The winter-blooming plum – or ume – flowers may not be as spectacular as cherry blossoms, which bloom about a month later and are the symbol of spring in Japan. But the white and pink plum blossoms are still a sight to behold and are renowned for their pleasant fragrance that fills the air from early February to mid-March.
Plum trees can, of course, be found all over the city, but the parks, shrines, temples and gardens listed here rank among the top ume-viewing spots, many of which have been popular since the 1600s. Many festivals are finally returning after the pandemic, and we can't wait to admire these early heralds of spring.
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