As the saying goes, "plum blossoms are the forerunners of all flowers," and once the cold winter is over and plum blossoms begin to bloom before other flowers, spring arrives all at once. This year, perhaps due to the weather, "flowers are late to bloom" (Kyoto Botanical Gardens), but the buds are finally starting to swell. Before the spring season arrives, why not think about where to go? Here are some famous plum blossom spots in Kyoto City that have been photographed by Kyoto Shimbun photographers in the past.
■Kyoto Botanical Gardens (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)
Around 100 plum trees of about 60 varieties are planted in the plum grove. Due to the continued heat from last summer to autumn, the blossoms are said to be about a week later than normal, but they are expected to bloom in mid-February. You can enjoy colorful flowers until the end of the month.
■Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City)
Around 1,500 plum trees of about 50 varieties are planted in the plum garden "Flower Garden." From the observation deck, you can enjoy a view that resembles a "sea" of plum blossoms. The plum garden is scheduled to be open to the public until March 16th, but the closing date will be decided depending on the state of blooming. It will be lit up every weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays) from February 14th to March 2nd, and on February 25th.
■Koshoji Temple (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City)
Two red and white plum blossoms are lined up in front of the Sanmon gate in the temple grounds. The metal fittings of the chozuya (purification fountain) are decorated with a heart-shaped pattern called "inome" (boar's eye), and if you look at the red plum blossoms through them, they become a pink heart, which has become popular.
■Jonangu Shrine (Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City)
A famous spot known for its "weeping plum blossoms". About 150 red and white plum blossoms are planted in the shrine garden, and the fallen petals also decorate the ground. You can also enjoy them together with the camellias.
■Umemiya Taisha Shrine (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City)
There are about 450 plum blossoms of about 40 species in the garden. As the seasons progress, you can enjoy a variety of flowers, including the early-blooming "kankoubai" plum and the red and white "kasugano."
■Umekoji Park (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City)
About 200 plum trees are planted in the plum grove. They are just starting to bloom in early February, but by mid-March, they will bloom in order from early to late bloomers. In mid-March, you can enjoy the combination of the early-blooming cherry blossoms.
