Regardless the overtourism problem, Kyoto is undoubtably Japan’s most popular tourist destination. The ancient capital of Japan has so much to offer that many people are enchanted by its charms. If you plan to visit Kyoto in early spring, there are several spots for you to add to your itinerary to enjoy the seasonal flower, plum blossoms! While the view created by the plum flowers may be less awe-inspiring than the cherry blossoms due to the volumes, the elegant fragrance will make your visit more pleasant.
Kyoto Prefecture’s Plum Blossom Spots
- Kōshō-ji Temple (興正寺): Mid to late February
- Umekōji Park (梅小路公園): Late January to late February
- Shōseien Garden (渉成園): Early February to early March
- Tō-ji Temple (東寺): Late February to early March
- Chishaku-in (智積院): Late February to mid-March
- Jōnangū Shrine (城南宮): Late February to mid-March
- Nijō Castle (二条城): Early to mid-march
- Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (京都御苑): Early to mid-March
- Kitano Tenmangū Shrine (北野天満宮): Mid-April to mid-March
- Umenomiya-taisha Shrine (梅宮大社): Late February to mid-March
- Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園): Mid-February to mid-March
- Shōzan Resort Kyoto (しょうざんリゾート京都)
- Daikaku-ji Temple (大覚寺): Mid to late March
- Zuishin-in Temple (隨心院): Mid to late March
- Shōbō-ji Temple (西山正法寺): Mid-February to early March
- Nagaoka Tenmangū Shrine (長岡天満宮): Early to mid-March
- Mimuroto-ji Temple (三室戸寺): Early to mid-March
- Aodani Bairin (青谷梅林): Late February to mid-March
- Ikimi Tenmangū Shrine (生身天満宮): Mid-February to late March
- The Top Plum Blossom Spots in Ayabe City: Late February and mid-March
Kōshō-ji Temple (興正寺)
If you plan to visit Kyoto around mid-February, visit Kōshō-ji for its plum blossoms. Although there is only a white and a red plum in the precinct, the trees are magnificent. Plus, there is a photo spot here where you can capture the pink flowers in a heart-shaped frame!
For more infomration, refer to our Kōshō-ji Temple article!
Umekōji Park (梅小路公園)
As its name suggests, Umekōji Park is a renowned plum blossom spot. The plum grove, Ume Komichi (梅こみち), on the southeastern part of the park, has around 140 plums of 14 varieties planted. Including the early and late bloomers, the plum blossom season at Umekōji Park is long, from mid-January to March. The season peaks from mid-February to early March.
For more information, refer to our Umekōji Park article!
Shōseien Garden (渉成園)
If you are after a traditional garden close to Kyoto Station that is stunning throughout the year, Shōseien is a top choice. The garden is a renowned spot with flowers blooming in spring and summer, including the plum blossoms. Many also visit the garden in late November, when it is decorated by autumn foliage.
Shōseien is known as one of Kyoto’s plum blossom spots. Red and white plums can be found at the garden’s north entrance. The plum grove south of Onrindō has around 20 plums planted. The plum blossom season at Shōseien is usually from early February to early March.
Refer to our Shōseien Garden article for more information!
渉成園の #梅 の開花状況です👀
— 真宗大谷派（東本願寺） (@OTANIHA_PR) February 15, 2024
まだまだ蕾もありますが、香りも楽しめるようになってきました🎶
その香りに引き寄せられたのか撮影中に小さなミツバチが飛んでいました🐝✨（受粉中でしょうか😊）
ご来園の際は、春を感じる梅の香りも一緒にお楽しみください💕#東本願寺 #庭園 #京都 pic.twitter.com/qtlnwjcRtK
Tō-ji Temple (東寺)
If you are a history buff or love historical architecture, Tō-ji, southwest of Kyoto Station, is a must-visit spot for you. It is the only remaining structure of the Kyoto from 1200 years ago. The temple houses many Japan’s national treasures and important cultural properties. In addition, it is a spot to adore seasonal colors.
The plum grove close to the five-story pagoda at Tō-ji is newly created. The 10 white and red plums usually bloom from late February to early March. If you are lucky, you might see both the plum blossoms and the Kawazu cherry blossoms blooming at the same time.
For more information, refer to our article on Tō-ji Temple!
