Plum blossoms are beginning to bloom at famous spots in Kyoto and Shiga. At Umemiya Taisha Shrine in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, early-blooming varieties such as the "Winter Plum" and "Fuyushi Plum" are blooming in pink and white, delighting worshippers.
There are about 350 plum trees of about 40 varieties planted in the grounds of Umemiya Taisha Shrine. Normally, many trees would be in full bloom at this time of year, but only the early-blooming varieties are in full bloom, and the blossoms are about three weeks to a month late. According to Umemiya Taisha Shrine, this is the first time in about 40 years that they have bloomed this late.
A woman (59 years old) who has visited the shrine several times during this season said, "It feels like spring is finally approaching."
The later-blooming varieties such as the "Banjo Plum" will start to bloom one after another, and the best viewing time will continue until late March. An admission fee is required to enter the shrine garden.
