Plum blossom season in Japan, known as ume season, marks the arrival of spring from February to March. Earlier than cherry blossoms, plum flowers bloom in shades of white, pink, and deep red, often carrying a sweet fragrance. If you’re planning a late-winter Japan trip, here are the top 10 plum blossom spots in Japan for breathtaking scenery and unforgettable photos.
1. Kairakuen (Ibaraki)
Kairakuen in Mito is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens and among the most famous plum blossom spots in Japan. With over 3,000 plum trees representing around 100 varieties, the garden transforms into a pink and white paradise from mid-February to March. The annual Mito Plum Festival attracts thousands of visitors who enjoy traditional performances and tea ceremonies. The elevated Kobuntei pavilion offers panoramic views of blooming ume trees. Easy access from Tokyo makes Kairakuen a top choice for travelers seeking early spring flowers before cherry blossom season begins.
2. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kyoto)
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is Kyoto’s most iconic plum blossom destination, featuring about 1,500 plum trees in its sacred grounds. Blooming from February to early March, the shrine hosts the Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival with traditional tea ceremonies conducted by geiko and maiko. The vibrant red torii gates and historic shrine buildings create a stunning backdrop for photography. Because plum trees are associated with scholarship and the deity Tenjin, students also visit to pray for academic success. This is one of the best plum blossom viewing spots in Kyoto.
3. Atami Plum Garden (Shizuoka)
Atami Plum Garden is famous for some of Japan’s earliest blooming plum trees, often starting in January. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the garden features around 470 plum trees of 60 varieties. The Atami Plum Festival runs from January through March, offering a longer viewing season than most places. Its hillside setting provides layered views of colorful blossoms against traditional bridges and walking paths. Because Atami is also a hot spring town, visitors can combine plum blossom viewing with an onsen getaway, making it a perfect winter-spring travel destination.
4. Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)
Osaka Castle Park is one of the best urban plum blossom spots in Japan. The park’s plum grove contains more than 1,200 trees with over 100 varieties blooming from February to March. The contrast between delicate pink blossoms and the majestic Osaka Castle tower creates iconic photo opportunities. Located in central Osaka, it’s easily accessible for travelers exploring Kansai. Plum blossoms here signal the transition from winter to spring, and the spacious park allows visitors to enjoy hanami-style picnics without heavy cherry blossom crowds.
5. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Fukuoka)
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka is deeply connected to plum blossoms, as the shrine’s enshrined scholar Sugawara no Michizane loved ume flowers. Around 6,000 plum trees bloom here from February to March, filling the grounds with fragrance and color. The reflective pond and traditional architecture enhance the scenic beauty. As one of Kyushu’s top plum blossom spots, Dazaifu attracts both worshippers and flower lovers. It’s especially popular for early spring travel before cherry blossom season peaks across Japan.
6. Yushima Tenmangu (Tokyo)
Yushima Tenmangu, also called Yushima Tenjin, is Tokyo’s beloved plum blossom viewing spot. About 300 plum trees bloom from mid-February to early March, drawing locals and tourists alike. The shrine hosts a lively Plum Blossom Festival featuring food stalls and cultural performances. Its compact setting makes it easy to explore while sightseeing in central Tokyo near Ueno and Akihabara. For travelers seeking plum blossoms in Tokyo without leaving the city center, Yushima Tenmangu offers both convenience and traditional charm.
7. Inabe Plum Forest (Mie)
Inabe Plum Forest in Mie Prefecture is one of Japan’s largest plum blossom fields, with roughly 4,000 trees covering rolling hills. From late February to mid-March, the slopes become a sea of pink and white blossoms. Unlike shrine settings, this expansive landscape offers countryside views perfect for photography. The annual Inabe Plum Festival provides local food stalls and observation decks overlooking the valley. If you’re searching for wide-open scenic plum blossom spots in Japan, Inabe delivers a dramatic and less crowded alternative.
8. Minabe Bairin (Wakayama)
Minabe Bairin in Wakayama is located in Japan’s top ume-producing region. Every February, approximately 80,000 plum trees blanket the hillsides in soft white blooms. The view overlooking the Pacific Ocean adds to its scenic charm. Wakayama’s mild climate allows for consistent early blooming, making it a reliable plum blossom destination. Visitors can sample local ume products like plum wine and pickles. This area is ideal for travelers wanting to combine flower viewing with regional culinary experiences.
9. Korakuen Garden (Okayama)
Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, offers elegant plum blossom scenery in a classic landscape setting. Though better known for cherry blossoms, its plum grove blooms earlier, usually from February to early March. The contrast between manicured lawns, traditional teahouses, and colorful ume trees creates refined spring imagery. Located near Okayama Castle, it’s easy to include in a broader sightseeing itinerary. Korakuen is perfect for travelers seeking a tranquil and historically rich plum blossom experience.
10. Koganei Park (Tokyo)
Koganei Park is one of Tokyo’s largest parks and home to a beautiful plum grove with around 1,400 trees. Blooming from February through early March, the park offers spacious paths and relaxed picnic areas ideal for families. Unlike crowded tourist hotspots, Koganei provides a peaceful atmosphere for enjoying fragrant plum blossoms. Located in western Tokyo, it’s easily accessible by train. For visitors wanting wide-open green space combined with seasonal flowers, Koganei Park is a fantastic choice.
10. When Is Plum Blossom Season in Japan?
Plum blossoms in Japan typically bloom from late January to March, depending on the region and the weather. Southern areas like Wakayama bloom earlier, while northern regions bloom later. Because the ume season arrives before the cherry blossom season, it’s perfect for travelers visiting Japan in late winter. If you’re planning a Japan spring trip, these top plum blossom spots in Japan offer unforgettable early-season beauty without peak sakura crowds.