Kyoto Prefecture's Plum Blossom Spots | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

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 […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zuishin-in: The Splendid Plum and Sliding Door Paintings Read More »

Yawata City Shōkadō Garden Art Museum Yawata Kyoto Japan

Shōkadō Garden Art Museum: The Birthplace of the Shokado Bento

May 16, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Plum Blossoms

While the crowds flock to Arashiyama, a quiet, historical treasure awaits just south of Kyoto in Yawata City. Shōkadō Garden & Art Museum (松花堂庭園) is far more than a simple Zen retreat. It is a cultural crossroads where culinary history, world-changing invention, and seasonal beauty meet. From its origins as the spiritual home of the

Shōkadō Garden Art Museum: The Birthplace of the Shokado Bento Read More »

Shoboji Temple Henjoto Pagoda Kyoto Japan

Shōbō-ji and Its Stunning Rock Garden and Plum Grove

January 29, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

Close to the mountainous area west of Kyoto Station, besides the weeping cherry blossom, Shōbō-ji (西山正法寺) is a hidden plum blossom spot in Kyoto that only a few know about. The temple is nicknamed a Rock Temple (石の寺) because unique rocks were collected from all over the country. Many of them are placed in its

Shōbō-ji and Its Stunning Rock Garden and Plum Grove Read More »

Cherry Blossoms and Tulips at Kyoto Botanical Garden Kyoto Japan

Kyoto Botanical Garden: Kyoto’s Best Spot to Adore Flowers

November 8, 2024 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms

Most people visit Kyoto for its traditional vibe. While the temples and shrines are certainly the must-sees in the city, you are missing out if that is all you have on your itinerary! Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園), also known as the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden, is a hidden gem in the northern part of Kyoto

Kyoto Botanical Garden: Kyoto’s Best Spot to Adore Flowers Read More »

Kameyama Park: The Stunning Hidden Gem in Arashiyama

April 17, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hidden Gems, Plum Blossoms

If this is your first time visiting Kyoto, Arashiyama is probably on your itinerary. While the main streets in the area are packed, the great news is that there is a less-known stunning spot that isn’t flooded with tourists. Kameyama Park (亀山公園) has a small plum blossom spot close to the bamboo forest. Over 10

Kameyama Park: The Stunning Hidden Gem in Arashiyama Read More »

Kyoto Prefecture’s Plum Blossom Spots