08 December 2016 – Japan is widely celebrated for the striking scenes of foliage it presents with each changing season. While many are familiar with spring time's cherry blossom and autumn's golden leaves in the former capital, Kyoto, there is another beautiful flower that transforms the city into a floral paradise each year: plum blossom. With their ancient history and exotic shape, plum trees are cherished throughout the country; the blooms fill the air with a sweet, strong scent, which attracts wildlife and visitors alike. Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCVB) is therefore encouraging nature enthusiasts to experience the beautiful blossom season first hand at some of the city's finest temples and palaces between 20 February and 31 March 2017.

Where To Experience Plum Blossom In Full Technicolour:

Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden
As the Emperor's official residence in Kyoto, the Imperial Palace is a splendid structure that attracts visitors each year, eager to enjoy its classic Japanese architecture. Between February and March though, it is the garden that offers some of the most thrilling sights, since the plum groves here teem with blossoms and the bumble bees that are drawn to the heady scent. The palace can be accessed via Marutamachi or Imadegawa stations and admission is free but tickets must be applied for in advance here: http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html. For more information, visit here.

Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine 
Dedicated to scholar Sugawara Michizane, the Kitano Tenman-gu shrine is commonly visited by students, who come to pray for academic prosperity. However, few visitors will find it easy to peel their eyes away from the stunning array of plum trees that come into blossom at the close of winter here, where a grove of almost 2,000 trees lights up the surrounding vistas with their pink-toned petals. The shrine can be found close to the Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop and admission is free. For more information, visit here or  www.kitanotenmangu.or.jp.

Nijo Castle
One of Kyoto's 17 UNESCO sites, Nijo Castle has been standing proud to protect the Imperial Palace since 1603 and is known as one of the greatest remaining examples of palace architecture of Japan's feudal era. Aside from being a popular historic site, the castle features a sprawling orchard where the perfume and sight of plum blossom reigns supreme from the end of February to the end of March. The castle can be accessed via Nijojo-mae station and admission starts from 200 yen. For more information, visit here  or www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/bunshi/nijojo.

Zuishin-in Temple
Set away from the city centre, this secluded temple is a serene and beautiful spot for visitors. The Ono plum garden here is home to over 230 plum trees, which offer fabulous scenes of red, white and pink blossoms each February and March. Strips of artful calligraphy – the practice of which is considered devotional by Buddhists in Japan – are also hung from the trees' branches during the month of March, adding to the visitor experience. This is one of the more famed spots for enjoying plum blossom in Kyoto, particularly when viewed within the framework of the striking moss, pond and rock structures of the surrounding garden.  The temple can be accessed via Ono station and admission starts from 400 yen. For more information, visit http://www.zuishinin.or.jp/.

What Else?
The newly opened Kyoto State Guest House was built in 2005 with the purpose of welcoming overseas visitors and strengthening their friendship with Japan and its celebrated cultures.  Created in an elegant and traditional Japanese style by true artisans, the structure houses a delicate interior, which is flecked with gold, silver and intricate paintings. The house offers an unparalleled sense of Japanese hospitality and guided tours can be booked here http://www8.cao.go.jp/geihinkan/kyoto/koukaikyoto_e.html.

For more information on Kyoto, visit  kyoto.travel/en.

-ENDS-

Photo Captions:
Image 1: Plum blossom close up in Kyoto. Image courtesy of KCVB.
Image 2: Plum blossom in full bloom at the Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine. Image courtesy of KCVB.
Image 3: An orchard full of plum trees in bloom in Kyoto. Image courtesy of KCVB.
Image 4: Inside the Kyoto State Guest House. Image courtesy of Cabinet Office, Government of Japan.

About KCVB
Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official partnership for international tourism representation of the City of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto's diverse history and reputation as Japan's original capital and cultural centre provide a wealth of opportunities for tour operators and travel agents.  The city is home to the Imperial Palace whilst also being the only place where 'real' geishas can still be seen, its old temples and Zen gardens interspersed with urban living means that Kyoto is a striking contrast of heritage and modern city.  Its location just 25 minutes from Osaka and 2hrs 15 minutes from Tokyo, make it easily accessible from Japan's two main international gateways.

Travellers can now take advantage of the 'City of Kyoto Visitors Host' service, whereby interpretation guides specialising in the history and culture of the city, can be booked to enrich visitors' experience and alleviate the pressure of day-trip planning. For more information, visit http://kyoto.travel/en/latest_news/42.

For more information or imagery, please contact:

McCluskey International
Fiona Anderson / Libby Hughes
T: 020 8747 2170
E: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk