Plum blossoms or ume, might not be as famous as the cherry blossoms, but the view they offer is just as spectacular.

Announcing the beginning of the spring, the plum trees between the first to blossom, bringing out their nice fragrance and making us feel warmer inside and excitedly awaiting the spring season to make its apparition.

The plum flowers can be admired all over Japan, in parks or temples and shrines, on a stroll in the town or gardens.

Their pleasant smell and beautiful colors are very popular and many people like going to parks and welcome the early spring while admiring the delicate flowers and the delightful view of the offer.

Below you’ll find a few recommendations of nice spots to view the flowers from late February on, so take a look:

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Plum blossom viewing recommendations

Koishikawa Korakuen in Bunkyo City, Tokyo

Koishikawa Korakuen is a garden situated near the Tokyo Dome and the tranquil atmosphere surrounding it makes this place worth a visit.

The scenery is beautiful at any time of the year, but I like it the best when plum blossoms start to bloom.

Enjoying the quiet place and the pleasant fragrance of the flowers while strolling around the area is one of my favorite things to do in February.

For more details, take a look at their official website here.

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Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine in Bunkyo City, Tokyo

Well-known for Koubai (red plum blossoms) and weeping plum flowers, shidare, the shrine is a nice place to visit in February. You can try out different dishes and beverages during the ume matsuri (plum festival) and enjoy the magnificent picture ume blossoms have to offer.

I recommend amazake (sweet Japanese hot drink) and the various sweets on sale.

Website

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Odawara Plum Festival in Kanagawa Prefecture

The view of Mount Fuji and approximately 35,000 plum trees of different types and colors that put together a picture worth a thousand words should be a must-visit if you are coming to Japan on February-early March.

During the festival, you can try out many traditional activities, see beautiful performances and dances, even calligraphy demonstrations!

Also, try many of the tasty foods and beverages available on sale while immersing yourself in the beautiful panorama.

Website

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Hanegi Park in Setagaya City, Tokyo

Hanegi Park and the Setagaya Plum Festival occupy one of the top spots in the best places to view plum blossoms rankings.

There are lots of ceremonies, readings, performances, plum goods and dishes, even free servings of tea!

For a cup of tea and Japanese tradition in a wonderful environment that accentuates, even more, the surreal beauty of the plum blossoms, Hanegi Park is the place to come!

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I genuinely hope these recommendations will help planning your trip or for simply envisioning more the plum trees’ charm and what they symbolize for Japanese people and I hope you’ll give them a try!