Plum Blossoms in Japan: A Must-See Alternative to Cherry Blossoms

If you think cherry blossoms are the only flowers worth seeing in Japan, it's time to reconsider. Plum blossoms, or ume, bloom earlier, last longer, and fill historic gardens with their delicate beauty and sweet fragrance. Ranging from pure white to deep pink, these blossoms offer a stunning start to spring, making them a great alternative for travellers who may miss peak Sakura season. With fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, ume season is a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Plum Blossom | Zhengzaishuru via Getty Images

For Filipinos who love vibrant festivals and cultural experiences, plum blossom season is a must-see. Here are the top destinations to witness these stunning blooms!

Also read: The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Osaka, Tokyo, and Kyoto

Osaka’s top plum blossom locations

Osaka Expo '70 Park

Osaka Expo '70 Park | Japan Travel Official Website

A short walk from Bampakukinenkoen Station, this large public park features two distinct plum blossom areas. The main grove, west of the Tower of the Sun, has around 600 trees, while the Japanese landscape garden offers a more intimate setting with 80 trees of various types.

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park | Japan Online Tour Official Website

One of the most impressive plum groves in Japan, Osaka Castle Park boasts nearly 1,300 trees of over 100 varieties. A stroll through this historic park between the inner and outer moats is a must during plum blossom season.

Kyoto’s stunning plum blossom gardens

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine | Japan Guide Official Website

Home to about 2,000 plum trees, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous ume spots. From January 25 to March 16, 2025, visitors can stroll through the garden and admire the breathtaking plum blossoms in full bloom, making it a perfect spot for a serene spring escape.

Umenomiya Taisha

Umenomiya Taisha | Leaf Kyoto Official Website

A lesser-known gem, Umenomiya Taisha is a shrine dedicated to sake brewing and is surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with 450 plum trees of various species. Located a short walk from Matsuo Taisha Station, this spot is a must-visit for those looking to explore Kyoto’s hidden treasures.

Tokyo’s best plum blossom spots

Yushima Tenjin Shrine

Yushima Tenjin Shrine | Essential Japan Official Website

A favourite among students praying for exam success, Yushima Tenjin Shrine near Ueno Park transforms into a floral wonderland from February 8 to March 8. The festival atmosphere, complete with performances and stalls selling plum-themed treats, makes it an excellent spot for both sightseeing and cultural immersion.

Koishikawa Korakuen

Koishikawa Korakuen | Japan Guide Official Website

Located near Korakuen Station, this beautifully preserved landscape garden dates back to the Edo period. With a small but charming grove of plum trees, Koishikawa Korakuen provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Visit between February 1 and March 2, 2025, to catch the annual plum festival.

Hanegi Park

Hanegi Park | Tokyo Walk via Wikimedia Commons

For a more relaxed experience, head to Hanegi Park in Setagaya. With around 700 plum trees, this local favourite is perfect for a stroll or a picnic. The Setagaya Ume Matsuri runs from February 8 to March 2, offering cultural events on weekends and holidays.

Kairakuen Garden (Ibaraki Prefecture)

Kairakuen Garden | Japan Guide Official Website

For a unique plum blossom experience beyond the main cities, visit Kairakuen Garden in Mito, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. Home to around 3,000 ume trees with over 100 subspecies, it showcases stunning colours from white to deep pink. Don’t miss "Ume The Lights," a special nighttime event running on weekend and holiday nights until March 9, where the Tozai Bairin Plum Forest and Moso Bamboo Grove glow with projection mapping and a magical sea of clouds effect, creating an enchanting evening stroll.

To complete the experience, visitors can indulge in plum-themed treats such as:

• Plum-flavoured sweet buns

• Plum wine-seasoned pork buns

• Plum-flavoured ochazuke (rice with green tea)

• Plum wine-tasting sets

For a cultural touch, don’t miss the photo spot featuring Mito’s traditional suifu paper lanterns.

Also read: Hidden Cherry Blossoms in Japan for a Crowd-Free Escape

Experience Japan’s early spring charm

Plum blossoms might not have the same global fame as cherry blossoms, but they offer a quieter, more intimate way to appreciate Japan’s seasonal beauty. Whether you’re wandering through historic shrines in Kyoto, exploring urban gardens in Tokyo, or marvelling at expansive groves in Osaka, these locations provide unforgettable moments for every traveller. Plan your visit, embrace the beauty of ume, and make the most of Japan’s early spring magic.