Chishaku-in (智積院)
If you are a history buff or like Japanese gardens, Chishaku-in is an ideal spot to visit. While the garden isn’t spacious, it is the second closest publicly accessible garden to Kyoto Station that has been designated as one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty.
The plum blossoms are scattered in Chishaku-in’s precinct and usually bloom between mid-February to mid-March.
Refer to our Chishaku-in article for more information!
Jōnangū Shrine (城南宮)
Jōnangū (城南宮) can be considered one of the top three plum blossom spots in Kyoto City. Many Japanese know the shrine because of the plum blossoms. The scene created by the carefully maintained weeping plums and fallen camellias is just breathtaking. So, if you will be in Kyoto between late February and early March, visit the shrine and be amazed by how stunning the plum blossom can be!
For more information, refer to our article on Jōnangū!
Tip: The weeping plums at Jōnangū usually bloom 5 to 7 days later than those at Umekōji Park.
Nijō Castle (二条城)
One of the most popular attractions in Kyoto’s city center is Nijō Castle (二条城). The castle was a symbol of the samurai’s world but is also where the reign of the Tokugawa clan ended. Apart from the historical elements, it is also where you can enjoy seasonal colors, including plum and cherry blossoms and fall foliage. So, not only is it a must-visit for many international visitors, Nijō Castle is also a typical spot for Japan’s school trips. Once you understand the historical and cultural value of Nijō Castle, it won’t be hard to understand why it was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
Refer to our Nijō Castle for more information!
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (京都御苑)
Southwest of Kyoto Imperial Palace is a plum grove with around 200 plums planted. The early bloomers will start to blossom in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden in late January. The plum blossom season usually peaks between late February and mid-March.
Refer to our Kyoto Gyoen National Garden article for more information!
Tip: There are also plum blossoms close to the end of the visitor route in Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Kitano Tenmangū Shrine (北野天満宮)
When you visit Kyoto for the plum blossoms, Kitano Tenmangū is the must-visit spot. With 1,500 plums of 50 varieties growing, you will be overwhelmed by the flowers in the precinct! Unlike most plum groves, the photos of the plum blossoms you can get at Kitano Tenmangū have the Kyoto vibe, thanks to the shrine buildings from centuries ago in the background!
On the day of the Plum Blossom Festival, the Plum Blossom Festival Open-Air Tea Ceremony where a maiko or geisha will serve a cup of matcha tea is also held!
For more information, refer to our article on Kitano Tenmangū!
Tip: The plums at Kitano Tenmangū usually bloom a few days later than those at Umekōji Park.
Umenomiya Taisha Shrine (梅宮大社)
Umenomiya Taisha is one of the oldest popular spots to admire plum blossoms. The shrine’s precinct contains around 550 plums of 40 varieties. The flowers bloom from mid-February to late March, with the season peaking between late February and early March.
In addition, Umenomiya Taisha is also known as a cat shrine, where you will meet a couple of adorable friendly cats!
Refer to our Umenomiya Taisha article for more information!
Tip: The plums at Umenomiya Taisha usually bloom a few days later than those at Umekōji Park.
Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園)
Albeit less known to international tourists, the best attraction to admire the seasonal colors throughout the year in Kyoto’s city center is Kyoto Botanical Garden. After all, its 24,000-hectare grounds house around 12,000 types of plants. In the plum grove, there are about 120 plums of 60 varieties. So, the plum blossoms season last from late January to late March.
For more information, refer to our Kyoto Botanical Garden article!
Many visitors are also amazed by the different plants in the vast greenhouse. It is truly impressive how many plants from different parts of the world are gathered here.
Shōzan Resort Kyoto (しょうざんリゾート京都)
Towards the north end of Kyoto’s city center in Katagamine (鷹ヶ峰), Shōzan Resort Kyoto is where the locals would visit for a stylish getaway. The area is also where you can feel the history of Kyoto. Besides the hotels, restaurants, and dyeing craft museum, the gardens on the north and south end of the resort are less-known spots where locals come for their relaxing stroll.
The 100 red and white plums usually bloom from early to mid-March. During this time, a Plum Viewing Party is often held.
Refer to our Shōzan Resort Kyoto article for more information!
