Seiseki Kamata Umeyashiki Park

Records note that in the late Edo period, Kamata had so many plum trees it was known as “Ume no Ki Mura” (Plum Tree Village). Along the Tokaido in one part of the area was “Umeyashiki.”

It was a shop selling Wachusan, a household medicine said to help with colds, and travelers are believed to have stopped by to keep it on hand for the road. The owner planted plum trees across a 3,000-tsubo property and opened a teahouse; it became a famous spot and is said to have flourished. Umeyashiki was also visited by key figures of the shogunate and members of the imperial family. In particular, it is called “Seiseki” because Emperor Meiji favored it and visited five times.

Seiseki Kamata Umeyashiki Park, located on that site, is a charming park with 100 plum trees as well as camphor trees and Japanese maple (iroha momiji), and even today it still covers over 1,000 tsubo. Around mid-February, white and red plum blossoms bloom in competition and the park is filled with their fragrance, and in May–June, 11 varieties of irises transplanted from Yamagata Prefecture are at their best.

The park has restrooms, a drinking fountain, and benches, and its walking paths are well maintained. Take a relaxed stroll while viewing the tasteful gate, the monument marking Emperor Meiji’s visit, and the former medicine shop site (sign only).