Overview
Adjacent to the main Shukkeien Garden, this plum garden section features dozens of Japanese plum trees (ume) that create one of Hiroshima's earliest spring floral displays.
Highlights
- Early Blooms: Plum blossoms appear in February, weeks before cherry blossoms, signaling the first arrival of spring.
- Fragrance: Unlike cherry blossoms, plum blossoms are intensely fragrant, perfuming the surrounding garden.
- Photography: The gnarled plum tree branches against winter skies create dramatic photographic compositions.
History
Plum trees have been cultivated in Japanese gardens for over a thousand years, originally imported from China. The Shukkeien plum collection dates to the garden's original 1620 design.
Visitor Tips
- February Visit: Peak bloom is typically mid-to-late February.
- Free Access: This area is accessible without the main garden admission fee.
- Duration: 15–30 minutes.