Plum Blossom Festivals in Japan: 10 Famous Events in 2025

Japan's Plum Blossom Spots and Festivals

Plum blossoms are deeply rooted in Japan's history and culture and have been loved by many for centuries.

Plum festivals are held throughout Japan to celebrate the arrival of spring.

In this article, we introduce 10 famous plum blossom spots and festivals in Japan along with cultural facts related to these graceful blooms.

Plum Blossoms in Japan

About Plum Blossoms
Plum Blossoms in Japanese Culture
Plum Blossom Spots and Festivals
1. Ogose Plum Grove near Tokyo
2. Kairakuen Garden: Mito Plum Blossom Festival
3. Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival
4. Akima Plum Blossom Festival in Gunma
5. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine: Tenma Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival
6. Kyoto: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine's Plum Blossom Festival
7. Nara's Tsukigase Plum Valley
8. Ishiyamadera Temple's Plum Blossom Festival
9. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
10. Ushinoo Plum Grove in Saga

The Plum Blossom: One of Japan's Iconic Flowers

Photo by Pixta
Plum trees are classified as deciduous hardwoods in the Rosaceae family and the Prunus genus.

It is said that there are over 300 plum tree varieties today, including improved cultivars. Depending on the variety and region, the blooming period typically ranges from late January to around March.

One distinctive feature of plum blossoms is their longer blooming period compared to cherry blossoms.

The flower colors vary, including white, pink, and red, depending on the variety. Plums are believed to have been introduced from China, and since then, they have been cherished and have become culturally established in Japan.

Man'yoshu, the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry compiled in the 8th century, includes numerous poems themed around plum blossoms. This shows their significance in Japanese culture.

Plum Blossoms in Japanese Culture

Photo by Pixta

Plum blossoms, which bloom in early spring after enduring the winter cold, are regarded as symbols of purity and indomitable spirit, earning the affection of samurai and poets alike.

Their blooming period coincides with the New Year celebrations, making them a popular good luck charm.

During the New Year, they are often displayed alongside other auspicious symbols such as pine and bamboo. Due to their long lifespan and the strong vitality of ancient trees that still produce buds, plum blossoms are also considered a flower that symbolizes longevity.

Plum Groves at Tenjin Shrines

The plum grove at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto
Many Japanese shrines dedicated to Tenman-Tenjin, the deity of learning, have plum groves and host plum blossom festivals in early spring.

This feature goes back to Sugawara no Michizane (845-903), a scholar, poet, and politician of the Heian era, who had a deep fondness for plum blossoms.

Legend has it that when he was removed from his prestigious position at the imperial court and assigned to a minor role in Dazaifu, his beloved plum tree flew to Kyushu to be close to him.

After his exile and death, Sugawara no Michizane was deified as Tenman-Tenjin, the guardian of learning, leading to the popularity of plum blossom festivals at Tenjin and Tenmangu shrines throughout Japan.

Now, let's introduce famous plum blossom spots and festivals across the country where you can enjoy the charming plum flowers.

1. Ogose Plum Blossom Festival in Iruma, near Tokyo

Photo by Pixta

The Ogose Plum Blossom Festival takes place in Ogose, a town in the Iruma District of Saitama Prefecture. The Ogose Plum Grove spans approximately 2 hectares with around 1,000 plum trees.

During the blooming period, about 20,000 plum trees, including those naturally growing in the surrounding area, bloom spectacularly, creating a breathtaking sight.

On weekends and holidays during the festival period, there are also events such as mini steam locomotive rides, performances by traditional Japanese taiko drums, and folk music, making it an enjoyable experience for both adults and children.

Ogose can be reached in about 70 minutes by train from Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station via the Tobu Tojo Line.

Ogose Plum Grove
Address: 113 Doyama, Ogose Town, Iruma District, Saitama Prefecture
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Festival Dates: February 15 - March 16
Official Website: https://ogose-kanko.jp/tourist_attractions/ogose-bairin/

2. Kairakuen Garden: Mito Plum Blossom Festival

Photo by Pixta
The Mito Plum Blossom Festival, held in Ibaraki's Mito City, boasts a history of over 120 years. The venue, Kairakuen Garden, is renowned as one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens and a famous plum blossom spot.

