The plum festival at Tsukigase Plum Gorge in Nara City; in 2026 it ran from February 14 to March 29.
About 10,000 ume trees bloom from the banks of the Nabari (Satsuki) River gorge up into the hills, and the gorge was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 1922. The plum grove park has about 270 trees of some 40 varieties. During the festival there are an exhibition on the history of the scenic gorge, a photo exhibition and a photo contest, and the tea houses in the grove are open. The festival is free.
By car it is about 8 minutes from Satsukibashi IC on the Meihan Highway, and there are paid car parks around the grove. Enquiries: Tsukigase Tourism Association (0743-92-0300).
Dates are based on the organizers' announcements and may change with the weather or the bloom. Please check the official information before you go.
