The beautiful alternative of sakura: the flowers of Ume!
The famous sakura flowers, announcing the arrival of sprig are so-much loved by Japanese people. A lot of tourists come to see the blooming of the flowers every year, and we often forget about the beautiful cousins of sakura: the plum trees.
However, the plum blossoms (ume in Japanese) were more appreciated than the cherry blossoms in the Nara period (8th century). The sakura has been considered to be the symbol of divinity and it was a kind of reference timing of the rice plantation. However, the fragrant flowers of plum blossoms came from China have been admired, celebrated and inspired many songs. They were the veritable origine of contemplated flowers of hanami.
In flower language, the flower of ume symbolising the noblesse, the patience, the fidelity and the elegance. They were originally considered to be the most representative flowers for Japanese people. They have also the image of “beauty and longevity” and it is not at all pejorative meaning: the flower of ume resistant to the hot or cold weather and it has been also considered to be the flower of dignity.
From the fruits of the plum tree, we can make umeboshi (salted plum) and delicious umeshu (plum wine).
There are mainly two types: the red ume and white ume. The colour range of the flowers are appreciated as white or deep pink. The white ones are the symbol of elegance and sophistication and the red ones are considered to be the incarnation of touching and sparkling beauty.
The plum trees are in flower from mid February to the end of March and they tell that the winter is ended. Don’t be disappointed that you cannot be in the timing of sakura, and you should better to go to see the ume!
Where you should go to see the plum blossom?
Recommendation of Ume Matsuri (festival of plum blossom)
The biggest festival in Japan: Park of Kairakuen
They are the second largest municipal park in the world after Central Park. It is famous with their 3000 plum trees with 100 different varieties of flowers from mid January depending on the type. Located in the 60 km of north of Tokyo, at the foot of the Mount Tsukuba.
Mito city, Ibaraki prefecture
dated from 16th of February to 31st of March.
Activities: tasting of specialties using plums, tea ceremony in the open air, fireworks, ...
Koishikawa Korakuen
Traditional Japanese garden founded in 1629 considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo. It is located in the centre of Tokyo and very close to the Tokyo Dome.
Bunkyo-ku (ku = ward), Tokyo
From 9th of February to 3rd of March 2019
Activities: marionette show, food stands, guided tour...
Temple of Yushima Tenjin
Constructed in honour of kami (Japanese god) of the education named Tenjin, and we pray for the success of the studies.
It is located nearby of Ueno park. 300 plum trees of 20 different varieties blossom in the end of winter.
Bunkyo-ku (ku=ward), close to Ueno park.
From 8th of February to 8th of March 2019
Activities: karaoke concours, traditional dance and music (taiko, shamisen), tea ceremony in the open air, rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling)...
Hanegi Koen
This park is famous for their 650 plum trees which come into flower every year. There are also the sport area for football or baseball.
Stagaya-ku (ku=ward), Tokyo
From 9th of February to 3rd of March
Activities: pounding mochi, tea ceremony in the open air, traditional dance and music, food stands of ume products...
If you are in Kyoto...
Temple of Kitano Tenmangu
This is a shrine built 100 years ago dedicated to Sugawara no MIchizane, poet and politician of Heian period (from the end of 8th to the end of 12th centuries) who loved plum blossom very much; it is the reason why we find a lot of plum trees in this shrine. It is equally associated to kami of Tenjin education. Many Japanese students come to pray for the success in their studies.
Kamigyo-ku (ku=ward), Kyoto
25th of February 2019
Activities: tea ceremony in the plain air, demonstration of dance of maiko, shinto rites...
