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Early Spring in Tōhoku: Plum Blossoms in Aomori, Iwate, and Akita

  • This grove of ume trees in bloom at the Tsugaru Flower Center is known as the northernmost in the country. (Photo courtesy of the Goshogawara City Tourist Association)

    This grove of ume trees in bloom at the Tsugaru Flower Center is known as the northernmost in the country. (Photo courtesy of the Goshogawara City Tourist Association)

  • Ume in bloom, with Mount Iwaki in the distance. (Photo courtesy of the Goshogawara City Tourist Association)

    Ume in bloom, with Mount Iwaki in the distance. (Photo courtesy of the Goshogawara City Tourist Association)

  • Weeping ume in bloom, with castle fortifications in the background. (Photo courtesy of the Iwate Tourism Association)

    Weeping ume in bloom, with castle fortifications in the background. (Photo courtesy of the Iwate Tourism Association)

  • Fragrant ume in bloom on the castle grounds. (Photo courtesy of the Morioka Tourism and Convention Association)

    Fragrant ume in bloom on the castle grounds. (Photo courtesy of the Morioka Tourism and Convention Association)

  • Ōya has been renowned for ume for nearly 1,200 years. The ume in the garden of the Ezu residence pictured here is said to be the original Ōya ume. (Photo courtesy of the Yokote City Tourism Association)

    Ōya has been renowned for ume for nearly 1,200 years. The ume in the garden of the Ezu residence pictured here is said to be the original Ōya ume. (Photo courtesy of the Yokote City Tourism Association)

  • An imposing ume tree near the entrance to the temple Shōdenji. (Photo courtesy of the Yokote City Tourism Association)

    An imposing ume tree near the entrance to the temple Shōdenji. (Photo courtesy of the Yokote City Tourism Association)

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