At Hanegi Park in Tokyo, the annual plum blossom festival is underway, offering vibrant hues of pink, white and yellow amidst a delightful fragrance. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
As winter’s chill lingers in the air, the delicate plum blossom, or ume, emerges in Tokyo, signaling the first hint of spring before the more famous cherry blossoms steal the spotlight.
At Hanegi Park in Setagaya Ward, the annual plum blossom festival is underway, offering vibrant hues of pink, white and yellow amidst a delightful fragrance. The event, which concludes in early March, marks the 46th season of celebrating ume in the area.
Plum trees, also known as Japanese apricots, were first planted at Hanegi Park in the late 1960s, with more added during anniversary celebrations. Today, more than 650 trees flourish in the 20-acre park, according to the Setagaya city website.
Visitors can enjoy plum-themed snacks during the annual plum blossom festival at Hanegi Park in Tokyo. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
The festival’s opening day on Feb. 8 featured food stalls, ume-flavored treats and flower vendors. Traditional tea ceremonies, taiko drum performances, and even blood donation drives are scheduled throughout the event.
Visitors can enjoy plum-themed snacks, including plum Daifuku — mochi with white bean paste — plum kombucha and pickled plums, starting at 650 yen (about $4.23). Nearby vendors offer drip coffee, cookies, fried chicken and other treats.
The park’s scenic trails lead visitors through blooming ume trees, where pink, red and white flowers brighten the landscape. Signs on or near the trees identify the various ume species, some with QR codes linking to detailed botanical descriptions.
Hanegi Park’s spacious grounds, spanning 20 acres and featuring the small Umegaoka Hill, provide ample walking paths and recreational space, drawing visitors of all ages. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Hanegi Park’s spacious grounds, spanning 20 acres and featuring the small Umegaoka Hill, provide ample walking paths and recreational space, drawing visitors of all ages. Entry to the park is free.
With the nearby trees in full bloom, crowds have begun to gather, eagerly embracing an early taste of spring amid the lingering winter cold.
On the QT
Directions: 4-38-52 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0033; a short walk from Umegaoka Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line.
Times: The festival runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekend through March 2.
Costs: Free to enter.
Food: A variety of snacks and beverages, especially plum flavors, are available.
Information: Online: setagaya-umematsuri.com