Daikaku-ji Temple (大覚寺)
Daikaku-ji is another hidden gem in Kyoto for plum blossoms. North of the temple’s Ōsawa Pond is Daikaku-ji’s plum grove. Around 150 plums (mostly white plums) usually reach full bloom between early to mid-March. Besides the scenic view throughout the year, the temple also houses many splendid sliding door paintings that are must-sees!
Refer to our Daikaku-ji article for more information!
Zuishin-in Temple (隨心院)
Many people visit Japan between mid-March and early April for the cherry blossom. If you plan to visit Kyoto between early and late March, consider visiting Zuishin-in as well. The temple’s plum blossoms are the 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 that shouldn’t be missed!
Refer to our Zuishin-in Temple article for more information!
Shōbō-ji Temple (西山正法寺)
Close to the mountainous area west of Kyoto Station, besides the stunning rock garden, Shōbō-ji is a hidden plum blossom spot in Kyoto that only those in the know know about. Compared to the plum blossom spots in Kyoto’s city center, Shōbō-ji’s plum grove has a panoramic view of the Kyoto Basin and the surrounding mountains in the background.
For more information, refer to our Shōbō-ji Temple article!
Nagaoka Tenmangū Shrine (長岡天満宮)
Nagaoka Tenmangū that venerates Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) is one of the top Tenmangū shrines in Japan. On its vast grounds, you can enjoy seasonal colors such as azaleas, but the main attraction from late February to mid-March is plum blossoms.
The plums can be found throughout the precinct. In addition, there are around 300 plums of different species in the plum grove in Nagaoka Park (長岡公園) next to the shrine.
For more information, refer to our Nagaoka Tenmangū article!
Mimuroto-ji Temple (三室戸寺)
Besides the World Heritage Site Byodoin, Uji has another must-visit temple, especially the plum blossom season from mid-February to late March. The newly created plum grove is filled with weeping plums that create a stunning view with Uji’s cityscape as a backdrop.
Refer to our Mimuroto-ji Temple article for more information!
Aodani Bairin (青谷梅林)
If you are looking for a huge plum grove in a rural area, consider visiting Aodani Bairin. With 10,000 plums planted in the 20-hectare land, it is the most enormous plum grove in Kyoto Prefecture. Around 20,000 people would visit the plum grove every year. The plum varieties at Aodani Bairin are mostly white plums. So, during the plum blossom season, the forest would almost look like a big white cloth covering it. Walking in and around the plum grove means the sweet scent of flowers will surround you.
Refer to our Aodani Bairin article for more information!
Ikimi Tenmangū Shrine (生身天満宮)
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle in Kyoto’s city center, Ikimi Tenmangū in Nantan City is a quant shrine you can visit. The shrine, surrounded by many 20-meter-tall cedars and plums, will certainly make you feel refreshed. Established in the 10th century, it is known as Japan’s oldest Tenmangū and is a locally famous plum blossom spot. It is also a shrine where you can apply a ritual to pray for your success in academic and work life for the unique item given to the participants!
Refer to our Ikimi Tenmangū Shrine article for more information!
The Top Plum Blossom Spots in Ayabe City
While Ayabe City is in the rural part of Kyoto, if you plan to visit Amanohashidate (天橋立), one of the Three Views of Japan, between late February and mid-March, consider stopping by the plum blossom spots in Ayabe City on your way back to Kyoto’s city center. These spots are less known to tourists, so you won’t be pushed around when you try to enjoy the gorgeous flowers.
For more information, refer to our Top Plum Blossom Spots in Ayabe City article!
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Osaka
We are sure Kyoto is one of many destinations you will visit in the Kansai region. Osaka Prefecture, for example, has many plum groves. If you fly into Osaka, there are a few plum blossom spots close to the Kansai Airport!
So, refer to our article on the Plum Blossom Posts in Osaka to plan your trip!
The Plum Blossom Spots in Hyōgo Prefecture
Most international tourists would visit Hyōgo Prefecture for Kobe. While the port city can be easily accessed from Osaka or Kyoto, the tourist attractions are usually packed, especially during the flowering seasons. So, exploring other parts of the prefecture would be a great idea if you don’t want to be pushed around. While some of them can be harder to get to, your effort will be worth it!
For more information about where to adore the flowers, refer to our article on The Plum Blossom Spots in Hyōgo Prefecture!
