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
Nihonryori Mochizuki (Asakusa)
Nihonryori Mochizuki
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
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)
Kagaya Hakata branch JR HAKATA CITY KOOTEN 9F
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