Plum blossoms at Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park may be best known for its cherry blossoms, but this historical landmark is also home to a diverse array of plum trees that bloom in winter, just before the sakura season begins. Unlike the park's Nishinomaru Garden, where cherry blossom viewing requires an entry fee, the plum groves are open to the public for free.
The park boasts a total of 1,245 ume (plum) trees across 105 varieties. As they range from early to late bloomers, there’s always something flowering from January through mid-March.
As of February 24, 102 of the 105 plum varieties have reached full bloom, so now's the perfect time to visit. For more information on the garden's plum varieties and their blooming status, check the Osaka Castle Park website.