Beautiful blossoms: Kyoto’s most stunning seasonal flowers and where to admire them

Plum blossoms, or ume, are among the first flowers to bloom every year. They are associated with the beginning of spring, and people celebrate their appearance with viewing festivals all across Japan. One of the best spots to see these pretty flowers is the 20-hectare Aodani Plum Grove in Joyo City, to the south of Kyoto. Around 10,000 plum trees grow on its gentle slopes, filling the air with their strong, sweet fragrance. The blossoms range from pure white through to a rich, dark pink, making a stunningly beautiful contrast as you wander beneath the boughs.

Access:
20-minute walk from Yamashiro-Aodani Station on the JR Nara Line.

Nanohana, known as rapeseed in English, is another blossom you can enjoy observing in early spring. You often see fields of rapeseed around Japan because the plant is grown as a crop in certain places. In Kyoto you should head to the Omido Kannon-ji Temple area in Kyotanabe City for some of the best views of these delicate flowers. This temple is over 1,300 years old, and in front of it you can admire a carpet of bright yellow petals waving gently in the breeze.

Access:
Take the Nara Kotsu bus from Miyamaki Station (Kintetsu Kyoto Line) or JR Miyamaki Station (JR Gakken Toshi Line). Omido Kannon-ji Temple is a 5-minute walk from the Fugenji bus stop.