4 best places to see plum blossoms in Osaka and Kyoto this winter 2026

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 17, 94 of the 105 plum varieties have begun to blossom, with around 70 percent of the garden currently in bloom. Late-flowering varieties such as Bungo and Musashino are expected to open soon and the park will be at its most stunning.

For more information on the garden's plum varieties and their blooming status, check the Osaka Castle Park website.

From now until March 8, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita is hosting a month-long festival to celebrate the arrival of plum blossoms. Here you'll find several plum groves showcasing around 150 varieties, with more than 600 trees in total, so there will be no shortage of the fragrant white, pink and red blossoms that make this time of year so picturesque.

You can expect a similar abundance of plum-themed festivities. Running every weekend and public holiday, tea ceremonies at the Japanese Garden’s Senrian teahouse pair matcha with seasonal wagashi. This special treat is best enjoyed while overlooking the plum-framed garden. Discounted combo tickets, which include park admission and the tea ceremony, are available at the entrance gates on ceremony days.

The plum-product celebrations begin mid-month with a takeover by popular plum-wine brand Choya. On February 21–23 and February 28–March 1, the brand will run a pop-up at the Natural Culture Park's Waterwheel Chaya, serving tasting sets of five premium plum wines as well as selling its dangerously delicious drinks.

In addition, between February 28 and March 1, JA Wakayama will host a tasting and sales event featuring Wakayama’s renowned pickled plums.

For the full event calendar and plum bloom updates, check the website.

Located in southern Kyoto, Jonangu Shrine is a peaceful escape from the city centre’s busier temples. But not in late February through mid-March, when the garden’s weeping plum blossoms are in bloom, creating one of the most breathtaking winter sights in Kyoto and attracting some of its biggest crowds.

​​Jonangu features five separate gardens, and the one to its west, named ‘Haru no Yama’ (‘Spring Mountain’), is home to about 150 weeping plum (ume) trees. The best time to visit is during full bloom, when the drooping branches are heavy with pink, red and white flowers. 

The tail end of the season is just as picturesque, with the fallen flowers forming a colourful carpet over the mossy ground. This serene sight beautifully captures the essence of Kyoto in late winter.

What’s more, the garden’s camellias are blooming around the same time, making Jonangu Shrine one of the best places to catch two of Japan’s most iconic winter blooms in one spot. 

You can check the flowers’ blooming status on the shrine's homepage.