Yoshino Baigo Ume Matsuri

You have to ride towards the western frontier of Tokyo to find the metropolitan area's best plum blossom spot, but it's worth the effort. There are 25,000 ume trees in Yoshino Baigo, the 4km stretch that runs between Hinatawada and Futamatao stations on the JR Ome line. Over 300,000 people flock to the area (including the Ume-no-Koen park, which costs a nominal ¥200 to enter) during the month-long Ume Matsuri (Plum Festival). The blooms normally hit their peak during early- to mid-March, though the highlight of the festival itself comes on March 17, when you can expect a variety of parades, dances, taiko drumming and more.