Japan is well-loved for its seasonal blooms, with each flower carrying its own beauty and meaning. Among these, the Ume (plum) and Sakura (cherry) blossoms are two of the most highly sought flowers in Japan by tourists. Why? Plain and simple – they’re absolutely beautiful!
In all honesty, most tourists visit Japan for the Sakura blossoms and not the Ume ones. This makes viewing Ume trees a hidden gem, blooming earlier than the Sakura trees. So, which one is better? Continue reading below to learn more about these iconic flowers, their differences, and what makes them special for tourists in Japan.
Ume vs Sakura: What Do They Look Like?
Petals
Starting with the shape of their petals, Ume flowers are recognized for their rounded petals, which may have a small notch or none at all. People often describe the Ume petals to give off a “robust” and “strong” appearance.
Image credit: Kanpai Japan
Sakura flowers, on the other hand, are known to come off as “delicate” and “gentle.” Each flower consists of five tiny petals, which is the typical shape of a traditional Sakura flower. Their petals feature a distinct split at the tip, creating an intricate and fragile look.
Both plum blossoms and cherry blossoms have their own unique petal characteristics, each showcasing the variety of Japanese flowers and trees.
Colors
Both Ume and Sakura flowers come in similar shades but are not exactly the same. For Ume flowers, they have incredibly vibrant colors, ranging from deep pink to light pink with the occasional white. These bold hues offer a refreshing contrast against the bright and stark backdrop of early spring.
Image credit: Narender Jaswal
Meanwhile, Sakura flowers present softer and more delicate shades of pink, with some varieties of Sakura having deeper pink hues. The soft and pale pink colors of Sakura flowers create a light and dreamlike atmosphere, embodying the peace and tranquility of Japan’s spring season.
Visually, both Ume blossoms and Sakura blossoms are a treat for the eyes, each with its own set of vibrant colors that contribute to the iconic imagery of Japan in bloom.
Scent
Not a lot of tourists realize this, but Ume and Sakura flowers have their own unique scents. Ume flowers have a scent that is described as a strong and sweet fragrance that fills the air during their blooming season. The delightful aroma of Ume flowers plays a significant role in Japanese culture, often associated with the early spring and the promise of new beginnings.
In contrast, Sakura flowers are known for having a very subtle smell to the point that some people claim that these flowers have no scent at all. Although some people state that Sakura blossoms have a soft, creamy, and vanilla-like aroma. Despite the lack of a strong scent, Sakura flowers are still highly valued for its alluring visuals and taste – with many snacks and foods being inspired and infused with the flavour of Sakura.
Branches & Growth
Interestingly enough, even the way that each tree grows out their flowers are different from each other. For Ume blossoms, they grow directly along the branches of the plum trees. These flowers bloom close to the tree branches, often without long stems. This gives it a dense and vibrant look.
On the other hand, Sakura flowers hang from long stems which cascades and hovers over. When it’s windy, these long and thin branches sway gently in the breeze and create a gentle and graceful display of waving flowers in the air.
Ume vs Sakura: When Do They Bloom?
Cherry Blossom Season
One of the main questions most tourists ask is when the Sakura blossoms bloom. Sakura season in Japan typically happens from late March to April, but it can start as early as February and last until the beginning of May depending on the location in the country.
Image credit: Salvador Chinchilla
During this period, Sakura blossoms reach full bloom, showcasing their larger, delicate petals that are often pink or white. These beautiful floral displays draw crowds to public parks and gardens to partake in hanami, the traditional practice of cherry blossom viewing.
Plum Blossom Season
Unlike Sakura trees, plum blossom trees bloom earlier in the year. Majority of Ume season start to bloom in early February, with the latter half of the month as the typical peak period. However, Ume flowers may bloom already in January or reach full bloom until the end of March.
Image credit: Kanpai Japan
The season of plum blossoms serve as a delightful preview of spring’s arrival in Japan. It marks the end of the cold winter and the promise of new beginnings. During this season, plum blossom viewing is highly recommended with some cities hosting their own Ume Matsuri or plum blossom festival.
Ume vs Sakura: What Do They Symbolize?
The True Meaning Behind Plum Blossoms
The reason why Japan adores these flowers is because they hold a cultural significance in the way they bloom and grow. The Ume flower is seen as a symbol of perseverance, renewal, and hope. This is because Ume trees bloom in late winter or early spring, often considered the first sign of renewal after the cold months.
Image credit: Kanpai Japan
Moreover, Ume Blossoms are also associated good fortune, health, and a strong life force as they are seen as flowers that are vigorous enough to hatch in the heart of winter. In some regions, they are also considered talismans against evil spirits. As a result, plum blossom trees are highly valued and celebrated.
The True Meaning Behind Sakura Blossoms
The Sakura flower is considered an iconic symbol of Japan, not just for its appearance, but because of its strong symbolism in Japanese culture. In Japan, Sakura blossoms symbolize fleeting beauty, impermanence, and the transient nature of life.
Image credit: Evgeny Tchebotarev
Because cherry blossoms bloom for such a short time, they’re a reminder that our lives are also beautiful, but ultimately, short lived. The cherry blossoms remind us to take in our surroundings and appreciate everything that we have around us – friends, family, and all of the little things that make life worthwhile.
