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February 18, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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March 22, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Event end:
History
Jonan-gu Shrine was founded in 794 when Emperor Kanmu relocated Japan’s capital from Nara to Kyoto. Built as the southern guardian of the new Heian-kyo, it protected the city from evil spirits entering from the south. The shrine’s name literally means “Southern Palace,” and its sprawling Haru no Yama (Spring Mountain) Garden was designed in the Heian period as a poetic retreat for nobles.
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Contact Jasumo Now →The Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival began in the 1980s to revive ancient court traditions. The garden’s 150 shidare-ume (weeping plum) trees—some over 100 years old—are descendants of Heian-era plantings, while the 300 camellias were added during the Meiji era. The festival’s centerpiece, the Umegae Kagura (Plum Branch Sacred Dance), recreates a ritual where shrine maidens offer blessed plum sprigs for health and literary inspiration—echoing the shrine’s role as patron of waka poetry.
Twice yearly, Jonan-gu hosts the Kyokusui-no-Utage (Streamside Poetry Banquet), but the plum festival is its most visually stunning celebration.
Overview
The Jonan-gu Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival 2026 runs from February 18 to March 22 in the shrine’s Haru no Yama Garden. Over 150 weeping plum trees burst into cascades of pink and white blossoms, mingling with 300 camellias in full bloom. The garden’s ponds, stone lanterns, and teahouse create a serene Heian-era atmosphere.
Daily Umegae Kagura performances (10:00 AM weekdays; 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM weekends) feature shrine maidens dancing with plum branches and offering blessed sprigs to visitors. The peak bloom—when plums drape like silk curtains—is early to mid-March.
Highlights
- 150 Weeping Plum Trees: Shidare-ume cascading over ponds and paths in pink and white.
- 300 Camellias in Bloom: Rich reds and whites complementing the delicate plums.
- Umegae Kagura Dance: Daily sacred performance with plum-branch offerings and blessings.
- Heian-Style Garden: Ponds, stone lanterns, and teahouse evoking 1,200-year-old court aesthetics.
- Poetic Inspiration: Write waka under blooming branches—paper and brushes provided.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- 150 Weeping Plum Trees: Shidare-ume cascading over ponds and paths in pink and white.
- 300 Camellias in Bloom: Rich reds and whites complementing the delicate plums.
- Umegae Kagura Dance: Daily sacred performance with plum-branch offerings and blessings.
- Heian-Style Garden: Ponds, stone lanterns, and teahouse evoking 1,200-year-old court aesthetics.
- Poetic Inspiration: Write waka under blooming branches—paper and brushes provided.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can secure front-row Kagura seats, arrange private tea ceremonies, or combine with Fushimi sake tasting. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
February 18 – March 22, 2026
- Garden Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
- Umegae Kagura: – Weekdays: 10:00 AM – Weekends/Holidays: 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM
- Peak Bloom: Early to mid-March
Pricing
- Haru no Yama Garden: ¥600 adults
- Shrine Grounds: Free
- Kagura & Plum Sprig: Included with garden entry
Location
Jonan-gu Shrine 7 Nakajima Toba Rikyu-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-8459, Japan
How to Get There
- By Train: – Kintetsu Kyoto Line or Karasuma Subway to Takeda Station → 15–20 min walk
- By Bus: – Kyoto City Bus (Minami 1, 2, or 3) from Takeda Station → “Jonan-gu Higashiguchi” stop (5 min)
- From Kyoto Station: ~20 min via subway + walk
- By Car: Limited street parking; use nearby coin lots
Accommodation Options
Fushimi ward offers sake-brewery ryokan from ¥18,000–¥45,000/person with kaiseki dinners. Many are within walking distance of Jonan-gu.
Budget hotels near Takeda Station start at ¥8,000. Book early for mid-March peak—plum + early cherry season.
FAQs
When is the 2026 festival confirmed?
Officially February 18 – March 22, 2026—one of the few plum events with fixed dates.
Do I need garden tickets for the Kagura dance?
Yes—the dance is performed inside the paid Haru no Yama Garden.
Can I keep the blessed plum sprig?
Yes—visitors receive a small branch as a talisman for health and creativity.
Is English available?
Basic English pamphlets; Kagura is visual and universally beautiful. Private English guides can be arranged.
When do cherry blossoms start nearby?
Late March in nearby Fushimi—perfect for extending your trip after the plums fade.
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