Mid-February to late March is the season for plum blossoms to bloom throughout Kyoto. You can sense that spring is approaching, and some people who are considering a trip to Kyoto during this time may be thinking that it would be nice to see plum blossoms.
Two places famous for their ume plum blossoms are Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kamigyo-ku and Jonangu Shrine in Fushimi Ward. Both have vast gardens planted with various varieties of ume plum trees, which are a sight to behold, but the drawback is that they tend to be crowded because they are popular spots. We will now introduce two ume viewing spots that are visited by locals.
Table of Contents
- Red and white plum blossoms greet you at Kosho-ji Temple
- Sugadaijin Shrine, with its beautiful weeping plum blossoms
- Let's go see cute plum blossoms in a skimpy time during your trip!
Red and white plum blossoms greet you at Kosho-ji Temple
Many people may not be familiar with Kosho-ji Temple, but this temple is located next to the World Heritage Site Nishi Honganji Temple, not far from Kyoto Station. The Amida Hall and the Mikado Hall stand next to each other in a cozy temple compound with a quiet atmosphere.
The plum trees are planted at the two-story gate located in front of the Mikado Hall on the left. One red and one white plum tree is planted on each side. On the day the photo was taken (February 24, 2022), the red plum trees were almost in full bloom and the white plum trees were about three minutes in bloom. As you approach the temple, you can smell the sweet fragrance of plum blossoms. Try standing in the middle of the temple gate and take a picture of yourself sandwiched between the red and white plum blossoms.
Access from JR Kyoto Station is a 10-minute walk. It is a recommended spot to stop by when you have a little time before the train or bus.
Facility Name: Kosho-ji Temple
Address: 70 Hanazono-cho, Shichijo-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8261, Japan
Phone number: 075-371-0075
Sugadaijin Shrine, with its beautiful weeping plum blossoms
Suga Oshin Shrine is tucked away in a residential area, about a five-minute walk from Shijo Subway Station. A magnificent main hall stands in the center of the shrine grounds, flanked by smaller shrines on either side. The main hall was originally built at Shimogamo Shrine and was moved to the new location in 1869.
The weeping plum tree is located on the right side of the torii gate. On the day the photo was taken (February 24, 2022), the ume tree was still in bud, but it was taller than a person, and when in full bloom, it would be very colorful with red flowers. The tree also seems to be a resting place for cats, which could be seen leisurely walking out from around the base of the tree.
The area around Suga Oshin Shrine was once the residence of Sugawara Michizane and his study hall, the Suga Family Hallway. It is likely that you will be blessed by the god of learning if you pay a visit to the shrine. Also, don't miss the rare style of komainu (guardian dogs) with their right front leg raised and a ball on top of it!
Let's go see cute plum blossoms in a skimpy time during your trip!
In this issue, we have introduced two temples and shrines that are good places to view ume plum blossoms. If you are planning to visit Kyoto in February or March and would like to see ume plum blossoms, please take a look at the following list.
