Plums are the first trees to blossom in Kyoto. They blossom in late winter, so if you are lucky you can see them in the snow. Here is the definitive list of temples, shrines, castle and palaces in Kyoto that are known to have the best, or most rare plum blossoms and plum trees.
Kitanotenmangu Shrine 北野天満宮
how many, what kind: 2000 plum trees
when: mid Feb. to early Mar. Plum festival on 25th Feb.
075-461-0005
Umenomiya Taisha Shrine 梅宮大社
how many, what kind: 35 varieties of plums, 550 plum trees
when: mid Feb. to early
075-861-2730
Kyoto Imperial Palace 京都御苑
how many, what kind:20 varieties of plums, 250 plum trees, South of Hamaguri-gomon Gate
when: mid Feb. to mid Mar.
075-211-6348
Nijo Castle 二条城
how many, what kind:3 varieties of plums, 130 plum trees
when: mid Feb. to early Mar.
075-841-0096
Manshuin Temple 曼殊院
how many, what kind: 2 varieties of plum, 20 plum trees
when: from late Feb.
075-781-5010
Tenryuji Temple 天龍寺
how many, what kind: 3 varieties of plums
when: from late Feb.
075-881-1235
Otoyo-jinja Shrine 大豊神社
how many, what kind:The biggest weeping plum tree in Kyoto and is 250 to 300 year old.
when: early to mid Mar.
075-771-1351
Botanical Garden 植物園
how many, what kind: 60 varieties of plum, 150 plum trees
when: mid Feb. to late Mar.
075-701-0141
Jonangu Shrine 城南宮
how many, what kind: 2 varieties of plums, 150 weeping plum trees
when: late Feb.
075-623-0846
Kanshuji Temple 勧修寺
how many, what kind: A single plum tree, very old, the third generation.
when: mid to late Feb.
075-571-0048
Takaragaike Park 宝ケ池公園
how many, what kind: 200 plum trees
when: late Feb. to Mar.
Shozan しょうざん
how many, what kind: 200 or 300 plum trees
when: early to mid March
075-491-5101
Zuishinin Temple 随心院
how many, what kind: 200 plum trees. The Plum garden open from March 1st.
when: from late March
075-571-0025
Ryoanji Temple 龍安寺
how many, what kind: 80 plum trees
when: late Feb.
075-463-2216
Shoseien Garden 渉成園
how many, what kind: 30 plum trees
when: mid Feb.
075-371-2961
Jojakkoji Temple 常寂光寺
how many, what kind: 30 pots of plum trees
when: mid to late Feb.
075-861-0435
