Plum Viewing: 5 Spots in Kyoto City
Although Japan is famous worldwide for its sakura season, right before it another very appreciated flower blooms: it’s the plum (in Japanese known as ume). Its blooming is a sign of the start of the spring and of a warmer weather.
Today we will be introducing 5 spots in Kyoto where you can admire the ume trees along with their soft fragrance.
The most famous spot in Kyoto to admire the plums. Sugawara no Michizane, the enshrined deity of the shrine, is said to have loved plum blossoms and, for this reason, so many plum trees (around 1,500 trees of 50 varieties) are planted in the shrine grounds.
This year, as part of the "KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL 2026", the plum garden will feature also an outdoor art installation titled "Garden of Light and Flowers", with approximately 1,200 crystals hanging from the trees.
Opening hours: 9.00 to 20.30 (last entry at 20.00)
Price: shrine grounds: free admission / plum garden: 3,000 yen (children: 1,500 yen)
How to reach if from the hotel: (35 minutes) take the bus number 203 from "Shijo Takakura" to "Kitano Tenmangu Mae"
2. Jonan-gu
Jonan-gu is known as one of the most famous spots in Kyoto for plum blossoms viewing. This shrine is famous for its 150 weeping plum trees. Here the plum blooming season overlaps with that of camellias, so it’s possible to admire a picturesque contrast between plum blossoms and camellia flowers.
Opening hours: 9:00 to 16:30 (last entry at 16:00)
Price: shrine grounds: free admission / plum garden: 1,000 yen
How to reach if from the hotel: (40 minutes) take the Subway Karasuma Line from "Shijo St." to "Takeda St.". Then go through the Exit 5 and walk for around 18 minutes.
3. Zuishin-in
This temple has ties to Ono no Komachi, a famous Japanese poet known for her beauty. Here, the garden has approximately 230 plum trees and it opens for about two weeks from early March every year. The Hanezu Plum, with its pale pink flowers, is at its best from early to late March. The best viewing season is later than other places, making it a famous plum blossom spot that decorates the finale of the festival.
Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Price: temple hall: 500 yen / plum garden: 300 yen
How to reach if from the hotel: (40 minutes) walk around 10 minutes and take the Subway Tozai Line from "Karasuma Oike St." to "Ono St.". Then walk for 10 minutes
As the name suggests, the grounds of this shrine are decorated with plum blossoms. Due its location away from the city center, this shrine remains quiet even during the peak viewing season, making it a recommended spot for those who want to relax while enjoying the plum blossoms.
Opening hours: 6:30 to 18:00, shrine garden 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Price: shrine grounds: free admission / plum garden: 600 yen
How to reach if from the hotel: (40 minutes) take the bus number 3 from "Shijo Takakura" to "Umemiya Taisha Mae"
5. Nijo Castle
This World Heritage Site’s garden is home to around 90 plum trees. There are many varieties, including the "Genpei Sakiwake", which has red and white flowers on a single tree. The combination of the trees with the castle walls makes a picturesque sight.
One thing you should definitely pay attention to is the plum tree with a plate attached to its trunk: it’s the tree that the Kyoto Regional Meteorological Observatory uses as a reference for observing plum blossoms!
Opening hours: 8.45 to 17.00 (last entry at 16.00)
Price: castle: 800 yen / castle and Ninomaru Palace: 1,300 yen
How to reach if from the hotel: (20 minutes) take the bus number 12 from "Shijo Takakura" to "Nijo-jo Mae". Accessible also by walking directly from the hotel for about 25 minutes.
In Kyoto, there are many spots where admire this beautiful flower. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to ask our staff about during your stay. We will be happy to give you suggestions and indications.
We hope that you can enjoy the plum blossoms while visiting Kyoto.