Makuyama Park (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Makuyama Park?
What makes it 89% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy romantic blossom tunnels, evening light-ups, and quiet picnic lawns; the ¥200 festival fee is modest. Lack of indoor areas rarely troubles two flexible adults.
Positives:
- Quiet Morning Walk: Arrive before 9 AM to enjoy trails with few visitors.
- Sunset Summit View: Plan your hike to reach the peak around sunset for colorful bay vistas.
- Evening Light-Up Ambiance: Stay past dusk during bloom season to see lantern-lit blossoms.
Challenges:
- Steep Summit Trail: The 70-minute zig-zag path is rocky and slippery after rain.
- Limited Food Options: Outside the Ume Party festival, very few vendors operate inside the park.
- Festival Crowds: Weekends in bloom season draw many visitors, making parking scarce.
What is Makuyama Park?
- A hillside park occupying the lower slopes of Mount Maku in the Hakone region
- A cultivated grove of approximately 4,000 ume (plum) trees arranged across terraced embankments
- Picnic and barbecue facilities interspersed with a network of forested trails leading to the 625-meter summit
What is so special about Makuyama Park for couple trip?
- Walk beneath 4,000 plum trees in early spring
- Hike to the 625 m summit for Sagami Bay views
- Experience lantern-lit blossoms at night
- Enjoy a private picnic or BBQ in spring and summer
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: This allows time for a plum‐blossom stroll, summit hike and a relaxed picnic or BBQ.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Makuyama Park
Romantic Plum‐Blossom Walk:
Wander hand‐in‐hand under about 4,000 red and white ume trees.
Tip: Start at the main gate and follow the central path for the best bloom density.
Evening Light‐Up:
See illuminated blossoms from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM during bloom season.
Tip: Arrive just before dusk for the best transition from daylight to lantern glow.
Summit View Hike:
Climb the 70-minute zig-zag trail to Mount Maku’s 625 m peak.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and carry water; the final ascent gets steep and rocky.
Private Picnic or BBQ:
Use the designated BBQ area from April to October.
Tip: Reserve your grill by calling the park office at +81-465-632111 at least one week ahead.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Makuyama Park
- Book BBQ in Advance: Reserve the barbecue area early via the park office to secure your slot.
- Use Public Transport: Take the JR Tokaido Line to Yugawara Station and then the Hakone Tozan bus to the park entrance.
- Pack Your Own Snacks: Bring food and drinks outside festival season to avoid limited onsite stalls.
Reviews of Makuyama Park
ぶるさん
While most reviews seem to focus on the plum grove, I'd like to share that the autumn foliage is actually quite beautiful as well! 🍁⠜ While most people probably visit between January and March, Yugawara's warm climate means the autumn foliage peaks in early December, allowing you to enjoy it until late into the day. At this time of year, the air is dry and the skies are clear, making the autumn...
Knud Hermansen
Nice shaded park with ample parking. Fun obstacle playground. Access to the river and fishing. Also some great trails available from here.
Aviv Koren
very cozy and nice. and their were also high quality goods.
Steffen Eckart
Makuyama Park spends 11 months out of the year essentially dormant and uninteresting, but in February it puts on its full dress in the form of a wide variety of plum blossoms. Now is the time to visit. For those in the area on the last week of February, I highly recommend visiting. For details ask at the visitor center next to Yugawara Station.
Tony O'Connor
Lovely spot. We caught it as plum trees were beginning to bloom. Lovely scents too. We hiked up the mountain a ways for a nice bit of exercise. We spent about 3 hours there. Easy 15 minutes bus ride up from Yugawara station.
When is the best time to visit Makuyama Park (Hakone, Japan)?
Mid-February to early March brings peak plum bloom and festival stalls. From April to October, the BBQ area opens for day rentals.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ume Party festival entry (2 adults) | JPY 400 |
| BBQ grill rental | JPY 2,000 |
| Festival parking fee | JPY 500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,900 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Makuyama Park
Address: Parking lot, 951-1 Kajiya, Yugawara, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 259-0313, Japan
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About Makuyama Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 465-63-211110 BEST nearby Activities
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