Sugita Plum Festival

Sugita in Yokohama was a popular area for its flourishing plum trees in the 1600s and can often be seen in ancient ukiyo-e paintings. In efforts to revive this reputation, the neighbourhood is bringing back its plum festival for the first time in 100 years. In addition to the 100 or so baby pink and white plum trees you can admire, there will be plenty of entertainment to keep you busy. 

After the opening ceremony on February 14, watch a Yokohama geisha dance performance from 1pm and 2.45pm, a Valentine's themed guitar performance (3.20pm) and a taiko drumming performance (4.05pm). Visit on February 15 and you’ll be treated to a shamisen performance (11.40am), a kagura show (Shinto ceremonial dance from 12.45pm) by Kagura NPO, jazz music performances by local artists (2.50pm) and much more.

Make sure to also visit Plum Road Sugita, where 20 stores and restaurants will be offering plum-themed goods from January 24 to February 28.

The event is taking place around the Sugita neighbourhood. There's a useful map of the venues on the website.