Shukkeien Plum Blossoms

Harbingers of spring in downtown Hiroshima

Paul Walsh Feb 07, 2013 - 1 min read

The "ume" plum blossoms attract all kinds of visitors to Shukkei-en Garden in downtown Hiroshima.

In early February Shukkei-en Garden's "ume" plum tree grove is still firmly in the grip of winter.

Closer inspection reveals signs of life.

Blanketing the so recently barren plum tree grove.

In beautiful contrast with verdant pines.

After the New Year festivities, the wait for spring, heralded by Japan's famous cherry blossoms, can seem long and cold. In mid to late February, however, beautiful "ume" plum blossoms provide some welcome color and cheer. In Hiroshima, there is no better place to enjoy the plum blossoms than at Shukkei-en Garden, which has over 100 plum trees clustered together.

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Find out more about Shukkeien Garden.

Paul Walsh @paul.walsh

A total of 18 years in Japan and still loving it. Co-founder of GetHiroshima.com and publisher of the GetHiroshima Guide Map. Lapsed Ironman triathlete. Now trying to fit a passion for ultra distance trail running between raising two kids and occasional sessions in the DJ booths of Hiroshima.