By the MOOK Scenic Spots Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team

Although cherry blossoms across Japan are expected to gradually bloom from late March 2015, before the cherry blossom season begins, plum blossoms dominate the scene. Similar to cherry blossoms, plum blossoms also bloom from south to north between late January and mid-February, and soon after comes the cherry blossom season. In some areas such as Yushima Baien in Ome City, Tokyo, due to the higher elevation, the blooming period is later than other regions,Yushima Baien has also announced that its 2015 flower festival will run from March 8 to April 5, coinciding perfectly with the cherry blossom season. Visit Tokyo during this period to enjoy both plum and cherry blossoms in one trip!

Yushima Baien (よしのばいごう) refers to the area on the southern side of the Tama River stretching about 4 kilometers from Higashi-Hinatawada Station to Futamatao Station on the JR Ome Line. It has been selected by Japanese media as Japan’s No.1 plum blossom spot, and its city flower is the “plum blossom.” The entire town is planted with tens of thousands of plum trees, creating breathtaking scenery everywhere. Among them, the most popular plum blossom viewing spot, Plum Park, features over 120 varieties of plum trees growing along the mountainside. When the flowering season arrives, they bloom like snow, covering the landscape. Many visitors enjoy picnicking right under the plum trees, creating a relaxing and delightful atmosphere. During the flower festival, traditional folk performances, parades, music shows, and taiko drum performances are held every Sunday.

Due to the higher elevation, the blooming period here is later than in other regions, usually starting in early March. This year’s Plum Blossom Festival runs from March 8 to April 5. During this time, the fragrance of plum blossoms fills the town, and the landscape is covered with white, pink, yellow, and red plum blossom forests. Strolling through it feels like stepping into a hidden paradise.