You might already be familiar with the word “ume” (梅), which means plum in Japanese. Plums offer some of the most interesting elements of Japanese cuisine, such as the pungent tasting umeboshi (梅干し pickled plum) and sweet and hearty umeshu (梅酒 plum liquor). Not only are plums delicious, but plum blossoms offer some of the prettiest flowers of the late winter season.
Plum Blossoms in Japan
Plum blossoms differ from sakura in shape and structure and come in various colors, from white and light pink to vibrant fuchsia.
This article will introduce the best spots to see plum blossoms in Japan.
Mito, Ibaraki
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Mito, in Ibaraki prefecture, is one of the favorite destinations for admiring beautiful plum blossoms.
Easy to reach from Tokyo by train, the city hosts an annual “Ume festival” held in Kairakuen Garden. Here, roughly 3000 plum trees belonging to almost 100 varieties, from early and mid- to late-bloomers, are grown. The festival also offers a daily evening light-up event from February to late March, when the plum trees’ blossoms start to fall.
Annaka, Gunma
Annaka in Gunma is one of the most famous places in Gunma Prefecture, renowned for its plum trees since ancient times. About 35,000 red and white plum trees are planted in the 500,000-square-meter plum grove that spreads out in the mountains along the upper reaches of the Akima River.
White and pink flowers cover the entire area, and the faintly sweet scent of plum blossoms wafts through the air. The “Akima Plum Blossom Festival” is usually held from mid-February to the end of March. Many teahouses and stalls offer local flavors. This spot satisfies eyes, taste buds, and hearts.
Seikei-En, Ashikaga, Tochigi
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This plum grove, located on the western slope of Orihime Mountain, is open to the public free of charge from late February to mid-March during the blooming season. About 1,200 plum trees are cultivated on the 30,000-square-meter mountain slope, and when they are in full bloom, the slope of the valley, which is surrounded by mountains, looks like it is covered with pink clouds.
Naritasan Park, Chiba
Even though this site is smaller, with about 500 red and white plum trees, it is worth strolling around the park, admiring the many old trees with small, pretty flowers, and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. On Saturdays and Sundays during the “Narita Plum Blossom Festival,” there are performances of shamisen and other traditional Japanese instruments, tea ceremonies, and umeshu.
Ogose Plum Grove, Saitama
Credit: Takemaru Hirai (Unsplash)
Ogose Plum Grove in Saitama is one of the best plum groves in the Kanto region. It is said to have originated from the first plum trees planted at Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka, which was moved with the shrine from Kyushu to Saitama. More than 1,000 plum trees are in bloom, including some that are more than 650 years old. The grove is home to a wide variety of plum trees, such as the white “Kaga,” “Echino,” and red ume.
The best time to see plum blossoms here is from late February to late March when the plum blossom festival is also held. During this event, a small steam locomotive train runs through a tunnel of plum blossoms, a popular attraction among children and adults alike and a popular photo spot.
Shinshu Ina Baien, Nagano
Shinshu Ina Baien in Nagano is a sightseeing plum garden with 7,000 plum trees planted in a vast area of about 76,000 square meters. The park is located between the central and southern Japanese Alps, and the observatory is the best viewing spot. From there, you can see the entire plum garden, with Mount Kai Komagatake and Mount Kiso Komagatake on either side! The park is also decorated with 2,000 weeping peaches, double cherry blossoms, salsify, and other flowers.
Furouen, Yamanashi
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Furouen opened in 1897 and is one of the best plum blossom viewing spots in Yamanashi Prefecture. About 30 varieties of plum trees from all over Japan decorate the park, including “winter plum,” “Kanko bai” red plum, and “Kaiun” plum. The park is located at the foot of the mountains, and a promenade leads the visitor through a maze of trees.
Towards the end, there is an observatory deck from which you can see Mt.Fuji and the southern Japanese Alps. Be sure to check out the plum-related souvenirs, like the pickled plums made from the plums harvested in the park.
Toyooka Baien, Shizuoka
Toyooka Baien in Shizuoka is open from mid-February to early March. Within its 130,000 square meters of grounds, visitors can admire about 3,000 plum blossoms, mainly white plums such as the “Nano” and “Kojo” varieties. Since the trees were originally planted to produce plum wine, the plums here are still dried and processed at the nearby processing facility. Products such as plum jam and syrup are made here and are relatively popular among visitors.
Tsukigase Plum Grove, Nara
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Tsugikase Plum Grove is one of the three major plum groves in Nara, first inserted in the List of Special Places of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government in 1922. The plum grove spreads out on both sides of the slope of a deep ravine where the Nabari River flows through, and about 10,000 plum trees are planted on a large scale. In the Edo period (1603-1868), the area was visited by a succession of writers and artists, like Matsuo Basho. A monument was erected with Basho’s poem inspired by the area’s captivating view.
The “Plum Blossom Festival” is held every year from mid-February to the end of March and is full of uniquely Japanese events such as a sencha tea ceremony, haiku contests, and rice cake-making workshops at the Tenjinsha Shrine.
Make The Most of Japan’s Plum Blossoms
Japan is undoubtedly one of the best and most loved spring destinations for beautiful cherry blossom viewing. Visit early to appreciate and enjoy the early blooming plum trees from February to April at one of these great spots to see plum blossoms in Japan.
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Featured image credit: toshi-chan (photo-ac)
