Embrace the Arrival of Spring With Plum Blossoms and a Seasonal Feast Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Feb 01 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Tokyo Kyoto Fukuoka Japanese Cuisine

Embrace the Arrival of Spring With Plum Blossoms and a Seasonal Feast

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.

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.

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

Along with their flowers, plums themselves are a vital element of Japanese food culture. Once the blossoms have faded, their plums are pickled and eaten as umeboshi (pickled plum) or brewed into umeshu (plum wine). Many make these preserved delicacies at home, but they are also available at supermarkets. Numerous Japanese dishes also incorporate the unique flavor of plums, with their sourness adding an accent to lighter dishes.

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.

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 (Kyoto)
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.

■Bairin-ji Temple (Fukuoka)
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

Having treated your eyes and nose to the beauty and fragrances of plum blossoms, it's time to satisfy your stomach. Here are three recommended restaurants conveniently located near plum viewing spots.

Nihonryori Mochizuki (Asakusa)

Nihonryori Mochizuki is one of the rare restaurants in Asakusa serving Japanese cuisine up on a high floor, granting gourmet meals over the boundless daylight sky or shimmering nightlights. The restaurant takes pride in its [Special Kaiseki] (6,800 - 13,200 JPY), whose contents change virtually everyday to align with seasonal flavors and ingredients. A divine selection of sake, shochu, and other alcoholic beverages are available to further complement your meal.

Alongside the spacious main dining room, Nihonryori Mochizuki contains five private rooms from large to small, including table seating, tatami rooms, and those with Tokyo Skytree views (private room booking fee applies).

Nihonryori Mochizuki

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 7:00 pm)
Closed:
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Asakusa station Exit 4 on Ginza Line / 5-minute walk from Honjo-azumabashi Station. It's on the 21st floor of the Asahi Group Headquarters Building along the Sumida River.
Address: 21F, Asahi Group Headquarters Bldg., 1-23-1, Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Nihon Ryouri YUEN (Kyoto)

Nihon Ryouri YUEN is a private restaurant offering exclusive hospitality with only one room available each day. The [Omakase Course] (6,000 - 18,000 JPY) is meticulously crafted by the chef, who possesses diverse culinary expertise. The menu flaunts carefully selected ingredients, bolstered by an assortment of sake and wine curated for international travelers by a sake sommelier. As a finishing touch, the owner offers the option of matcha tea following your meal.

The private room is adorned by a sliding door featuring a captivating dragon mural painted by a Kyoto artist. It also looks out into a Japanese garden, arranged by a skilled gardener, allowing you to fully unwind amidst blissful surroundings.

Nihon Ryouri YUEN

Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY
Access: By bus: Take routes 16, 18, 19, 42, 71, 78, 202, 205, 206, 207 and get off at Toji Higashimon-mae, Toji Minamimon-mae, or Kujo Omiya.
Address: 60-2, Nishikujo Hieijo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
More Details Reservation

Kagaya Hakata Branch (Fukuoka)

This restaurant lets those in Fukuoka experience the highly coveted tastes of Kagaya, which is a long-established ryokan (Japanese-style inn) from Wakura Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture. Its finely crafted cuisine utilizes fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, traditional Kaga vegetables, and local Fukuoka ingredients, bolstered by the signature hospitality that earned Kagaya its reputation.

The restaurant employs traditional crafts like Kutani ware pottery and Wajima lacquerware, flaunting the traditions of the Kaga and Noto regions. Private rooms facing the courtyard and windowside sofa seats provide a picturesque backdrop to your meal.

Kagaya Hakata branch JR HAKATA CITY KOOTEN 9F

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,200 JPY
Access: Directly-connected to JR [Hakata Station]! On the 9th floor of JR HAKATA CITY AMU PLAZA HAKATA
Address: 1-1 Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka city, Fukuoka Map
More Details Reservation

Those who choose to visit Japan during early spring will have their trips blessed by pretty and fragrant plum blossoms. After indulging in the essence of spring, treat yourself to a delightful Japanese meal at one of the restaurants featured in this article!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.