Before cherry blossoms steal the spotlight, plum blossoms (ume) quietly announce the end of winter in Japan. Blooming from late January to March, plum blossoms are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. They are less crowded, more subtle, and often more meaningful than sakura.

What are plum blossoms (ume)?

Plum blossoms come from the ume tree, which blooms while winter is still present.

Unlike cherry blossoms:

• Plum blossoms bloom earlier

• They last longer

• They have a strong, sweet fragrance

• They symbolize endurance rather than fleeting beauty

Ume flowers range from white to deep pink, sometimes even red.

Symbol of resilience and renewal

Plum trees bloom in the cold, sometimes with snow still on the ground.
Because of this, ume symbolizes:

• Perseverance

• Hope

• Strength during hardship

They represent the first sign of spring, not its celebration.

Linked to learning and success

Plum blossoms are strongly associated with education and exams.

Many plum blossom shrines are Tenmangu shrines, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning.
Students visit during exam season to pray for success.

Older than cherry blossom culture

Historically, plum blossoms were admired before cherry blossoms.
During the Heian period, aristocrats wrote poetry about ume long before sakura became popular.

Plum blossom season depends on region and weather, but generally:

• Kyushu & southern Japan: late January to February

• Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka: February to early March

• Northern regions: late February to March

Plum blossoms last longer than cherry blossoms, often 2–4 weeks.

Tokyo

• Yushima Tenjin – Famous plum shrine, peak in February

• Koishikawa Korakuen – Early and late blooming varieties

• Hanegi Park – Large public plum grove

• Ushijima Plum Garden – Small and local, near Asakusa

Kyoto

• Kitano Tenmangu Shrine – Kyoto’s main plum blossom site

• Jonangu Shrine – Late-blooming varieties

• Gion Shirakawa area – Occasional early blooms

Osaka

• Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove – One of Kansai’s largest

• Expo ’70 Commemorative Park – Wide space, staggered blooms

Beyond the big cities

• Mito Kairakuen (Ibaraki) – Over 3,000 plum trees

• Atami Plum Garden (Shizuoka) – Very early blooming

• Dazaifu Tenmangu (Kyushu) – One of Japan’s most important plum sites

Go early and slow

Plum blossom spots are calm, especially compared to cherry blossom season.
Early mornings are ideal for:

• Quiet walks

• Photography

• Enjoying the fragrance

Understand the difference with cherry blossoms

Plum blossoms are about:

• Observation, not parties

• Quiet appreciation, not picnics

• Winter turning into spring

There is no loud hanami culture for ume. That’s part of the beauty.Kyoto

• Kitano Tenmangu Shrine – Kyoto’s main plum blossom site

• Jonangu Shrine – Late-blooming varieties

• Gion Shirakawa area – Occasional early blooms

Combine with seasonal food and temples

Plum blossom viewing pairs well with:

• Shrine visits

• Tea and wagashi

• Winter gardens and historical parks

Why you should see plum blossoms in Japan

If you want:

• Fewer crowds

• A deeper cultural experience

• A seasonal moment locals truly appreciate

Plum blossom season is one of Japan’s most underrated travel experiences.

It’s quiet, symbolic, and deeply connected to the rhythm of the country.