Travel

Kyoto's Mimurotoji Temple's 250 Weeping Plum Trees Reach Zenith

KYOTO, Feb 26 (News On Japan) - Mimurotoji Temple in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, known for its beautiful flowers, is currently celebrating the peak bloom of approximately 250 weeping plum trees, delighting visitors with the arrival of spring.

While the temple is famed for its hydrangeas and azaleas, this season is highlighted by the weeping plums. The plum grove, created on a mountainside, spans roughly 8,000 square meters and is planted with about 250 weeping plum trees. Visitors enjoyed the subtle fragrance of the plum blossoms and admired the white and pink flowers, capturing the beauty with their cameras. According to the temple, this year's bloom arrived 10 days to two weeks earlier than usual due to the mild winter.

A woman in her 70s, who visited with her husband from Hiroshima Prefecture, commented, "The weeping plums are as magnificent and beautiful as cherry blossoms." A woman in her 60s from Nagoya City said, "Not only are the plum blossoms beautiful, but the view is also wonderful." The weeping plum blossoms at Mimurotoji Temple are expected to be enjoyed until early March.

Source: NHK

One Month to Expo: Just 20% of Overseas Pavilions Completed

With one month to go until the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, construction work is accelerating at the venue as delays in pavilion building continue to pose challenges.

A Journey Through Nagahama: Tracing the Legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Nagahama, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to numerous sites connected to the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From Nagahama Castle, where visitors can view Hideyoshi’s handwritten documents and the scenery he once gazed upon, to Kunitomo, a major center of firearm production that supported Japan’s unification, the area offers a rich tapestry of historical insights.

Final Chapter for 'Bōsōzoku'?

For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025.

Osaka Installs 2-Meter Fence Under Glico Sign

Construction has begun on a fence under the Glico sign in Osaka's Minami district, known as 'Gurishita,' to prevent loitering and address crime-related issues.

Japan’s 'Most Dangerous' Zoo to Close in September Over Legal Issues

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Ninja Campaign Targets Overtourism

Efforts to tackle overtourism in Otaru, Hokkaido, have taken an unconventional turn, as local youth have adopted a ninja persona to urge tourists to follow proper etiquette.

Exploring Japan? Here's Why You Need eSIM for Travel

Japan is a country brimming with tradition, technology, and natural beauty. Whether you’re soaking in the serene beauty of Kyoto’s temples, shopping in the buzzing streets of Tokyo, or hiking the majestic Mt. Fuji, staying connected is crucial.

Yellow Dust Headed for Japan: Impact on Allergies and Air Quality

A yellow dust storm originating in China has led to the first warning of the year, with forecasts predicting its arrival in Japan, particularly in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

Abandoned Hospital Becomes Haunted Hotspot

An abandoned hospital in Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture, has become a popular destination for ghost hunters, causing concern among local residents. The former Himekawa Hospital, which closed in 2007 due to financial struggles, has been vandalized, with broken windows, graffiti, and frequent trespassing.