Plum trees in Japan: discovering the first flowers of spring

Published on : 03/02/2026
by : Mathieu

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Pruniers en fleurs — Plum blossom
@unsplash

At the end of winter, plum trees bloom in gardens and shrines across the archipelago. Symbols of renewal, they are celebrated at festivals and featured in Japanese cuisine. They offer a more intimate and authentic way of experiencing hanami in Japan. Discover this tradition with Japan Experience.

Before the cherry trees and their famous hanami, Japanese spring arrives with the blossoming of ume, the Japanese plum trees. From the end of winter, their flowers adorn the country's gardens, temples and parks.

Less well known abroad than the sakura, ume trees nevertheless play an essential role in Japanese history, traditions and gastronomy.

Ume, symbols of renewal and perseverance

Introduced from China over a thousand years ago, Japanese plum trees have long been associated with elegance, strength and renewal. Able to bloom despite the cold, ume trees symbolize resilience,hope and the return of fine weather.

Their flowers, white, pink or dark red, often have a stronger fragrance than cherry. In classical Japanese art, poetry and prints, the ume frequently appears as a symbol of refinement and the promise of spring to come.

Early flowering, just before the cherry trees

Plum trees generally flower between February and early March. It precedes that of the cherry trees by a few weeks, marking the very first stage of the Japanese floral calendar.

It's this earliness that makes ume so special: while the air is still fresh, the gardens are already adorned with delicate colors and fragrances. Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Kyushu or Kanazawa are famous for their plum blossoms.

Fleurs de prunier — Plum blossoms
@hkase on flickr

Plum hanami: a different tradition

Although the word hanami is now widely associated with cherry trees, it also applies to plum trees. Ume hanami, however, is distinguished by a quieter, more convivial atmosphere.

There are no large crowds or blue tarpaulins stretching as far as the eye can see. Plum hanami is often an opportunity to get together, share a meal, stroll through the gardens and enjoy the fragrance of the flowers. A more intimate tradition, perfect for those seeking a more authentic Japan.

Ume Matsuri: festivals dedicated to plum trees

Kitano tenmangu
@Shawn.ccf on shutterstock

During the blossoming season, many shrines and gardens organize Ume Matsuri, festivals dedicated to plum trees. There are food stalls, ume products and sometimes traditional performances or night-time illuminations.

Among the most famous are the Kairakuen festival in Mito, the Kitano Tenmangū shrine in Kyoto and the Dazaifu Tenmangū festival in Fukuoka, all deeply linked to the symbolism of plum trees.

Discover Japanese gardens!

This Japan tour takes you to some of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, including 5: Mito, Kanazawa, Takamatsu, Okayama and Adachi.

As well as all the zen or dry gardens to discover during your visits to Tokyo and Kyoto.

Charming accommodations, transportation and 2 guided garden tours are included in this individually-organized tour.

Your tour

Kairakuen prunier — Kairakuen plum tree
@JNTO.

Ume in Japanese gastronomy

In addition to their flowering, ume plants play an important role in Japanese cuisine.

Umeboshi: tradition and benefits

Umeboshi is a fermented, salted plum with a distinctive tangy taste. A staple of the Japanese diet for centuries, it is renowned for its digestive and energizing properties. It is often found in bentō, as an accompaniment to white rice, or in a variety of traditional dishes.

Umeshu, fruity sweetness

Sweet and highly appreciated, umeshu is a Japanese plum liqueur, macerated in alcohol and sugar. Served chilled, on the rocks or in cocktails, it is particularly popular in spring and summer. Many plum festivals offer tastings of artisanal umeshu.