Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Plum Blossom Festival - Kyoto's Spring Herald Plum Festival

The Kitano Tenmangu Plum Festival is a sacred ceremony held every year on February 25th, the anniversary of the death of Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and has a history of approximately 900 years. Special sacred offerings featuring plums are dedicated in honor of Michizane, who loved plum blossoms, and solemn Shinto ceremonies are performed within the shrine grounds. The festival's greatest highlight is the Outdoor Tea Ceremony, which carries on the tradition of the "Kitano Grand Tea Gathering" held by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Geiko and maiko from Kamishichiken dress in gorgeous kimono to serve tea and entertain visitors with their graceful hospitality. The shrine grounds are home to approximately 1,500 plum trees of 50 varieties, where you can enjoy various species from early-blooming to late-blooming varieties while being surrounded by the fragrance of plum blossoms and feeling the arrival of spring in Kyoto. Since the festival coincides with the monthly "Tenjin Market" held on the 25th of each month, antique and old book stalls line the grounds, creating an even more lively atmosphere.