Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto, is underrated. While it is in the rural part of the Kansai region, we are sure you will be amazed by the tourist spots in Shiga once you get to know them. Although not as many as Kyoto, Shiga Prefecture also has a couple of plum blossom spots where you can enjoy the seasonal flower’s beauty. The great news is that most of them aren’t hard to get to by public transportation!
The Plum Blossom Spots in Shiga Prefecture
Ishiyama-dera (石山寺)
Ishiyama-dera is one of the most scenic temples in Shiga Prefecture. The precinct is filled with seasonal flowers, which enables the temple to be chosen as one of the Temples of Flowers. In early spring, the plums in the temple’s three plum groves are what attract visitors to the quaint precinct. Together, there are over 400 plums of 40 varieties in Ishiyama-dera, including the early and the late bloomers.
If you visit Ishiyama-dera in early spring, you must visit the temple’s third plum grove. The view of the yellow daffodils under the plum trees and the gorgeous white and pink plum blossoms above is just picturesque.
Besides the plums planted in the temple, plum bonsai exhibitions are also held during the season.
For more information about the temple, refer to our article on Ishiyama-dera!
Kanou Shojuan Sunai no Sato (叶 匠壽庵 寿長生の郷)
Another representative plum blossom spot in Shiga Prefecture is on the grounds of a traditional confectionery maker, Kanou Shojuan. As many as 700 plums produce fruits for the company to make Japanese sweets. The head office in Ōtsu was renovated from an abandoned village in 1985. The company takes full advantage of the natural scenery of the location to make its customers’ visits more pleasant. In addition to the plum grove and confectionery factory, there are various facilities in the village, including restaurants and a tearoom. There are even farm animals for you to meet!
For more information, refer to our Kanou Shojuan article!
Hikone Castle (彦根城)
One of the most famous attractions around Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, is Hikone Castle. As one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, the castle is mostly known for its fascinating cherry blossom scenery. But it also has a vast plum forest! Each year, from mid to late March, the view created by the approximately 400 red and white plums is in no way inferior to the cherry blossom!
For more information, refer to our Hikone Castle article. The castle is more than just about the flowers!
Keiunkan (慶雲館)
If you aren’t told, you might not know that one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty is just minutes from JR Nagahama Station. Keiunkan (慶雲館) is the spot that was built to receive Emperor Meiji’s visit in the late 19th century. Apart from the gorgeous garden, it is also one of the spots in Shiga Prefecture to adore plum blossoms in early spring.
For more information, refer to our article on Keiunkan!
Visit the Plum Blossom Spots in Kyoto
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! Many of them are in the city center, saving you time spent on traveling.
Refer to our article on The Plum Blossom Spots in Kyoto for more information!
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Osaka
We are sure Hyōgo Prefecture is one of many destinations you will visit in the Kansai region. Osaka Prefecture, for example, has many plum groves awaiting you to discover, too. 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!
