What Is Ume to Japanese People?
When people think of Japanese flowers, most immediately think of sakura (cherry blossoms). And yes — sakura are incredibly important in Japanese culture.
But before sakura season begins, Japan welcomes spring with another beautiful flower: ume (Japanese plum blossoms).
Ume trees were introduced to Japan from China around the 7th century. In fact, it’s believed that Japan’s famous flower viewing culture, hanami, originally started with plum blossoms — not cherry blossoms.
Today, ume may not be as internationally famous as sakura, but they are still deeply loved and familiar to Japanese people.
Ume blossoms usually start blooming:
- Late January (early varieties)
- Peak season: February to March
Unlike sakura, ume flowers bloom in richer shades of:
- Deep pink
- Red
- Pure white
Each tree and even each branch can have slightly different colors, creating a more varied look than cherry blossoms.
If you visit Japan in late winter, ume blossoms are one of the best seasonal experiences you can have.
When Is the Best Time to See Ume?
Like sakura, there are many ume varieties.
- Some early varieties bloom as early as December
- Most common varieties peak from February to early March
During peak season, many ume festivals are held across Japan. These events often include:
- Food stalls
- Night illumination
- Special shuttle buses
- Cultural performances
Yes, they can be crowded — but they’re also very fun and lively.
Best Places to See Ume in Japan
🌸 Ume Spots in Tokyo
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine
- Around 300 ume trees
- Night illumination available during peak season
- Famous for academic success prayers
Kameido Tenjin Shrine
- Near Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa
- Great photo opportunity with Skytree and plum blossoms together
🌸 Easy Day Trips from Tokyo
Mito Kairakuen Garden (Ibaraki)
One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens.
- About 3,000 plum trees
- Many different varieties
- About 2 hours from Tokyo by express train
- Perfect one-day trip destination
Odawara Soga Bairin (Kanagawa)
- About 35,000 plum trees across three groves
- Combine with Odawara Castle sightseeing
- About 30 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen
🌸 Famous Ume Spots Across Japan
Kyoto – Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
- Some trees bloom as early as January
- Great if visiting Kyoto in winter
Fukuoka – Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
- Head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan
- About 6,000 plum trees
- Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning
Why I Recommend Mito (Local Favorite)
If you want my personal recommendation — go to Mito.
It’s close enough for a short trip but still feels like a getaway.
From Mito Station, you can walk to Kairakuen Garden while enjoying:
- Relaxing local atmosphere
- Senba Lake views
- Swans flying in winter
Plus, Ibaraki Prefecture is famous for food souvenirs:
Natto (fermented soybeans)
Mito is strongly associated with natto in Japan.
Hoshi-imo (Dried Sweet Potato)
A traditional snack and great souvenir.
Japanese Foods Made from Ume
Ume isn’t just for flower viewing — the fruit has been eaten in Japan since around the 10th century.
Umeshu (Plum Wine)
Made using green unripe plums harvested around June and soaked in alcohol and sugar.
- Sweet and fruity taste
- Alcohol content: about 8–15%
- Often homemade in Japan
- Served year-round at izakaya
The soaked plums themselves can also be eaten.
Umeboshi (Pickled Plums)
Made by:
- Salting ripe plums
- Pressing to remove moisture
- Sun drying
Flavor:
- Very sour
- Very salty
Usually eaten with:
- White rice
- Onigiri (rice balls) — one of the most classic fillings
In early summer, you’ll also see many seasonal ume snacks like:
- Ume potato chips
- Ume candy
- Ume drinks
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Ume with All Your Senses
Ume season is special because it arrives when winter is ending but spring hasn’t fully started yet.
You can:
✔ Enjoy beautiful flowers
✔ Experience local festivals
✔ Taste seasonal Japanese foods
✔ Travel with fewer crowds than sakura season
If you visit Japan between January and March, don’t miss ume season.
See it. Taste it. Experience it.