Hyogo, Wakayama, Nara, Kyoto, and Mie｜8 Must-See Plum Blossom Spots in Kansai and Nearby Sightseeing Ideas.

The flower that signals the arrival of spring earlier than any other is the plum blossom. It begins blooming a little ahead of cherry blossoms, and with its soft, drifting fragrance and red-and-white hues, it lets you feel the very moment when the season turns.

In this article, we focus on eight plum blossom spots in Hyogo, Wakayama, Nara, Kyoto, and Mie featured in a YouTube video. We explain each site’s highlights, origins, and unique characteristics in detail, and we also introduce nearby attractions worth adding to your itinerary.

Where Did Plum Blossom Viewing Begin? Was It Really the Star Before Cherry Blossoms?

Photo: Plum blossoms

Today, “hanami” usually means cherry blossom viewing. However, during the Nara period, the true “star flower” was the plum blossom. In the Manyoshu, poems that include the character for “plum” are said to outnumber those mentioning “cherry blossoms,” showing how deeply people of the time were moved by plums.
There is also a record that in Tenpyo 2 (730), a “Plum Blossom Banquet” was held in Dazaifu, where attendees composed poems inspired by plum blossoms.

Back then, plum blossoms were not so much a flower that had long been part of Japan, but rather a new and admired flower introduced from China. As time went on, flower viewing as a leisure activity shifted its focus to cherry blossoms, while plums continued to be cherished for their fragrance, association with learning, and auspicious symbolism.

With their red-and-white colors symbolizing good fortune, and their ability to bloom after enduring winter, plum blossoms have blended naturally into everyday life as a lucky motif.
They are dazzling at full bloom, and when the petals begin to fall, there are moments that can even evoke the swirl of falling cherry blossoms. Plum blossoms feel like flowers that quietly show us the entrance to spring.

When Is the Best Time to See Plum Blossoms in Kansai? A Quick Guide to Bloom Timing

Broadly speaking, the plum blossom season in Kansai runs from late January to late March.
That said, even within Kansai, the timing can shift easily depending on coastal versus inland areas, mountain valleys, and elevation, so the peak period can be tricky to predict.

A Simple Guide From First Bloom to Peak Season

Wakayama (Minabe): Easy to plan for early in the season. The grove typically opens from late January, with peak viewing around mid-February.
Kyoto (city areas): From February through March. The Tenmangu Shrine Plum Blossom Festival (late February) is also a seasonal cue.
Nara (Tsukigase and Gojo): Mainly mid-February through March. Tsukigase spreads across a gorge with around 10,000 trees.
Hyogo (Kobe and the foothills of Mt. Rokko): In some years the plum blossom season doesn't really take off until March. The Hokura Plum Grove is usually at its best from the middle of March.
Mie (Inabe and Suzuka): Late February through March. Suzuka no Mori Garden is especially known for its nighttime atmosphere.

1. Hokura Plum Grove (Kobe, Hyogo)｜A “Reward” of Plum Blossoms Overlooking the City and Sea

Photo: Hokura Plum Grove, Kobe, Hyogo

You can see the scene at Hokura Plum Grove (00:45).

Hokura Plum Grove was created in 1975 on Mt. Hokura in Higashinada Ward, Kobe, out of a desire to bring back the former Okamoto plum groves. With about 100 white and red plum trees, its biggest draw is the view framed by the cityscape and the sea.

The highlight is the moment when the view suddenly opens up after the climb. The fragrance seems to bring spring ahead of time, and even the slope beneath your feet becomes part of a “small journey.” Many visitors enjoy a quiet walk rather than a picnic-style party, but on popular days it can feel a bit like people are claiming spots. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea.

Nearby attractions (Kobe, Hyogo)
After visiting Hokura Plum Grove, stopping by the nearby Hokura Shrine before heading back down the mountain is a natural next step.
Okamoto Plum Grove Park has around 200 trees and a wide variety of cultivars. It is close to the station and great for “plum-hopping.”
After descending, taking a café break or strolling around the Hankyu Okamoto Station area is a pleasant way to settle into the afterglow of your hike. If you want to add a more classic sightseeing touch, consider visiting the Nada sake breweries, which are easy to reach from Higashinada. You can learn at the visitor facilities and pick out souvenirs as well.