Ume vs Sakura: Where Are the Best Spots to Find Them?
Where to Find Plum Blossoms
Image credit: Kanpai Japan
Kitano Tenmangu (Kyoto)
If you want to see plum blossoms bloom, the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto is surrounded by plum trees, as this sacred site is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, a Japanese scholar and politician. Michizane loved plum trees, so when you enter Kitano Tenmangu, you always find a plum tree standing in front of the offering hall of the Tenmangu shrines.
Kitano Tenmangu features an extensive grove of nearly 2,000 plum trees, so imagine what this shrine looks like from February to March! Not only that, but Kitano also Tenmangu hosts a special tea ceremony called Baikasai, held within this plum grove and attended by maiko and geiko from the nearby Kamishichiken geiko district.
Kairakuen (Ibaraki)
Another plum tree hotspot is Kairakuen, which is famous for its 3,000 plum trees. Kairakuen, which translates to “park to be enjoyed together,” is part of the three finest landscape gardens of Japan, the others known as Kenrokuen and Korakuen.
People visit Kairakuen throughout the year, but of course, it’s best to visit during the season of plum flowers. Their plum trees boast a variety of white, pink, and red blossoms. Plus, they hold their annual Mito Plum Festival, usually from mid-February to late March.
Besides the plum trees, Kairakuen also features a bamboo grove, cedar woods, and the Kobuntei which is a type of traditional Japanese building. Visitors can access the building after enjoying a leisurely stroll along the garden’s paths, surrounded by the sweet fragrance of Ume flowers.
Yushima Tenjin (Tokyo)
Tokyo also has a popular shrine dedicated to Sugawara Michizane called the Yushima Tenjin Shrine, and yes, it also houses a bunch of plum blossom trees. With over 300 plum trees, Yushima Tenjin offers a breathtaking glimpse of nature and traditional Japanese architecture in the bustling heart of Tokyo.
One of the most popular seasonal highlights of the Yushima Tenjin Shrine is their Ume Matsuri, held annually from early February to early Match. Besides their plum trees at full bloom, visitors can enjoy outdoor tea ceremonies, traditional music performances, and even plum wine tasting events!
Where to Find Sakura Blossoms
Image credit: Keshab Basnet
Ueno Park (Tokyo)
Known as Tokyo’s most popular park, Ueno Park is home to more than 1,000 cherry trees lining its central pathway. During spring, the park transforms into a sea of pink blossoms, creating an ethereal atmosphere that feels straight out of a manga.
The season of Sakura is well-celebrated in Ueno Park, with dozens of locals and tourists setting up hanami parties within the grounds that continue well after dark. As the sun sets, lanterns along the pathways illuminate the cherry blossoms. This spectacular nighttime view of Ueno Park’s Sakura draws lively crowds late into the night.
Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
For tourists in Kyoto, Maruyama Park is a must-visit for Sakura enthusiasts! This historic park is famous for its iconic weeping cherry tree, known as the Gion Shidare-zakura. It’s over a hundred years old with a massive height of about 12 meters! Who wouldn’t want to see this Sakura beauty?
During the season Sakura, Maruyama Park becomes a vibrant hub of various leisure activities such as strolling and hanami viewing. This green public space also includes several gardens, picnic areas, and food stalls that serve traditional Japanese snacks. It’s the perfect place to relax under the cherry trees.
Hirosaki Castle (Aomori)
Enjoy the beauty of the four seasons and visit the Hirosaki Castle located in Aomori. As a Sakura hotspot, this beautiful fortress is home to approximately 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties. One of the best areas in Hirosaki Castle is its moat, a deep-water trench that surrounds the castle. Tourists can rent out a boat and ride it along the waters as the delicate flowers flutter and gently land on the water.
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, held every year from late April to early May, attracts many people from within and outside of the prefecture. Hirosaki Castle’s makes it a top destination for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan, offering an unforgettable experience that celebrates the beauty of Sakura and the arrival of spring in Aomori.
The Final Verdict
At the end of the day, we can all agree that both plum and cherry blossoms offer their own unique charm. From the shape of their petals to their significance in Japanese culture, these flowers give you a valid reason to book a trip to Japan during the first half of the year.
Whether you want to experience the plum blossom season or cherry blossom season in bloom, that is up to your own personal preference. Each season offers a different kind of experience, especially based on the popularity of viewing these flowers.
Image credit: Sweet Escape
If you prefer a less crowded trip and wish to get a head start on Spring, the plum blossom season is the perfect time to visit. The serene atmosphere of plum blossoms without the crowds will definitely give you an immersive experience of what the beautiful nature of Japan is truly like.
On the contrary, Sakura blossom season is recommended if you want to fully embrace the traditional hanami experience and witness the Sakura flowers bloom right in front of your eyes. Sakura hotspots also attract a lot of festivities to do if you want to involve yourself into a more energetic atmosphere.
Ultimately, there is no clear winner in the Ume vs. Sakura debate, so we encourage you to explore both plum blossoms and cherry blossoms to discover your own personal favorite! While you’re in Japan, make sure you have a handy e-SIM like Jetpac to stay connected and share your Japanese blossom adventures with ease. With Jetpac, you can enjoy the blossoms on-the-go with seamless connectivity!
