The Ume Blossom: Japan's First Sign of Spring

While winter still seems to have Japan firmly in its grip, spring is already quietly announcing its arrival. Not with cherry blossoms and picnic blankets, but with a delicate fragrance wafting through the cold air—the plum blossom. Usually at the end of January, sometimes not until the beginning of February, the first delicate blossoms of the Japanese apricot tree open, marking the very first peak of flowering of the year. For many Japanese people, the ume blossom is more than just a botanical event. It is a cultural symbol, an occasion for rituals, festivals, and culinary traditions. And an insider tip for travelers who want to experience Japan away from the cherry blossom crowds.

What exactly is ume?

Botanically speaking, the ume is not a plum, as is often assumed, but a type of apricot. In Japan, however, it is usually translated as "plum." The tree originates from China and arrived in Japan over 1,500 years ago. Long before the famous sakura became a national symbol, the ume was at the center of courtly poetry and painting. In the Nara and early Heian periods, it was considered the epitome of elegance, education, and Chinese high culture. Its flowers are smaller than cherry blossoms, appear more delicate, and come in white, pale pink, or bright pink. Unlike the sakura, the ume defies frost and sometimes even blooms in the snow. This is precisely where its special significance lies.

Symbolism: Strength, new beginnings, and hope

In Japan, the plum blossom symbolizes perseverance, renewal, and hope. Because it blooms during the coldest season, it is considered a symbol of inner strength and resilience. In traditional symbolism, it embodies the courage to endure difficult times and still produce beauty.

In Japanese poetry, especially in classical poetry collections such as the Man'yoshu, the ume is often described as a harbinger of new beginnings. Its subtle, sweet fragrance represents promise: spring is not yet here, but it is palpably close.

This symbolism continues to endure in modern Japan. The ume is associated with exam periods, new beginnings in one's career, and personal turning points. It is no coincidence that many ume festivals take place precisely at the time when school and university students are taking important entrance exams.

Rituals and customs surrounding the plum blossom

A central ritual associated with the ume is visiting shrines and temples dedicated to scholarship. Particularly well known is Tenjin, the god of learning, whose sacred symbol is the ume blossom. The historical scholar Sugawara no Michizane, who was deified after his death, loved ume trees so much that they are still closely associated with education and knowledge today.

During the ume season, many families and students bring small wooden tablets with wishes for passing exams, success, or good health. These tablets are often decorated with ume motifs.

Consciously strolling beneath blossoming ume trees is also a quiet, almost meditative ritual. In contrast to the exuberant hanami cherry blossom viewing, this is less about celebration and more about pausing, observing, and smelling. The scent of the ume plays a greater role than the visual spectacle.

Ume Matsuri: Festivals celebrating blossoms

In many regions of Japan, ume festivals (ume matsuri) take place between February and March. They are smaller and more local than the famous cherry blossom festivals, but no less atmospheric. Typical features of these events include walks through illuminated ume groves, traditional music and dance performances, outdoor tea ceremonies, and stalls selling ume specialties. Some parks offer evening illuminations, where the blossoms are gently lit up.

Seasonal delicacies: Ume for eating and drinking

In Japan, ume is not only beautiful to look at, but also ubiquitous in cuisine. Umeboshi, the pickled, extremely sour ume fruit, is particularly well known. It is considered healthy, aids digestion, and provides energy. Traditionally, it is found in bento boxes, onigiri, or as a side dish with rice.

During the flowering season, however, milder and sweeter varieties are more prominent:

• Umeshu: Japan's most famous liqueur made from ume fruit, sugar, and alcohol—usually shochu, which is often prepared just as the blossoms are in bloom.
• Ume tea: A hot drink made from pickled ume, which is especially popular in winter.
• Seasonal sweets: mochi, manju, wine gums, or cookies with ume flavor, often pink in color and decorated with flower motifs.

Cafés and traditional teahouses offer limited-time menus during the ume season—further proof of the close connection between nature observation and food culture in Japan.

Where does the ume blossom most beautifully?

Japan offers numerous places where the plum blossom is particularly impressive. Among the best known are:

Kairakuen (Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture)
One of the "three most beautiful gardens in Japan" and home to over 3,000 ume trees of more than 100 varieties. The flowering season here is a national event.

Yushima Tenjin (Tokyo)
A popular shrine for students, especially during exam season. The plum blossoms create an impressive backdrop between everyday city life and spiritual tranquility.

Kitano Tenmangū (Kyoto)
Famous for its plum blossom garden and traditional plum blossom festival. Historic atmosphere meets exquisite floral aesthetics.

Atami Baien (Shizuoka)
One of the earliest places in Japan where cherry blossoms bloom, often as early as January. Ideal for anyone wanting to escape winter.

Osaka Castle Park
A spacious park with an ume grove set against a historic backdrop—particularly photogenic at sunrise.

Ume instead of sakura: A different view of Japan

Those who visit Japan in spring usually think of cherry blossoms. But the ume offers a quiet, profound alternative. It is less spectacular, but all the more symbolic. Its blossoms invite not celebration, but reflection. They speak of patience, hope, and the beauty of tranquility.

For travelers, the plum blossom season is a gift: fewer crowds, more authentic encounters, and a Japan that is still in transition. A country between winter and spring—and that is precisely where its charm lies.

The ume reminds us that new beginnings don't have to be loud. Sometimes a hint of fragrance in the cold air is enough to know that life goes on.