Kyoto in the Plum Blossom Season: A 2-Day, 1-Night Trip

Purpose of the Trip
Exploring famous plum blossom spots around Kyoto

Schedule
Day 1
Start the day by taking a bus from Kyoto Station to Zuishin-in Temple. This temple, associated with the legendary poet Ono no Komachi, is known for its "Noh Room" featuring the vividly colorful sliding door paintings called "Gokusai-shoku Ume Kaoru Komachi Ezu." These vibrant paintings, created by the Kyoto-based artist unit "Daruma Shoten," depict four scenes from Ono no Komachi's life. The artwork is highly photogenic and perfect for social media. Unlike the bustling central Kyoto tourist areas, Zuishin-in offers a serene atmosphere. Although it's a famous spot for plum blossoms, the blooms were slightly early during this visit.

Next, head to Kennin-ji Temple. The temple greets visitors with the impressive National Treasure "Fujin Raijin-zu Byobu" (Wind and Thunder Gods folding screen). The dry landscape garden is magnificent, and the blue sliding door paintings are strikingly beautiful. The "Twin Dragons" ceiling painting in the Dharma Hall is particularly awe-inspiring.

For lunch, visit Kanou Shoujuan's "Suteki no Sato" near Ishiyama Station, accessible via a 30-minute free shuttle bus ride. This location is also known for its plum blossoms, but again, the timing was slightly early. After enjoying a leisurely lunch and shopping, return to Kyoto Station and check in at the "Natural Hot Spring Renge no Yu Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo" (part of the Dormy Inn chain). Relax in the spacious hot spring baths and enjoy a quiet evening with takeout from Kyoto Station in your room.

Day 2
Take a bus from Kyoto Station to Jonan-gu Shrine, a renowned plum blossom spot. The combination of camellias and plum blossoms in full bloom was stunning, especially the weeping plum trees.

Next, travel by bus to the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine area. Have lunch at Toyouke Chaya, a tofu specialty restaurant famous for dishes like tofu bowls and fresh yuba bowls. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the deity Sugawara no Michizane, is one of approximately 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan. After paying respects at the shrine, enjoy the sight of scattered plum blossoms. This shrine is also a famous plum blossom spot.

Nearby, visit the traditional sweet shop "Awamochi-dokoro Sawaya" to try their unique millet mochi. Made from millet instead of rice, these mochi have a subtle sweetness and a chewy texture. Finally, take a bus back to Kyoto Station, do some shopping, and head home.

Photogenic Spots
- Zuishin-in Temple: Sliding door paintings "Gokusai-shoku Ume Kaoru Komachi Ezu"
- Jonan-gu Shrine: Famous for its plum blossoms

Accommodation
Natural Hot Spring Renge no Yu Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo: A Japanese-style inn located about an 8-minute walk from Kyoto Station. The inn offers excellent services like complimentary post-bath ice cream and free drink dispensers. The large public baths are perfect for a relaxing soak.

Transportation
All locations can be accessed via buses and public transportation.

Tips
Timing the peak of plum blossoms can be challenging. Unlike cherry blossoms, there is less information available, and the blooming period varies depending on the type of plum tree.