Ume festival at Yushima Tenjin

In two weeks, the sakura will start to blossom, luring admirers from the five continents. But don't forget that this is the blossoming ume plum-trees that really open the hanami season in Japan. Shy, discrete, perfumed ume flowers that the Japanese were worshiping far before the new cult of the cherry trees.

Today I visited Yushima Tenjin Shrine, in Bunkyo-ku (Tokyo), one of the the most famous ume spot in the capital.

Iconic ume flower

Ume paradise

The shrine itself is not far from the prestigious Tokyo University, and many students of the area come and pray there to pass the next exams.

Yushima Tenjin

"Please God, help me to graduate this year again"

Just like the sakura, there are many kind of ume trees. Some flowers are white, pink, dark pink or almost yellow. All of them smell very nice.

As soon as I will be properly settled in my own place, I will bring home one of these adorable ume bonsai! How sweet and cute!

I'm in love.

After visiting Yushima Tenjin, you can have a longer walk in Ueno Park. And look for the very first sakura !

More blossoms to be continued...