While cherry blossoms are the symbol of spring in Japan, ume (plum) blossoms are actually the first sign of the season. Plum blossoms have been adored in Japan since ancient times and exude a unique elegance distinct from cherry blossoms. This article will introduce Japan’s plum tree culture while showcasing the best plum blossom viewing spots and recommended restaurants to indulge in a meal after taking in their ephemeral beauty.
Before the Cherry Trees Bloom, Plum Blossoms Grace the Spring
Plum blossoms typically start blooming in late January, heralding the arrival of spring even amidst the lingering cold. There are reportedly over 300 varieties of plum trees, which have flowers in shades of white, pink, and red. They have a powerful fragrance, filling gardens with sweet springtime scents. The act of plum blossom viewing is called umemi in Japanese, and February is recognized as umemi-zuki (plum viewing month).
The connection between Japan and plum blossoms can be seen as far back as the year 700, with the Manyoshu, a collection of poetry from the era, featuring over 100 poems dedicated to the flower. Although not as grandiose as cherry blossoms, the serene and graceful nature of plum blossoms resonates strongly with the Japanese.
Plum Trees Are a Part of Daily Japanese Life
The Best Plum Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan
There are countless remarkable plum blossom viewing spots scattered throughout Japan. Here are three of the most famous!
■Yushima Tenmangu Shrine (Yushima Tenjin) (Tokyo)
Situated within walking distance of Ueno, Yushima Tenmangu Shrine (Yushima Tenjin) has been the home of one of Tokyo’s most celebrated plum blossom gardens since the Edo Period (1603–1868). Two plum orchards on the grounds contain roughly 300 plum trees, mostly with white flowers. The Plum Blossom Festival, held from early February to early March, is a much-anticipated early spring event in Tokyo and draws a total of around 400,000 visitors. There are Shinto rituals, dances, and performances from across the world. In addition, kimonos and many other items are often adorned with plum flower patterns. Some prestigious families also possess their own crests, many of which incorporate plum motifs, while the gates of shrines and temples frequently flaunt their iconic beauty. Numerous places in Japan are also named after plums, such as Umeda in Osaka.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine's expansive 66,000 m² grounds host around 1,500 plum trees of 50 varieties, which bloom from early January until the end of March. The Plum Garden opens to the public every year from early February to late March, weaving together a tapestry of white, red, single-petaled, and multi-petaled blossoms. The observatory offers a 360-degree view of the plum garden, and the teahouse promises a relaxing break with tea and sweets.
Perched majestically on a hill by the Chikugo River, Bairin-ji Temple is one of Kyushu's leading centers of ascetic training. Roughly 500 red, white, and pink plum blossoms of about 30 varieties can be seen in the adjacent outer garden, filling the air with a delightful fragrance. These plum trees were donated from the gardens of neighborhood homes, which is why they hold a special place in the hearts of locals.
Recommended Restaurants for a Meal After the Plum Blossoms
Ayakaritai (Ueno)
Ayakaritai
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station North Exit / 2-minute walk from Ueno Hirokoji Station Exit A4 / 2-minute walk from Ueno Okachimachi Station Exit A4
Address: 1F, Ueno Shinkyo Bldg., 3-38-15, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Charcoal-grilled Eel Doikatsuman Kinkakuji Branch (Kyoto)
Charcoal-grilled Eel Doikatsuman Kinkakuji Branch
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop
Address: 2F, 13, Kinugasagaido-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Sakanaya Soma Kurume Branch (Kurume)
Sakanaya Soma Kurume Branch
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,800 JPY
Access: 5-minute drive from Nishitetsu Kurume Station on Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line / 4-minute drive from East Exit of JR Kurume Station on Kagoshima Main Line
Address: 8-20, Shojima-machi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka Map
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