Plum Blossoms at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

The Charm of Plum Blossoms at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, one of Kamakura’s most iconic shrines, offers beautiful scenery throughout the year. However, during the plum blossom season, the shrine takes on a unique charm with delicate white and pink blossoms blooming in serene beauty throughout the grounds.

Plum Blossoms at Genji Pond and Hataage Benzaiten

The highlights of the plum season are the white plum blossoms around Genji Pond and the pink plum blossoms near Hataage Benzaiten. Each location offers a different ambiance, making a stroll through the shrine grounds even more enjoyable. A tea ceremony area is set up near Genji Pond, allowing visitors to savor matcha while admiring the blossoms.

Best Viewing Period and Recommended Visiting Time

• Late January: The first blossoms start to appear
• Mid-February to mid-March: Full bloom
• Plum trees in front of the Saikan Hall: Best viewed from mid to late February
• Plum trees near Sazare-ishi: Best viewed from mid-March
  
  

Additionally, the sight of Japanese white-eyes (Mejiro) feeding on nectar and the early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms from mid-March create a stunning seasonal contrast. The simultaneous viewing of plum and cherry blossoms makes it an ideal time to experience the arrival of spring.

History and Poetry of Plum Blossoms

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu has long been associated with the Kamakura shogunate, and plum blossoms have symbolized the arrival of spring since ancient times. The third shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, Minamoto no Sanetomo, composed the following poem:

“Since it bloomed, I have cherished the plum blossom; Now that it scatters, I feel as if I am witnessing my own fate.”

This poem reflects the fleeting beauty of the plum blossoms and the transient nature of life, echoing Sanetomo’s tragic destiny—he was assassinated at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Even today, the delicate plum blossoms continue to tell this poignant story.

Visiting Tips

• Matcha Experience at the Tea Ceremony Area: Enjoy a peaceful moment while admiring the blossoms
• Best Time for Photography: Morning light provides stable illumination, making it easier to capture Japanese white-eyes amid the blossoms
• No Nighttime Light-Up: Best visited during the day
• Check Blooming Status in Advance: Weather conditions may affect peak bloom times, so it’s recommended to check the latest updates before visiting
  
  

Conclusion

Although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is not widely known as a famous plum blossom spot, its quiet beauty during the season offers a special and unforgettable experience. If you’re visiting Kamakura in early spring, be sure to stop by and enjoy the serene charm of the plum blossoms.