Blossoming Pink and White, Sweet Fragrance Marks the Arrival of Spring at Jonangu Shrine
The shidare ume, or weeping plum, is in full bloom at Jonangu Shrine in Kyoto, with visitors enjoying the sweet fragrance and beautiful scenery.
At Jonangu Shrine's garden in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, the shidare ume (weeping plum) trees have reached full bloom, showcasing about 150 trees adorned with pink and white flowers hanging from their willow-like branches. The sweet scent of the blossoms is filling the air, inviting visitors to stroll through the garden and capture the beauty of spring in photographs. The peak bloom is expected to last until early March, as per the shrine's announcement.
The entrance fee to the garden is 1,000 yen for middle school students and above, while elementary school students are charged 600 yen. The shrine has provided contact information for inquiries, enabling interested visitors to plan their trips. The blooming of shidare ume is a celebrated event that signifies the arrival of spring in the region, often attracting numerous locals and tourists alike who seek to experience the seasonal beauty firsthand.
The shrine's popular reputation as a plum blossom viewing spot highlights the cultural importance of cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in Japan, where such floral events foster a sense of community and appreciation for nature. This year, along with the shidare ume, several related festivities and events showcasing traditional culture, such as tea ceremonies featuring geisha performances, are enhancing the spring atmosphere and inviting even more visitors to embrace Kyoto's rich floral heritage.