The plum tree, originally from China, is believed to have been introduced to Japan around the late 3rd century. Beyond its ornamental and culinary uses, the plum tree is deeply rooted in Japanese traditional culture and has long been cherished as a herald of early spring. While "hanami" (flower viewing) is now commonly associated with cherry blossoms, plums were actually the main focus of hanami until the Nara period.
In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of plum blossoms, how to distinguish them from similar flowers, famous plum blossom spots, and their role in Japanese literature and culture.
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Key Points: How to Differentiate Between Plum, Cherry, and Peach Blossoms
Plum, cherry, and peach blossoms are iconic flowers of Japanese spring, loved for centuries. However, with climate change affecting blooming seasons, it’s becoming harder to know when and where to see these flowers. Their similar appearances also make them difficult to distinguish, but by focusing on three key points, you can learn to tell them apart!
Blooming Season
Plum
Plum blossoms bloom earlier than cherry or peach blossoms, signaling the arrival of spring. Depending on the variety, some plum blossoms even begin blooming as early as mid-December.
Cherry
Cherry blossoms typically bloom from mid-March to early May. In Okinawa, they start blooming in winter, while in mainland Japan (Honshu and Kyushu), they appear around mid-March. Hokkaido sees the latest blooms.
Peach
Peach blossoms bloom from mid-March to late April, around the same time as cherry blossoms. While they usually reach peak bloom slightly earlier, overlapping periods occur due to regional and climate differences.
Petal Characteristics
Plum
Plum petals are round and smooth at the tips. The flowers bloom directly from the branches, without flower stems.
Cherry
Cherry petals have a notch at the tip, forming a sharp heart shape. They grow on long flower stems (the green part), which often bend under the flower’s weight, causing the petals to droop downward.
Peach
Peach petals are elliptical or pointed, making them distinct from both plum and cherry. Peach flowers have shorter stems compared to cherry blossoms, and two blooms often emerge from the same spot, giving them a more vibrant appearance.
Trunk Appearance
The trunk of a plum tree is dark and rough in texture. Cherry tree trunks are reddish-brown and feature small, vertical lenticels that resemble tiny bumps. In contrast, peach tree trunks are light-colored and smooth to the touch.
How Many Types of Plum Blossoms Are There?
Plum blossoms come in a variety of colors, including white and red, and there are over 300 different types. This incredible variety is largely thanks to the Edo period (1600–1868), when active efforts were made to cultivate and improve plum tree species. The diverse selection we enjoy today is a testament to the creativity and dedication of people from that era.
What Are Ornamental Plum Blossoms? Characteristics and Varieties (3 Groups and 9 Subtypes)
Plums can be categorized into two main types: ornamental "flowering plums" (hanbai) grown for their blossoms and "fruiting plums" (mibai) cultivated for harvesting fruit. Flowering plums are broadly divided into three lineages: Yabai (wild plum), Hibai (red plum), and Bungo (apricot hybrids). Each lineage is further classified into nine subtypes based on detailed characteristics such as petal and branch shape.
| Group | Subtype | Features |
| Yabai Group (Wild Plum) | Yabai Subtype | Closest to the original species. Thin branches, small leaves, and flowers. |
| Naniwa Subtype | Thin, densely growing branches. Blooms relatively late. | |
| Benifude Subtype | Bud tips are pointed and red, resembling a brush. | |
| Aojiku Subtype | Branches and sepals are always green, with pale blue-white flowers. | |
| Hibai Group (Red Plum) | Kobai Subtype | Bright red flowers. |
| Hibai Subtype | Even deeper red flowers with scarlet hues. | |
| Tobai Subtype | Flowers bloom downward, starting pink to red and fading to white. | |
| Bungo Group (Apricot Hybrids) | Bungo Subtype | Hybrid with apricot. Large pale pink flowers. |
| Anzu Subtype | Thinner branches and smaller leaves than Bungo. Often late-blooming flowers. |
What Are Fruiting Plums? Characteristics and Varieties
Fruiting plums are cultivated for their fruit, which is processed into products such as umeboshi (pickled plums) and umeshu (plum wine). Popular varieties include Nanko Ume and Shirokaga Ume. Among these, Nanko Ume is the most widely grown variety, accounting for over half of Japan's production.
Where Are the "Three Great Plum Groves" in the Kanto Region?
When it comes to Japan’s famous plum viewing spots, the "Three Great Plum Groves" of the Kanto region are not to be missed. Below, we’ll introduce their highlights and how to access them.
【Ibaraki Prefecture】Kairakuen Gardens
Kairakuen is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama. It was established in 1842 by Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth lord of the Mito Domain, as a place of relaxation for his people. The garden features approximately 3,000 plum trees from about 100 varieties, allowing visitors to enjoy early, mid, and late-blooming plums over an extended period.
The "Mito Plum Festival," held from mid-February to mid-March, boasts over 120 years of history and attracts countless visitors from Japan and abroad each year.
- Location: 1-3-3 Tokiwacho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes by bus from JR Mito Station on the Joban Line
- Fee:
General Admission: Adults ¥320, Children ¥160
Groups: Adults ¥240, Children ¥130 - Hours:
Kairakuen Main Garden: Mid-February–September 30: 6:00–19:00; October 1–Mid-February: 7:00–18:00
Kobuntei: Mid-February–September 30: 9:00–17:00; October 1–Mid-February: 9:00–16:30
*Closed: December 29–31 - Official Website: https://ibaraki-kairakuen.jp/
【Saitama Prefecture】Ogose Plum Grove
Ogose Plum Grove is a historical plum viewing spot featuring the ancient "Kaisetsu" tree, over 670 years old, alongside various other plum varieties. Including the surrounding areas, around 20,000 plum trees bloom during the season, offering a spectacular sight for visitors.