During the blooming season, around 3,000 plum trees of approximately 100 varieties blossom, heralding the arrival of spring. One of the festival's charms is the extended viewing period, as it features both early and late-blooming varieties.

In 2025, the festival will celebrate its 129th event, with a variety of planned activities such as nighttime plum blossom illuminations, concerts by the Ibaraki Prefectural Police Band, and traditional tea ceremonies, among others.

Kairakuen Garden
Address: 1-3-3 Tokiwacho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Festival Dates: February 11 – March 20, 2025
Official Website: https://visit.ibarakiguide.jp/en/sightseeing/41221/

3. Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival

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The Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival is held at the foot of Mount Tsukuba in Ibaraki. The festival takes place in the Mount Tsukuba Plum Grove, a 4.5-hectare plum garden with approximately 1,000 white and red plum trees.

The garden features charming structures like the Azumaya, Seseragi Bridge, and Ogi Bridge, which complement the plum blossoms beautifully.

Notably, on clear days, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji from the Azumaya observation deck, providing a quintessentially Japanese landscape.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout most areas of the garden (excluding some sections), making it convenient for international visitors as well.

Mount Tsukuba Plum Grove
Address: 1688 Numata, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Festival Dates: February 8 – March 9, 2025
Official Website: https://umematsuri.jp/ (Japanese)

4. Akima Plum Blossom Festival in Gunma

One of the three major plum gardens in Gunma, the Akima Plum Grove hosts the Akima Plum Blossom Festival.

This expansive plum garden covers approximately 50 hectares and is home to about 35,000 plum trees, filling the air with the elegant fragrance of red and white plum blossoms.

The typical peak bloom period is from early to mid-March. The garden features well-maintained walking paths, making it accessible for both small children and the elderly to stroll comfortably while enjoying the plum blossoms.

During the festival, various events are scheduled, including plum blossom illuminations, pottery experiences, and performances of traditional Japanese gagaku music.

Akima Plum Grove
Address: 672 Nishikamiakima, Annaka, Gunma Prefecture
Opening Hours: Free access for strolling
Festival Dates: February 15 – Late March, 2025
Official Website: Akima Plum Grove (English Brochure PDF)

5. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine: Tenma Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival

If you're looking to enjoy plum blossoms in Osaka, the Tenma Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival is highly recommended.

The venue, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, is conveniently located, just a short walk from JR Osaka Tenmangu Station and Osaka Metro Minami-morimachi Station.

The highlight of the event is the Bonbai and Sword Exhibition, featuring ancient plum tree bonsai that are over 200 years old, along with other prized specimens.

Additionally, the shrine displays its collection of swords and images depicting the Tenjin deity, allowing visitors to deeply appreciate Japan's history.

Bonbai: Plum trees grown as bonsai.
Tenjin: The deity of learning, also known as the historical figure of Sugawara no Michizane, a Heian-period poet and scholar.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Address: 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka City
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Entry until 4:00 PM)
Festival Dates: February 11 – March 2, 2025
Official Website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/saijireki/ume (Japanese)

6. Kyoto: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine's Plum Blossom Festival

At Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the guardian deity of learning, the Plum Blossom Festival (Baikasai) is held on the anniversary of his death.

Within the shrine grounds, there is a plum grove called Hana no Niwa, where approximately 1,500 plum trees of around 50 different varieties connected to Sugawara no Michizane, are planted. The plum garden is open from January 25 until early March.

During the bloom period, various types of plums will flower, and walking paths are provided so that visitors can leisurely enjoy viewing the blossoms. The festival features special openings of the treasure hall and outdoor tea ceremonies conducted by maiko (apprentice geishas).

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Address: Bakucho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last entry at 3:40 PM)
Baisakai Festival Date: February 25, 2025 (Tuesday)
Official Website: https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/ (Japanese)

7. Nara's Tsukigase Plum Valley: Plum Blossom Festival

Tsukigase Plum Valley in Nara is one of Japan's premier plum blossom sites with about 10,000 plum trees on its hillsides.

