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.