Basic information
Best season: From mid-March onward (varies by year)
Access: About a 40-minute walk from Hankyu “Okamoto Station” (approximate)
Admission: Free(transportation and nearby facilities not included)
Official website: https://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/b07715/kuyakusho/higashinadaku/shoukai/shoukai/ume.html

2. Minabe Plum Grove (Minabe Town, Wakayama)｜A Vast Plum Grove Known as “A Million at a Glance, Fragrance for Ten Miles”

Photo: Minabe Plum Grove, Minabe Town, Wakayama

You can see the scene at Minabe Plum Grove (02:21).

Minabe Plum Grove is one of Japan’s largest, often described as “a million blossoms at a glance, fragrance for ten miles.” As you walk through the aromatic air, it feels like you can hear spring drawing closer. The grove typically opens from late January to early March, with peak viewing around mid-February.

Minabe Town is also known as a major plum-producing region, where plums are closely tied not only to tourism but also to everyday life and local work. Here, words like umeboshi and traditional plum processing feel less like a simple local specialty and more like something you can experience as living culture.

Nearby attractions (Wakayama)
Around Minabe Plum Grove, there are plenty of easy detours where you can experience what it means to be in a plum-producing region.
Pairing your walk with shopping for plum products or visiting related facilities helps the scenery linger as “flavor memories,” too. If you have more time, heading toward Shirahama to add a coastal walk with dramatic views, or a day-use soak in Shirahama Onsen, can elevate the trip into a truly satisfying spring getaway.

Basic information
Location: Banre area, Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture
Hours: 8:00–17:00 (during the open season)
Admission: Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen (approximate)
Access: About 5–6 minutes by car from Minabe IC (approximate)
Parking: Paid
Official website: https://minabebairin.com

3. Ano Plum Grove (Gojo City, Nara)｜A Story of 20,000 Trees Inspired by Yoshino

Photo: Ano Plum Grove, Gojo City, Nara

You can see the scene at Ano Plum Grove (04:09).

Ano Plum Grove spreads across the hills of Nishiyoshino, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, with around 20,000 plum trees.
What makes it special is the way the viewing areas are named “Hitome Senbon,” “Mikaeri Senbon,” and “Oku no Senbon,” echoing the famous cherry blossom zones of Mt. Yoshino. You can feel the ambition to create a spring experience with plums that can stand alongside Yoshino’s blossoms.

Allow about three hours to explore the area. If you take your time, pausing at viewpoints and breathing in the fragrance rather than rushing, the scenery stays with you long after you leave.

Nearby attractions (Nara)
One of the best parts of Ano Plum Grove is how you can layer a sense of history onto the plum scenery.
If you visit the nearby former Ano Imperial Palace site (Hori Family Residence), you will gain a better sense of this area’s background, which makes the plum landscape even more memorable. On the way back, stopping by Gojo Shinmachi Street to stroll through an Edo-period townscape and take a break with something sweet connects nature and town walking, adding density to your day.

Basic information
Location: Kitazogi, Nishiyoshino-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture
Best season: Late February to early March (approximate)
Inquiry: 0747-33-0301 (local)
Official website: https://www.city.gojo.lg.jp/soshiki/nishiyoshino/1/2015.html

4. Tsukigase Plum Valley (Nara City, Nara)｜A “Spring Panorama” of Gorge, Lake, and 10,000 Trees

Photo: Tsukigase Plum Valley, Nara City, Nara

You can see the scene at Tsukigase Plum Valley (05:43).

Tsukigase Plum Valley is one of Japan’s leading plum blossom destinations, with more than 10,000 trees stretching along the gorge of the Satsukigawa (Nabari River). It was designated a National Scenic Spot in 1922.
Peak season is around mid-February through March. The fragrance lingers as if pooling in the gorge, and the scenery seems to loosen and open up the more you walk, a signature charm of Tsukigase.

And this is a place that goes beyond being simply “photogenic.” It is said that plum trees were first planted in the precincts of Shinpukuji Temple in the Kamakura period, and the area later drew poets and scholars. That depth of time gives the landscape a quiet sense of presence.