As spring approaches, the area becomes awash with the vibrant colors of red and white plum blossoms, known for its stunning displays.

During the plum festival, various events are held, such as photo contests and haiku competitions, attracting a large number of tourists.

There are various plum gardens in the area, including the Ume Plum Park, a relaxation spot, the Houra Plum Grove, which offers beautiful views of the valley, and the Tenjin Plum Grove, which is home to numerous plum trees that make it a feast for the senses.

Tsukigase Plum Valley
Address: 21-8 Nagahibiki, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Opening Hours: Free access for strolling
Festival Dates: February 9 – March 23, 2025
Official Website: https://tsukigase-kanko.or.jp/umematsuri/ (Japanese)

8. Ishiyamadera Temple's Plum Blossom Festival

Ishiyamadera Temple, located in Otsu City near Kyoto, is a historic temple believed to have been built in the mid-8th century.

The temple grounds feature three plum gardens, where around 400 plum trees of about 40 different varieties bloom beautifully during the festival period.

Throughout the event, there will also be an exhibition of over 100 bonbai (plum tree bonsai) displays scattered across the temple grounds, adding to the visual delight.

Additionally, local shops will offer dishes, sweets, and teas inspired by plums, allowing visitors to enjoy the plum experience not only visually but also through their taste buds.

Ishiyamadera Temple
Address: 1-1-1 Ishiyama, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Festival Dates: February 18 – March 18, 2025
Official Website: https://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/

9. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: Dazaifu Tenmangu Monzen Festival

At Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the Dazaifu Tenmangu Monzen Festival is held in early spring.

This festival is related to the "Banquet of Plum Blossoms" mentioned in a verse from the Man'yoshu poetry collection, which is also the origin of the current era name "Reiwa".

Various events are held throughout the festival period such the Kyokusui no Utage and the Monzen Matsuri Fair.

During the Kyokusui no Utage, participants dressed in Heian period clothing recite waka poetry while drinking from sake cups as part of a traditional ritual.

At the Monzen Matsuri Fair, there is a limited opportunity for participants to enjoy a free painting experience on Kiuso, wooden figures modeled after the Japanese bullfinch, traditionally used in Dazaifu Tenmangu ceremonies.

This event provides a strong connection to Japan's traditional culture, so be sure to visit!

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Address: 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Festival Dates: February 1 – March 20, 2025
Official Website: http://mail.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/moyoshi/monzen.htm (Japanese)

10. Ushinoo Plum Grove in Saga: Misato Ushinoo Plum Blossom Festival

The Ushinoo Plum Grove is a vast plum grove in Ogi, a town in Saga, covering approximately 22 hectares and home to around 5,000 plum trees.

From the summit, visitors can enjoy excellent views, and during the blooming season, the sight of white plum blossoms sprawling below creates a breathtaking panorama.

Known as a renowned plum blossom spot since the late Edo period, it attracts many visitors from all around Japan.

The plum blossoms usually reach their blooming peak from late February to early March, coinciding with the Misato Ushio Plum Blossom Festival.

During the festival, visitors can enjoy sales of local agricultural products and specialties, along with food trucks offering a variety of refreshments. Due to traffic regulations during the festival period, using a shuttle bus is recommended.

Ushinoo Plum Garden
Address: 4907 Ikegami, Ogi Town, Saga Prefecture
Opening Hours: Free access for strolling
Festival Dates: Typically from late February to early March
Official Website: https://www.ogi-kankou.com/tourist/ushinoo-plumforest.html (Japanese)

Enjoy the Plum Blossom Festivals that Announce Spring

The plum blossom festivals are a perfect opportunity to fully appreciate the delicate beauty of plum flowers. Surrounded by the elegant fragrance of plum blossoms, you can experience a sense of tranquility and relaxation.

Why not venture out to one of the plum festivals mentioned in this article and feel the early arrival of spring?

Written by Cakutama editorial team
Main image by Pixta