Cherry blossom season is a huge draw for tourists in Japan every year, but their sheer popularity and the resulting crowds can be off-putting.

There are so many beautiful flowers, blooms, and iconic plants to see at other times of the year, but they are often overshadowed by the lure of the sakura (cherry blossom).

Here are some other flowers and plants that you should factor into your dream trip to Japan. 

Ume (Plum Blossom)  

A branch of Ume Blossoms in Tokyo (photo by zaimoku_woodpile CC BY)

Though plum blossoms often play second fiddle to the cherry blossom, these are the flowers that really herald the beginnings of spring.

Originally introduced to Japan from China, plum blossoms begin blooming around February in most parts of the country. When the chill of winter begins to give way to the warmer spring breeze, you?ll see tree branches festooned with these tiny flowers in a myriad shades?from white to pink. Ume also have a delicate and sweet floral fragrance.
In Tokyo, Hanegi Park and Yushima Tenjin Shrine are just a few of the more famous spots to enjoy the plum blossoms in their full flowering glory. Plum wine is made from the fruits of the same tree. Incidentally, the sake is used at some shrines for ritual purposes, but they’ll also have it at festivals, etc.

So consider knocking back some plum wine with your spring flower-viewing! 

Fuji (Wisteria) 

Why see cherry blossoms when you can stand under a...