Plum blossoms in Tokyo 東京の観梅スポット
Winter blooms
If you're in Tokyo in February, the blossoming trees you might see are plum trees, not cherry trees! These blossoms herald the end of winter. Discover the best places to enjoy them in the capital city.
The winter season in Japan has its own version of hanami, with its blossoming plum trees. Don't be disappointed if you'll be missing the popular sakura (cherry blossoms), because you can admire the plum blossoms in Tokyo instead, while avoiding the crowds! The trees usually bloom from the beginning of February to the end of March in the capital.
Hanegi, the park with 700 plum trees
Many varieties of plum trees can be seen at Hanegi Park in Setagaya district, from early February to early March. A festival is even organized every year in honor of the blossoms: Setagaya Ume Matsuri; ume meaning "plum" in Japanese. In addition to the 700 trees in bloom, you can enjoy various activities, such as an outdoor tea ceremony and traditional musical performances. The stalls set up for the festival serve typical Japanese snacks, best enjoyed while strolling under the trees.
Address: 4-38-52 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Access: Umegaoka Station (Odakyu Line) or Higashi-Matsubara Station (Inokashira Line)
From 9:00 to 17:00
Yushima Tenmangu, the shrine for students
Also nicknamed Yushima Tenjin, there are 300 plum trees that you can admire in this shrine's park. The shrine is particularly popular with students, and during university entrance exams many young Japanese come to pray for success. Located near Tokyo University and Ueno Park, Yushima Tenmangu also hosts a plum blossom festival from early February to early March.
Address: 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Access: Yushima Station (Chiyoda Line) or Hongo-Sanchome Station (Marunouchi Line or Toei Oedo Line)
From 6:00 to 20:00
Plum trees at Yushima Tenmangu shrine
Yushima Tenmangu
Koishikawa Korakuen, garden of the Edo era
Right in the center of Tokyo you'll find Koishikawa Korakuen, known as one of the oldest gardens in the city. Although its cherry trees are more famous, the few plum trees that bloom there have beautiful bright colors. Here too, a festival is organized in their honor from the beginning of February to the beginning of March. While you're there, why not take the opportunity to visit Tokyo Dome, next door?
Address: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Access: Iidabashi station (Oedo, JR Sobu, Tozai, Yuraku-cho and Namboku lines) or Korakuen station (Marunouchi and Namboku lines)
Price: 300 yen, and 150 yen for people over 65
From 9:00 to 17:00
See also: Tokyo Dome City
Kyu Shiba Rikyu, in the middle of the city
Kyu Shiba Rikyu is a typical Japanese garden in a similar way to Koishikawa Korakuen, however instead of cutting you off from the outside environment, it offers landscapes that incorporate the surrounding buildings. A mix of tradition and modernity, which Tokyo does so well! In addition to the plum trees, you can also admire the rare winter cherry trees that bloom there at the same time.
Address: 1-4-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: Hamamatsucho Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Daimon Station (Toei Oedo Line and Toei Asakusa Line)
Price: 150 yen, and 70 yen for people over 65
From 9:00 to 17:00
Plum blossoms at Kyu Shiba Rikyu
Kyu Shiba Rikyu
