Plum Blossoms vs. Cherry Blossoms: How to Identify them & Best Viewing Spots in Japan

Plum blossoms symbolize perseverance, renewal, and good fortune in Japanese culture. For centuries, they have inspired poets, artists, and festivalgoers across Japan. If you're planning a visit to Japan in spring, understanding the differences between ume and sakura will help you appreciate their unique beauty even more.

Key Takeaways

• Plum blossoms bloom earlier than cherry blossoms, from mid-February to mid-March.

• They have round petals and a strong, sweet fragrance, while cherry blossoms have notched petals and little to no scent.

• Some of the best places to see plum blossoms include Kairakuen (Ibaraki), Jonangu Shrine (Kyoto), Osaka Castle Park (Osaka), and Suzuka Forest Garden (Mie).

Why Are Plum Blossoms Important in Japan?

Plum blossoms have played an important role in Japanese culture for centuries. Unlike cherry blossoms, which symbolize fleeting beauty, plum blossoms represent strength and endurance, blooming despite the winter chill.

During the Nara period (710-794 AD), plum blossoms were even more admired than cherry blossoms. They frequently appeared in poetry, art, and imperial gardens. Today, their legacy continues through the Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festivals) held across Japan.

Famous Plum Blossom Festivals

Japan’s plum blossom season is a magical time, marking the transition from winter to spring. Across the country, various Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festivals) celebrate these delicate flowers with cultural performances, traditional tea ceremonies, and breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the best plum blossom festivals you shouldn’t miss:

• Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri (Tokyo)
  Held at Yushima Tenjin Shrine, this lively festival takes place from February to early March. Visitors can enjoy tea ceremonies, traditional dance performances, and calligraphy exhibitions, all while admiring over 300 blooming plum trees in the historic shrine grounds.

• Kairakuen Mito Ume Matsuri (Ibaraki)
  Taking place in Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three most beautiful gardens, this festival features nearly 3,000 plum trees of various colors and species. Running from mid-February to late March, it offers nighttime illuminations, traditional music performances, and opportunities to sample plum-flavored delicacies.

• Kitano Tenmangu Baikasai (Kyoto) 
  A historic tea ceremony festival held annually on February 25 at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, famous for its 2,000 plum trees. The highlight of this festival is a special open-air tea ceremony, where guests can experience matcha tea served by geiko and maiko (Kyoto’s traditional performers) a truly rare and elegant experience.

Plum Blossoms vs. Cherry Blossoms: Key Differences

At first glance, ume and sakura may seem alike, but a few key differences will help you distinguish them easily.

Quick Tips to Tell Them Apart:

• Plum blossoms bloom earlier in the season (mid-February to mid-March) and are known for their strong, sweet fragrance, making them easy to identify.

• Cherry blossoms bloom later (late March to early April), often forming soft, pink clouds on the trees, but with little to no scent.

• The petal shape is a quick giveaway—plum blossoms have smooth, round petals, while cherry blossoms feature a distinct notch at the tip.

• Plum blossoms come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, and deep magenta, while cherry blossoms are typically pale pink or white.

By keeping these details in mind, you’ll be able to spot and appreciate both of these stunning seasonal flowers!

Best Places to Enjoy Plum Blossoms in Japan

Tokyo and Surrounding Areas

Tokyo, with its blend of modernity and tradition, offers several prime spots for plum blossom viewing. From historic gardens to family-friendly parks, the city provides a variety of locations to enjoy these beautiful flowers.

Here are some of the best places to see plum blossoms around Tokyo. Each location offers its unique charm, making them must-visit spots during the blooming season.

Kairakuen Garden (Ibaraki Prefecture)

One of Japan’s top three traditional gardens, Kairakuen Garden in Mito, Ibaraki, is home to nearly 3,000 plum trees. The annual plum blossom festival here is a must-visit, offering spectacular views of the blossoms in full bloom.

Koishikawa Korakuen

Koishikawa Korakuen, in the heart of Tokyo, is a historic garden featuring a variety of plum trees and offering picturesque views in plum, cherry blossom, as well as autumn foliage season. Built for the 1970 World Expo, this park now serves as a cultural landmark with various facilities and events, making it a multifunctional attraction that blends natural beauty with historical significance.

Yushima Tenjin Shrine

Yushima Tenjin Shrine, in the central Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, is renowned for its plum blossoms, attracting numerous visitors during the blooming season. The shrine hosts an annual plum blossom festival from February 8 to March 8, featuring cultural events on weekends and holidays.

The collection of ancient plum trees adds to the shrine’s historical charm.

Hanegi Park

Hanegi Park, also known as ‘Plum Blossom Hill’, in the laid-back Setagaya Ward of Tokyo, is home to approximately 650 plum trees. The park hosts the Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival from February 8 to March 2, offering a variety of food stalls and a family-friendly environment. The extensive plum grove creates a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Kyoto’s Top Plum Blossom Spots

Kyoto, with its rich cultural heritage, is another excellent location for plum blossom viewing. The city’s historic sites and serene gardens provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying these beautiful flowers.

Let’s go over some of the most popular plum blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. Each location offers a unique experience, blending natural beauty with cultural significance.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, near the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) of Kyoto, features over 1,500 plum trees, showcasing more than 50 different species. The annual Baikasai tea ceremony, held on February 25, celebrates the plum blossoms and honors Sugawara no Michizane.

This shrine is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beauty of plum blossoms in a cultural setting.