Nearby attractions (Nara City, Nara)
Because Tsukigase Plum Valley is best enjoyed on foot along the gorge, the perfect nearby plan is one that warms you up and neatly rounds out the day.
After your walk, soak and unwind at Ume no Sato Tsukigase Onsen to melt away the chill and the fatigue that tends to build up in this season. If you have extra time, stopping by a nearby roadside station to pick out local foods and souvenirs adds another small pleasure to the trip home..

Basic information
Access: About 80 minutes by bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station (approximate)
Best season: Mid-February to March (approximate)
Official website: https://www.city.nara.lg.jp/sightseeing/naraharu/112100.html

5. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kyoto City, Kyoto)｜Plum Blossoms, Learning, and the Legend of the “Flying Plum”

Photo: Plum Garden “Hana no Niwa” at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto

You can see the scene at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (08:13).

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a Tenmangu shrine associated with Sugawara no Michizane and is affectionately known as “Tenjin-san.” It has a deep connection with plum blossoms, and the plum tree in front of the main hall is said to be a special tree that carries on the plum Michizane loved.
Visiting amid the fragrance of plum blossoms offers a calm, centering stillness that goes beyond prayers for academic success.

During plum season, many visitors also come to receive goshuin stamps, and the atmosphere on the grounds feels even more like a springtime event. As the opening period, program details, and fees for the plum garden vary by year, it is best to check the official announcement shortly before your visit.

Nearby attractions (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
The area around Kitano Tenmangu Shrine makes it easy to build a classic “Kyoto highlights” itinerary, even for first-time visitors.
After visiting the plum garden and paying your respects, consider heading to Kinkakuji or Ryoanji to experience Kyoto’s iconic scenery and quiet beauty in a single day. If you would rather slow down, stroll around the Kamishichiken and Nishijin neighborhoods. Adding a break for wagashi sweets or a light meal helps keep the day relaxed rather than rushed.

Basic information
Location: Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City (Kitano Tenmangu Shrine)
Plum garden and program details: Periods and fees vary by year (check official announcements)
Official website: https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/guidance/baien/

6. Jonangu Shrine (Kyoto City, Kyoto)｜A Garden Where Weeping Plums and Camellias Overlap in Spring

Photo: Weeping plums and fallen camellias at Jonangu Shrine, Kyoto

You can see the scene at Jonangu Shrine (09:51).

Jonangu Shrine was founded to the south of Kyoto at the time of the Heian capital’s establishment and has long been revered as a major shrine for protection against misfortune.
In spring, it is famous for the “Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival,” where about 150 weeping plum trees and around 400 camellias can be enjoyed at the same time. As the blossoms begin to fall, the “carpet of petals” covering the ground is another highlight.

Nighttime cherry blossoms are wonderful, too, but Jonangu feels best enjoyed in daylight, when you can slowly appreciate the textures of the flowers. To avoid crowds, visiting right after opening or on weekdays is generally more comfortable.

Nearby attractions (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
After Jonangu Shrine, linking your trip to the Fushimi area makes the sightseeing plan easy to organize.
Fushimi is known as a sake-brewing district. Combining a stroll through the brewery townscape with museum visits adds cultural depth to a flower-viewing outing. If you have time, Fushimi Inari Taisha is also a great option. With a mix of worship and walking, even a half-day outing can feel well-rounded, with “seeing, walking, and tasting” all covered.

Basic information
Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival: Feb 18 to Mar 22 (varies by year)
Visiting hours: 9:00–16:30 (last admission 16:00)
Admission fee: Adults 1,000 yen, elementary school students 600 yen (varies by period and category)
Official website: https://www.jonangu.com/shidareume.html

7. Inabe City Plum Grove Park (Inabe City, Mie)｜A “Color Patchwork” of Mountains and Plum Blossoms

Photo: Inabe City Plum Grove Park, Inabe City, Mie

You can see the scene at Inabe City Plum Grove Park (11:45).

Inabe City Plum Grove Park is a well-known plum blossom spot located within the Inabe City Agricultural Park in Mie Prefecture. During the plum festival period, an admission fee is charged, and opening hours are generally from 9:00 to 16:00.
The sight of colors spreading across the slopes looks especially crisp on clear days, and some visitors may immediately think of great photo opportunities.

