"Umetsukushi", held at Ishiyamadera Temple in Otsu City as the ume begin to bloom. In 2026 it ran from Wednesday, February 18 to Wednesday, March 18.
About 400 ume trees of some 40 varieties bloom in the temple's three plum gardens, and potted bonsai ume at their best are displayed around the grounds during the event. The first plum garden was made on the site of the residence of Shunyu Naigu, the temple's third head priest and a grandson of Sugawara no Michizane, by gathering old plum trees treasured by successive head priests. Shops in front of the gate serve limited-time dishes and sweets themed on ume.
Admission is 600 yen (250 yen for elementary school children). Umetsukushi is followed by "Sakura Mairi", when about 600 cherry trees bloom.
Dates are based on the organizers' announcements and may change with the weather or the bloom. Please check the official information before you go.