooming all over its branches that spread over 5 metres!

The wide-open spaces allow visitors to walk, even run and play around freely while enjoying the varying shades of white and pink blossoms. Unlike cherry blossoms, these flowers give off a sweet fruity smell which adds to the experience. Usually the locals celebrate the blossoming event with the traditional activity of kanbai-kai (plum blossom viewing parties). If you are in the mood for a break, there are benches inside the orchard for visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the view. There is a Kurort walking course running through this park, so in spring you can book this activity and see the plum blossoms with the friendly Akita dog Masa!

In summer, you can experience plum picking and purchase the plums harvested. Plum juice drinks, plum wine (ume shu in Japanese), processed foods and other local specialties made from the harvested plums are available for purchase at Mitane Town’s Roadside station Kotooka.