That said, this feels less like a place made solely for photographs and more like a place to take in the entire landscape from the observation decks. While enjoying sheer scale, like counting cherry trees, can be fun, Inabe’s appeal is how clearly you can see differences in varieties through color, with highlights scattered throughout the park.

Nearby attractions (Inabe City, Mie)
After Inabe City Plum Grove Park, adding a relaxing detour in the Ageki area can boost overall satisfaction.
There are facilities where you can enjoy hot springs, saunas, and meals, which is perfect for the chilly plum blossom season. If you have extra time, a short stroll through Ageki’s shopping streets before heading home is also recommended. It is a pleasant way to soak up “just a little more” local atmosphere at the end of your trip.

Basic information
Location: 717 Kanae, Fujiwara-cho, Inabe City, Mie Prefecture
Hours: 9:00–16:00
Admission fee: Adults 500 yen (approximate, during the plum festival period)
Official event information: Updated as needed
Official website: https://www.kankomie.or.jp/event/11313

8. Suzuka no Mori Garden (Suzuka City, Mie)｜A “Weeping Plum Chandelier” Floating in the Night

Photo: Suzuka no Mori Garden, Suzuka City, Mie

You can see the scene at Suzuka no Mori Garden (14:27).

Suzuka no Mori Garden is a research and cultivation farm for weeping plum trees operated by the Akatsuka Botanical Garden Group. The garden has about 200 notable trees, and it is striking how clearly the purpose of preserving and passing down pruning and training techniques is stated.
The signature highlights are the trees known as “Heaven’s Dragon” and “Earth’s Dragon,” estimated to be more than 100 years old. They are especially admired as ancient specimens of Kureha weeping plums.

And this is a place where nighttime can be the main event. During the illumination period, the garden stays open until 20:30 (last admission 20:00), and watching the blossoms glow against the darkness creates a fantastical atmosphere distinct from nighttime cherry blossoms.
Dress warmly. On windy days, it can feel much colder than you might expect.

Nearby attractions (Mie Prefecture)
One of the best things about Suzuka no Mori Garden is how easy it is to plan nearby sightseeing around your preferred style of trip.
If you want to add a quiet, reflective moment, visiting Tsubaki Grand Shrine is a great option, with forest air that helps you reset. For family trips, pairing the outing with Suzuka Circuit makes planning easier by adding a major attraction. If you spend the evening out for the illuminations, ending the day by warming up in the Yunoyama Onsen area leaves a clean, satisfying afterglow.

Basic information
Location: 151-2 Yamamoto-cho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
Open period: Feb 21 to late March (planned, varies by year)
Fee: 700–2,000 yen (varies depending on bloom conditions)
Access: Approximate travel times available from Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station, JR Yokkaichi Station, Kintetsu Komono Station, and others
Official website: https://www.akatsuka.gr.jp/group/suzuka/index.html

Conclusion｜Plum Blossoms in Kansai Become a “Spring Story,” Including the Journey Itself

Plum blossom destinations in Kansai each have completely different expressions, even though they all feature the same flower.

Overlooking the sea and city (Hokura Plum Grove, Kobe, Hyogo)
Enveloped by fragrance on a grand scale (Minabe Plum Grove, Minabe Town, Wakayama)
A story inspired by Yoshino (Ano Plum Grove, Gojo City, Nara)
Walking through a scenic gorge (Tsukigase Plum Valley, Nara City, Nara)
The bond between learning and plums (Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Overlapping seasons in a garden (Jonangu Shrine, Kyoto City, Kyoto)
A mountain panorama of colors (Inabe City Plum Grove Park, Inabe City, Mie)
A fantasy that comes alive at night (Suzuka no Mori Garden, Suzuka City, Mie)

For travel planning, Kyoto is easy to organize as day trips centered on temples and shrines, while in Nara, the time spent walking itself adds to the satisfaction of the journey. In Mie, combining a car or tour makes travel much more comfortable, and the flexibility to change destinations depending on fees and bloom conditions is a major advantage.
Lastly, because flowering forecasts can fluctuate from place to place, checking official bloom updates once before departure will help you travel with peace of mind.