The history of Ogose's plums dates back to around 1350 when plum trees were planted in honor of Sugawara no Michizane, following the enshrinement of a deity from Dazaifu in Kyushu. The annual "Ogose Plum Blossom Festival," held from February to March, includes attractions such as a mini steam locomotive, local festival music, taiko drum performances, and more.
- Location: 113 Doyama, Ogose Town, Iruma District, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: From Ogose Station, take a bus bound for Kuroyama and get off at "Bairin Iriguchi," then walk for 1 minute.
- Fees: ¥400 (for junior high school students and older)
- Hours: 8:30–16:00
【Shizuoka Prefecture】Atami Plum Garden
Opened in 1886, Atami Plum Garden is renowned for having Japan’s earliest blooming plums and its late autumn foliage. The garden features 469 plum trees from 60 varieties, including some over 100 years old. The first blossoms typically appear between late November and early December.
During the "Atami Plum Festival," held from mid-January to mid-March, visitors can enjoy attractions such as foot baths, food stalls, souvenir shops, and events like geisha performances, sword dancing, street performances, and free amazake tastings. The festival draws many tourists each year.
- Location: 8-11 Baiencho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Access:
(1) From JR Atami Station, take a bus bound for "Ainohara Danchi" for about 15 minutes and get off at "Baien."
(2) From JR Atami Station, take the Ito Line to JR Kinomiya Station, then walk about 10 minutes. - Fees: Free (Admission fees apply during the Plum Festival)
- Hours: No restrictions on entry time
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Plums as Inspiration for Japanese Waka and Haiku
In addition to their roles in ornamental and culinary use, plums hold deep connections to Japanese waka and haiku poetry. Many works incorporate plums as a central motif, demonstrating the profound affection poets and literary figures have long held for this iconic flower.
Manyoshu
The Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, contains around 120 poems about plum blossoms, surpassing the number of poems dedicated to cherry blossoms. This highlights the popularity of plum blossoms during that era. In the Nara period (around 710–794), plum blossoms were the main attraction for flower viewing. For aristocrats and intellectuals, they symbolized the arrival of spring as well as the beauty and culture brought from China.
Kokin Wakashū
The Kokin Wakashū, compiled in the early Heian period, is Japan's first imperial anthology of waka poetry. It features many poems focusing on nature and the seasons, with plum blossoms often appearing as a symbol of spring. Alongside cherry blossoms, plum blossoms were a significant motif.
In later periods, after the Kokin Wakashū, the focus of poetry about plum blossoms shifted from appreciating their appearance to enjoying their fragrance. Many poems began to emphasize their scent.
Haiku
In haiku, the plum blossom is a significant seasonal word, representing late winter and early spring. Many famous haiku feature plum blossoms, including Matsuo Basho's "Umega ka ni / notto hinoderu / yamaji kana" ("Walking along a mountain path at dawn, the scent of plum blossoms guides me to the rising sun") and Kobayashi Issa's "Umega ka ya / donata ga kite mo / kake chawan" ("The scent of plum blossoms fills the air, but no matter who visits, I cannot offer anything better than a chipped tea bowl"). These haiku reflect the beauty and essence of plum blossoms, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
The Language of Plum Blossoms and Related Proverbs
The Language of Plum Blossoms
The meaning of plum blossom symbolism varies depending on the variety or color of the flower, but the main themes include:
Nobility and Perseverance
This comes from the image of plum blossoms blooming elegantly in the harsh cold.
Loyalty
The flower language of loyalty is associated with the "Flying Plum Legend" of Sugawara no Michizane. During the Heian period (794–1180), Michizane was exiled, and the story goes that a plum tree, longing for its master, flew from Kyoto to Dazaifu to be with him. This legend gave rise to the symbolic meaning of loyalty. At Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, the setting of this story, a "Flying Plum" tree that is over 1,000 years old still stands today. It is the first plum tree to bloom in the shrine’s grounds each season, captivating visitors.
Plum trees are also considered one of the "Three Friends of Winter" and are believed to bring good fortune because they produce both red and white blossoms.
Proverbs and Idioms About Plum Trees
Plum Nature and Persimmon Nature
"Plum nature" refers to the stubborn and unyielding character of plum trees, which retain their sourness even after being processed. Positively, it represents resilience and perseverance. In contrast, "persimmon nature" comes from the ease with which persimmons lose their bitterness when dried or roasted. It describes people who appear stubborn but are actually flexible and adaptable.
Ume no Ki Gakumon (Plum Tree Scholarship)
Plum trees grow quickly but never become large. This phrase symbolizes shallow knowledge or quick, superficial learning that doesn’t lead to greatness.
"Fools Cut Cherry Trees, Fools Don’t Prune Plum Trees"
Cutting cherry trees can weaken or even kill them, while pruning plum trees helps them bloom better and bear fruit. This proverb emphasizes the importance of taking appropriate actions based on the situation.
Plum Blossoms and Bush Warblers
This phrase describes the idyllic sight of a bush warbler perched on a blooming plum tree and symbolizes harmony or ideal pairings. Similar expressions include "pine and crane," "autumn leaves and deer," "peony and butterfly," and "willow and swallow."
Ōbai Tōri (Plum, Cherry, Peach, and Apricot)
Each tree is unique and valuable in its own way, just like individuals. This saying encourages people to embrace their uniqueness without comparing themselves to others.
"Plums for Daily Protection"
Plum trees have long been cherished in Japan for their health benefits. During travels, people carried pickled plums as a "medicine" to prevent fevers and local illnesses. Eating a pickled plum before heading out in the morning was believed to ensure a safe and healthy day.
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