Where to See Plum Blossom in Kyoto

Plum blossom at KitanoTenmangu Shrine

Cherry blossom in Japan may be more famous, but plum blossom blooms first and therefore is significant in signalling the beginning of spring. The end of February to the beginning of March is the perfect time to go viewing plum blossom in Japan. Here is a list of the best places to view plum blossom in Kyoto.

KitanoTenmangu Shrine 北野天満宮
What: 2000 plum trees
When: mid Feb. to early Mar. Plum festival on 25th Feb.

Ryoanji Temple 龍安寺
What: 80 plum trees
When: late Feb.

Shoseien Garden 渉成園
What: 30 plum trees
When: mid Feb.

Umenomiya Taisha Shrine 梅宮大社
What:: 35 varieties of plums, 550 plum trees
When: mid Feb. to early Mar.

Kyoto Imperial Palace 京都御苑
What: 20 varieties of plums, 250 plum trees
When: mid Feb. to mid Mar.

Nijo Castle 二条城
What: 3 varieties of plums, 130 plum trees
When: mid Feb. to early Mar.

Tenryuji Temple 天龍寺
how many, what kind: 3 varieties of plums
when: from late Feb.

Otoyo-jinja Shrine 大豊神社
What: The biggest weeping plum tree in Kyoto; 250 to 300 years old.
When: early to mid Mar.

Botanical Gardens 植物園
What: 60 varieties of plum, 150 plum trees
When: mid Feb. to late Mar.

Jonangu Shrine 城南宮
What: 2 varieties of plums, 150 weeping plum trees
When: late Feb.

 What signals the start of spring for you?

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