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Table of Contents<\/p>
- 1<\/span> Plum blossom vs cherry blossom<\/a><\/li>
- 2<\/span> Meaning of the Japanese plum blossom<\/a><\/li>
- 3<\/span> Best places to see the ume flowers<\/a>
- 3.1<\/span> Kairaku-en, Ibaraki Prefecture<\/a><\/li>
- 3.2<\/span> Hanegi Park, Tokyo<\/a><\/li>
- 3.3<\/span> Kitano Tenmangu, Kyoto<\/a><\/li>
- 3.4<\/span> Koishikawa Korakuen, Tokyo<\/a><\/li>
- 3.5<\/span> Kyu Shiba Rikyu, Tokyo<\/a><\/li>
- 3.6<\/span> Odawara Ume Matsuri<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n
Plum blossom vs cherry blossom<\/span><\/h2>\n
The ume<\/i>, word for the\u00a0Japanese plum tree, begins blooming in mid-February<\/strong>, whereas the peak season for viewing the sakura<\/i>, or cherry blossom occurs in April<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
The plum tree also offers a special treat – not only are the flowers beautiful and especially fragrant<\/strong>, but they are surrounded by intriguing red or purple leaves<\/strong> on many tree varieties.<\/p>\n
Another interesting fact is that the ume fruit is actually\u00a0sourer than the Western plum or apricot, and is often processed in various forms before eaten. The most popular one\u00a0is\u00a0umeboshi<\/em>, a sour, pickled plum, which is normally eaten along with cooked rice.<\/p>\n
Vacationing during this plum blossom month allows you to avoid the crowds<\/strong> that gather at many cherry blossom spots in Japan<\/a>. Be sure to dress warmly as the weather is still chilly, although you can always visit some of the best ski resorts<\/a> in the world!<\/p>\n
![\"Plum](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/plum-blossom-tree.jpg\")
Detail of a plum blossom tree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Meaning of the Japanese plum blossom<\/span><\/h2>\n
Japanese plum blossom symbolizes vitality, hope, and renewal<\/strong>, and the flower of the humble plum tree enjoys similar symbolism in many Asian cultures. It is born of the bitter cold of winter and reminds its observers that spring will soon arrive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Just as the blossom must endure much hardship in order to become a thing of beauty, so we as people develop inner strength<\/strong> and admirable qualities with the passage of time.<\/p>\n
Best places to see the ume flowers<\/span><\/h2>\n
Where to see the plum blossoms in Japan? There are many breathtaking photo-worthy locations you will be able to access with the JR Pass<\/a><\/strong>, while traveling\u00a0easily. Here is our selection:<\/p>\n
Kairaku-en, Ibaraki Prefecture<\/span><\/h3>\n
Considered one of the three most beautiful parks in Japan<\/a><\/strong> year-round, Kairakuen, in the city of Mito is truly stunning when its 3,000 plum trees<\/strong> are in full bloom.<\/p>\n
It hosts one of Japan’s largest plum festivals<\/strong> from mid-February through late March. You can reach this garden taking the JR<\/strong>\u00a0Joban Line <\/strong><\/a>to Mito Station<\/strong>. The park is a mere fifteen-minute bus ride from the station. A special train is also available from Mito Station to Kairakuen Station during the plum blossom season.<\/p>\n
![\"plum-blossom-mito-kairakuen\"](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/plum-blossom-mito-kairakuen.jpg\")
Plum tree by the water at Kairaku-en<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Hanegi Park, Tokyo<\/span><\/h3>\n
Nestled in the Setagaya-Ku capital district in southwest Tokyo<\/strong>, Hanegi Park is home to more than six hundred plum trees. A plum blossom<\/strong> festival<\/strong> is held here each year from mid-February<\/strong> through early March<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
This park is also accessible using the Japan train system. From JR Shinjuku Station<\/a>, take the Odakyu Line to Umegaoka Station<\/strong> – an aptly named location, as umegaoka<\/i> means “plum hill”. You can also get here from Shibuya Station with the\u00a0Keio-Inokashira Line.<\/p>\n
\n \n Buy your JR Pass\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n
Kitano Tenmangu, Kyoto<\/span><\/h3>\n
Kitano Tenmangu is the most renowned plum viewing<\/strong> spot<\/strong> in the north side of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. This is also a large Shinto shrine located near the Golden Pavillion<\/strong><\/a> and the Kamishichiken geisha district<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
To reach this location by train, travel to the JR Kyoto Station<\/a> and catch bus 101 to Kitano Tenmangu<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
- 3.2<\/span> Hanegi Park, Tokyo<\/a><\/li>
- 2<\/span> Meaning of the Japanese plum blossom<\/a><\/li>