Ome Plum Blossom Festival

Before the Nara period, the term “flower viewing” in Japan referred to the act of admiring plum blossoms. Plums have long been beloved in Japan as flowers that symbolize the spring season, and are at their best in February when winter begins to shift to spring. The weather is cold and not very spring-like, but on warm, sunny days plum blossoms remind viewers that the end of winter is sure to come.

Umeno Park in Ome City is one of Tokyo’s most famous spots for viewing plum blossoms. Around 120 plum species (1,500 trees) in colors of red and white bloom in the approximately 45,000-meter area, creating a faintly sweet fragrance that is pleasant to experience. The Kyodo-no-mori Museum in Fuchu City is home to around 1,100 trees, where visitors can enjoy viewing Chimonanthus praecox (a type of yellow plum with a strongly sweet fragrance) in January. Another famous place to view plum blossoms in the 23 wards of Tokyo is Setagaya City Hanegi Park, which features around 650 plum trees including a variety called “Omoinomama” that has red and white colors on the same flower.

The strong branches of the plum tree grow outward towards the cold sky during this season, when early spring begins to bloom.The beloved Japanese pastime of “flower viewing” actually began with the admiration of plum, not cherry, blossoms. Braving the harsh winter to bloom in early February, these hardy blossoms symbolize spring, longevity, and rejuvenation.

Umeno Park in Ome City is one of Tokyo’s most famous spots for viewing plum blossoms. Over 1,500 trees of over 120 plum varieties bloom in a dazzling riot of pink, red, and white. The park’s festival runs from the end of February to the end of March.

Location  4-527 Baigo, Ome-shi, Tokyo

Admission   200 yen (free during times other than the plum viewing period)
*Admission is free for elementary school age or younger children and people with an identification booklet for the disabled. Tickets are not sold in advance, and no group discounts are available.

For more information   Ome Tourism Office  Telephone 0428-20-0011

URL  http://www.omekanko.gr.jp/