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Plum Blossoms

Mimuroto-ji Yorakuen Garden and Fall Foliage Uji Kyoto Japan

Mimuroto-ji Temple Guide: Uji’s Famous Flower Temple in Kyoto

August 2, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Hydrangea, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

Nestled in the hills of Uji just outside central Kyoto, Mimuroto-ji Temple (三室戸寺) is affectionately known as Kyoto’s “Flower Temple”. Famous for its sprawling gardens featuring over 20,000 seasonal hydrangeas, 20,000 vibrant azaleas, and 250 weeping plum trees, this historic 8th-century sanctuary offers a picturesque escape in every season. Beyond its breathtaking floral displays and […]

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Plum Blossoms and Fallen Camelias at Jonangu Shrine Kyoto Japan

Jōnangū: The Best Shrine in Kyoto to Adore the Plum Blossoms

May 3, 2026 / Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms

Experience the timeless elegance of the Heian period at Jōnangū Shrine (城南宮), a serene sanctuary in southern Kyoto that remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Known as the “Garden of Flowers” from The Tale of Genji, Jōnangū is world-renowned for its breathtaking weeping plum blossoms (shidare-ume) and vibrant camellias that transform the grounds into

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Hokura-Plum-Grove-Kobe-Hyogo-Japan

9 Best Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe: Ume Viewing Guide

March 4, 2026 / Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Plum Blossoms

Experience the delicate beauty of late winter with our curated guide to the best plum blossom spots in Kobe. As the fragrant heralds of spring, plum blossoms (ume) transform the city’s parks and hillsides into a sea of vibrant pinks and whites long before the cherry blossoms arrive. From the breathtaking “weeping plums” of Okamoto

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Dazaifu-Tenman-gu-Plum-Blossoms-Dazaifu-Japan

Dazaifu Tenman-gū: The Best Guide to Fukuoka’s Best Day Trip

September 1, 2026 / Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyūshū Region, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

Step into the spiritual heart of Fukuoka at Dazaifu Tenman-gū (太宰府天満宮), the largest shrine in Kyūshū and the final resting place of the legendary scholar Sugawara no Michizane. Known globally as the “God of Learning,” this grand sanctuary attracts millions of visitors, especially students, seeking academic success and divine inspiration. The locals so highly regard

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Cherry Blossom at Uji City Botanical Park Uji Kyoto Japan

Uji City Botanical Park: The Must-Go Flower Spot in Kyoto

November 10, 2025 / Cherry Blossom, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms

Uji City Botanical Park (宇治市植物公園) is a spot where a variety of flowers bloom throughout the year. In fact, it is a hidden gem of cherry and plum blossoms that is not far from Kyoto’s city center. In early summer, you can even visit the park at night to see many fireflies dancing! You will

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Ikimi Tenmangu Nantan Kyoto Japan

The Best Guide to Ikimi Tenmangū and Its Exam-Passing Plums

September 23, 2025 / Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s city center, Ikimi Tenmangū (生身天満宮) in Nantan City is a quiet shrine worth visiting. The shrine, surrounded by many 20-meter-tall cedars and plums, will certainly make you feel refreshed. Established in the 10th century, it is recognized as Japan’s oldest Tenmangū and is a

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Kangetsudai Daikakuji Kyoto Japan

Daikaku-ji: A Temple With a Splendid Precinct All Year Round

March 26, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms

Kyoto has many temples and shrines, and the famous ones are usually flooded with tourists! To enjoy your time in Kyoto’s city center, cherry-picking the temples to visit is essential. Daikaku-ji (大覚寺) is a temple that we recommend stopping by, especially during the plum and cherry blossom season. The precinct is also stunning during the

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Zuishin-in Gokusaishiki Umeiro Komachiezu Sliding Door Painting Kyoto Japan

Zuishin-in: The Splendid Plum and Sliding Door Paintings

February 20, 2025 / Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms

Many people visit Japan between mid-March and early April for the cherry blossom. If that is your plan, consider visiting Zuishin-in (隨心院) in Kyoto as well. The temple’s plum blossoms are late bloomers, so you can adore both cherry and plum blossoms on the same trip! In addition, Zuishin-in has splendidly painted sliding door paintings

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