Ume blossoms and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Ume blossoms in Kitano Tenmangu Shine, north of Kyoto city
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Sakura is definitely the most famous blossom in Japan.

However, Japanese plum trees (ume trees) bear beautiful blossoms, too.

When it comes to plum blossoms in Kyoto, we cannot talk without Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

http://www.kitanotenmangu.or.jp/eigo/index.html

The shrine was built in the 10^th century to honor Michizane Sugawara. He is believed to be kind of Genius, many students visit there to make a wish for their admission exams.

About ume (Japanese plum) blossoms

It came to Japan in the 8^th century from China.

In Heian period (8the -12^th century), ume was more popular than sakura (Japanese cherry blossoms) for blossom viewing (Hanami)

Ume smells sweeter than sakura and it tells of arrival of spring a little before sakura.

I went to the shrine with my family yesterday.

It has blossoms out around half.

I think you will enjoy them at least until the mid march.

I recommend you take Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in you travel schedule.

It takes about 30 minutes from by bus from Kyoto Station. Nice to visit on the way to Kinkakuji Temple or Ryoanji Temple using the 1-day bus pass.