Guida
Aotani Plum Grove is a stunning landscape covering approximately 20 hectares in the southern part of Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture. It is home to about 10,000 plum trees, including both large-fruited varieties (used for plum wine and traditional sweets) and small-fruited varieties (used for pickled plums/umeboshi). This makes it one of the most significant plum groves in the Kyoto region. The highlight is the annual "Plum Festival" held from February to March, attracting many visitors.
The origins of the grove are steeped in history. While the exact beginning is unknown, the area has long been celebrated as a premier location for plum blossoms. Historical records mention the fragrance of the blossoms in poems by Prince So-ryo, a son of Emperor Go-Daigo, suggesting the area was beloved as far back as the Kamakura period. Furthermore, records indicate that an imperial princess in the Meiji era also held a deep affection for this land. Today, the "Plum Festival" has been a staple of the local culture since 1984.
The grove offers a changing tapestry of colors, from pure white to delicate pink blossoms. During the peak of the white plum season, the entire landscape transforms into a sea of white. Beyond the flowers, the area is rich in local history; near Chutemman Shrine, you can find poetic monuments dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane and traditional