Plum Blossoms | 梅の花
Mid February
Spring is in the air and pink, yellow, and white flowers are popping up all around the city. No, these are not cherry blossoms, but rather plum blossoms (梅の花)!
Plum blossoms are much less famous than Japan’s sakura (cherry blossoms), but these flowers carry their own special beauty and, most importantly, signal the end of winter. Hallelujah!
When I first saw plum blossoms, I mistakenly confused them with cherry blossoms. I have since learned one of the distinguishing factors between the two species: cherry blossom petals have a split at the tip while plum petals do not.
Additionally, plum flowers bloom earlier than cherry blossoms and last much longer (a couple of weeks vs. cherry blossom’s one).
In a way, I think that plum blossoms do not draw the same craze and popularity as cherry blossoms just because they are around so much longer. It’s easier to cherish that which is fleeting…
If you live in Fukuoka and want to see plum blossoms, here are some places you should visit!
Maizuru Park (舞鶴公園)
The first location on the list is in the heart of the city at Maizuru Park. Maizuru Park is located right next to Ohori Park and has over 300 plum blossom trees in the Plum Blossom Garden called Baien (梅園).
As Maizuru Park is very accessible, expect it to be busy on the weekends with people strolling around the trees taking in the sweet scent.
In addition to plum trees, there are a variety of other seasonal flowers within the park, like cherry blossoms and wisteria. If you are interested in knowing when these bloom, check out this guide!
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (太宰府天満宮)
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is another popular place to see flowering plum trees. The shrine is home to an old legend about a plum tree that flew overnight from Kyoto to be reunited with its master in Dazaifu. (Learn more about taking a day trip to Dazaifu here).
Not only is the area famous for plum trees but there is also a delicious snack called ume gae mochi that is sold on the grounds as well. (Ume is the Japanese word for plum)
Here, the bright pink buds just starting to form.
Baijinji Temple (梅林寺)
If you have a car and are up for traveling a bit further, you can visit Bairinji Temple in Kurume. Here you will find over 500 plum trees blooming on the temple grounds.
Another great thing to see in Kurume (regardless of the season), is Daihonzan Naritasan Kurume Temple. This temple is home to a massive 62-meter-tall statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and can be seen from miles around.
More on Plums
While ornamental flowering plum trees like the ones mentioned above do not usually produce fruit, edible plums are an important part of the Japanese culinary world. Have you ever bitten into a dried Japanese plum that was so sour it made your face pucker up? This is umeboshi, a brined, salted plum that is usually used to accent rice dishes.
While I am not a big fan of umeboshi, umeshu is something that is more up my alley. This sweet alcoholic drink is made using just three ingredients (plums, alcohol, and sugar). If you want to learn more about umeshu and how to make it yourself, check out this post!
Where to Stay in Fukuoka
If you are looking for a place to stay in the heart of Fukuoka, here are the areas I recommend.
Near Hakata Station
Hakata Station is the main transportation hub for Fukuoka and the rest of Kyushu. Shinkansens, trains, subway lines, and buses – all connect with Hakata Station. Fukuoka Airport is also conveniently located just a 5-minute subway ride away. If convenient travel is a top priority, then booking a hotel near Hakata Station is recommended!
High-end: Miyako Hotel Hakata is located on the eastern side (Chikushi-guchi) of Hakata Station, mere minutes walk from the exit. Breakfast is served on the upper floors with a grand view of the city below. I have also had visitors stay at Nikko Hotel Fukuoka who enjoyed their stay.
Budget: APA Hotel is a large chain with many locations around Japan. The rooms are economical (aka a bit small) but have everything you need for a simple stay.
Tenjin and Daimyo
Tenjin is a bustling business district full of shops, bars, restaurants, and more. The area is super walkable and connects to Hakata Station easily via bus or train. Expect a louder and more dynamic atmosphere.
High-end: For a top-tier stay, you can’t go wrong with the recently built Ritz-Carlton that overlooks the brand-new Daimyo Garden City area.
Many hotels also line Watanabe-dori which is a large streets between Hakata Station / Canal City area and Tenjin.
Staying Outside of the City
For a truly unique stay outside of the city, I recommend Craft Inn Te in Yame. Read about what it’s like to stay at this art-themed accommodation here!
For a luxurious getaway by the sea, Itoshima is my top recommendation. This area is great for cycling, winter oyster huts, seaside cafes, hiking, and more. A great place to stay in Itoshima is the newly built seven x seven Hotel that sits right out over the water. Learn more about Itoshima in my full guide!
Looking to read more about Japan’s beautiful nature? Be sure to check out these other blog posts!
- Spring and Summer Flower Guide: Fukuoka, Japan | Fukuoka – The best times and places to see flora in Fukuoka!
- Kawachi Wisteria Garden | Fukuoka – Breathtaking purple, magenta, and white archways of hanging wisteria flowers.
- Weekend in Yanagawa: Hina-matsuri, Canal Punting, and Cherry Blossoms | Yanagawa – Breathtaking cherry blossoms and canals.
- Nanohana Fields in Fukuoka, 菜の花 | Fukuoka – Fields of bright yellow mustard greens