
Guide to Plum Blossom Viewing in Tokyo
It’s no secret that cherry blossoms are one of the biggest reasons for travelers coming to Japan during the spring season, with residents and tourists alike flocking to well-known viewing spots to catch a glimpse of the beautiful ephemeral flower. But did you know that a different kind of flower blooms just before the cherry blossom season? Plum blossoms, called ume in Japanese, are also treasured in Japan and are usually associated with the start of spring. If you want to avoid peak travel season, consider Japan for plum blossom viewing instead! In this guide, we introduce some of Tokyo’s best places to see plum blossoms.
When can you see plum blossoms?

While early to mid-February is still considered a colder time in Japan, this is when the plum trees begin to blossom. You can catch the full bloom in Tokyo throughout mid- to late February, but other places around Japan may still have plum blossoms through the beginning of March. It is important to remember that it can also get crowded during plum blossom season, so it is advised to visit more well-known spots during weekdays.
How are they different from cherry blossoms?

For those seeing plum blossoms for the first time, it can be hard to discern the difference between them and cherry blossoms. One big differentiator is that plum blossoms typically bloom much earlier than cherry blossoms, about a month away from each other. While both plum and cherry blossoms have five petals, cherry blossoms have split-tipped petals. Plum blossoms, on the other hand, are oval-shaped without a split. Cherry blossoms also typically have a lighter pale pink color, while plum blossoms can range from deep pink to even yellow. Another point to notice about plum blossoms is that they grow close to the tree branch, and one bud produces only one flower. For cherry blossoms, one bud can produce multiple flowers, and the flowers grow further from the branch.
1. Takao Baigo


When people think of Takao, they often associate it with Mount Takao. However, the area is also home to Takao Baigo (Takao Plum Tree Road), which is accessible via JR Takao Station, about an hour from Shinjuku Station.
Takao Baigo features eight plum groves, and you can walk along the historic Koshu Kaido road to see all of them. There are around 10,000 plum trees, offering a stunning display of both white and pink blossoms. An annual plum blossom festival is held during the season, and one of the most popular activities is a stamp rally activity, where you collect a stamp from several different groves in exchange for a prize entry. The groves extend all the way to Kobotoke Bus Stop where you can conveniently catch a bus back to JR Takao Station!
2. Koishikawa Korakuen


Located near Tokyo Dome is Koishikawa Korakuen, the oldest surviving Edo-period feudal lord garden in Tokyo. Every year, from mid- to late February, the garden comes alive with seasonal festivities celebrating the plum blossom viewing season. Highlights include performances of Noh (traditional Japanese theater) and food trucks selling seasonal festival foods that create a lively atmosphere.
There are around 150 plum trees at Koishikawa Korakuen, where visitors can enjoy the pleasant fragrance and delightful splash of colors while admiring the well-maintained garden. The entrance fee for the gardens is 300 JPY for adults. On weekends, a free guided tour is also available, with an English tour offered on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m.
3. Kyodo no Mori Fuchu City Museum


If you’re looking for a more local spot to visit, you can venture out of the 23 wards to Fuchu City’s Kyodo no Mori Fuchu City Museum. To get here from Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line to Bubaigawara Station, which takes around 30 minutes, then hop onto a 10-minute bus ride that will take you to the museum.
Kyodo no Mori is an open-air museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Fuchu. There are historical buildings such as farmhouses, a townhouse, and a main building that holds a large planetarium and exhibits on Fuchu’s history. The museum is also home to over 1,000 plum trees! During the viewing season in February and March, an illumination event is held on specific weekends, with guided walks provided.
4. Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s most popular parks for travelers and locals. There’s always something to see in all seasons, whether it’s cherry blossoms or fall leaves. Spanning a total of 144 acres, it’s no surprise that plum trees are also planted here.
Unlike some viewing spots that populate many trees in one section, the plum blossom trees in Shinjuku Gyoen are spread throughout the park. One area that has slightly more trees planted, though, is the Rakuu-tei Tea House, where around 80 trees are planted. Across the park, over 300 plum trees have been planted, making it a pleasant trek through the grounds.
The entrance fee for the park is 500 JPY, and the park is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until mid-March when the park opens slightly later. While the entrance can often be crowded to get in, the large size of the park allows visitors breathing space when visiting.
5. Hanegi Park


A quick 14-minute train ride on the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station brings you to Umegaoka Station, the gateway to Hanegi Park. Located three minutes from the station, Hanegi Park, in Setagaya, is famous for having around 650 plum trees that burst into shades of pinks, whites, and reds for the season.
On weekends, the park comes alive with food stalls offering festival treats, and nearby cafes like Fuglen provide a great coffee spot. Admission to the park is free, which makes it a popular destination, so expect some crowds. Despite the chilly weather, visitors often bring picnic sheets to sit and enjoy the stunning plum blossoms up close.