Jonangu Shrine

Jonangu Shrine, in the southern part of Kyoto is still quite a hidden gem, but with an ethereally beautiful plum, moss, and camellia garden. The plum garden is made up of 150 weeping plum trees (shidare-ume) - a species originating from the beginning of the 18^th Century -, bending down graciously towards a carpet of fresh, green moss.

Camellia bushes surround this garden, and usually, the camellia flowers coincide with the plum blossoms, dotting the moss carpet with bright, red blooms. If you want to catch this rare occasion, visit their annual Weeping Plum Festival (2025.02.18. - 03.22.).

Umenomiya Taisha

Umenomiya Taisha, near the Arashiyama area of Kyoto, is known for its peaceful environment and diverse varieties of plum trees. Home to approximately 400 plum trees, this shrine is top spot for blossom viewing, with a pond surrounded by flowering trees adding to the serene atmosphere.

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, in the heart of Kyoto, has 200 historic plum trees grown from branches across Kyoto. Its scenic and timeless atmosphere makes it a top spot for viewing plum blossoms.

Must-Visit Plum Blossom Locations in Osaka

Osaka, with its vibrant cityscape, offers several notable locations too. The city’s parks provide stunning landscapes and unique experiences for visitors seeking to appreciate these beautiful flowers.

Here are some must-visit plum blossom locations in Osaka. Each spot offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making them perfect for enjoying the plum blossom season.

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park features over 1,300 plum trees, making it a key destination for plum blossom viewing. Visitors can capture stunning scenic photos with Osaka Castle in the background while enjoying the blossoms. The park offers a historical and scenic environment that is perfect for a day out.

Expo '70 Commemorative Park

Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park, in the Suita Ward of Osaka, is home to approximately 600 plum trees, blending natural beauty with modern historical elements. This park provides visitors with a unique experience, reflecting a blend of natural and modern history, making it a notable spot for enjoying plum blossoms.

Other Renowned Plum Blossom Spots in Japan

Beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, several other locations in Japan offer stunning plum blossom viewing experiences. These sites, rich in natural beauty and cultural significance, are perfect for those looking to explore Japan’s floral landscape.

Suzuka Forest Garden (Suzuka, Mie Prefecture)

Suzuka Forest Garden is a research and cultivation farm for plum trees, and home to 200 magnificent weeping plum trees, making a truly spectacular view in early spring and featuring a night light up, too. It’s located about an hour drive away from Nagoya, or 2 hours by public transport.

Nara Park (Nara, Nara Prefecture)

Nara Park is home to 250 plum trees, adding to its scenic beauty during the blooming season. This park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance with its centuries old temples and shrines, and playful deer inhabitants, making it a perfect spot for experiencing the charm of plum blossoms.

Naritasan Park (Narita, Chiba Prefecture)

Naritasan Park features approximately 360 plum trees with both red and white blossoms. The park’s tranquil temple surroundings enhance the serene atmosphere for blossom viewing, making it a popular spot for enjoying the beauty of plum blossoms.

How Japan Celebrates Plum Blossom Season

Plum blossoms hold a deep cultural significance in Japan and are celebrated during various traditional events. Festivals such as the one at Yushima Tenjin Shrine, held from February 8 to March 8, feature cultural performances and food stalls, attracting numerous visitors.

The Baika-sai festival, celebrated on February 25, honours Sugawara no Michizane and includes a tea ceremony in the plum garden. Temporary tea ceremonies are frequently organized in gardens during plum blossom season, allowing visitors to enjoy local beverages while admiring the blossoms.

At Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park, visitors can enjoy an annual plum blossom festival from early February to March, featuring tea ceremonies and various plum-themed events. These celebrations highlight the cultural importance of plum blossoms and provide a unique way to experience Japanese traditions.

Plum Blossom Cuisine and Delicacies

In Japan, plum blossoms aren’t just celebrated for their beauty - they also inspire some delicious seasonal foods and drinks.

Umeshu (Plum Wine)

Umeshu is a sweet, fruity plum wine made by soaking ume (plums) in alcohol and sugar. It's a refreshing drink often enjoyed on the rocks or in cocktails.

Umeboshi (Pickled Plums)

Umeboshi are salty, tangy pickled plums, often served with rice or in onigiri (rice balls). They’re known for their strong flavour and health benefits, like aiding digestion.

Plum-Flavoured Sweets

During plum blossom season, you’ll find many treats made with plum flavour, like ume-flavoured mochi (sweet rice cakes), jellies, and ice creams. Ume yokan (plum jelly) is also a popular dessert.

Plum Blossom Teas

Plum blossom tea, made from dried plums, has a delicate floral taste and is often enjoyed during plum festivals and tea ceremonies.

These delicious treats give you a taste of Japan’s springtime flavours!

Interesting Facts about Plum Blossoms

• Plum blossoms have several health benefits, particularly in traditional medicine. They are known to aid digestion and help soothe the liver, making them valuable in herbal remedies.

• Plum blossoms originated in China, where they hold the title of national flower, and later spread to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, where they became deeply embedded in local culture.

• Ume trees are popular choices for bonsais.

• Plums are the second most cultivated fruit in the world.

Plan Your Plum Blossom Adventure with Japanspecialist

Are you dreaming of experiencing Japan’s breathtaking plum blossoms in person? Let us take care of your trip! Our experts will design a custom itinerary, including must-visit plum blossom spots, cultural experiences, and hidden gems that most tourists miss.

Whether you want to explore Kyoto’s serene gardens, capture stunning photos at Osaka Castle Park, or immerse yourself in a lively plum blossom festival in Tokyo, we will ensure your trip is unforgettable.