Japanese plum trees have started blooming at the popular viewing spots in Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures. In spite of the day-long rain on February 11, visitors enjoyed the rain-moistened plum blossoms at Umenomiya Shrine, in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto.

Among the 550 Japanese plum trees of 35 varieties in the shrine's garden precincts, some early blooming ones, such as the dark red "Hinotsukasa" and the "Kankobai," are now at their peak. Entire branches of those trees have blossoms as a result of the warm weather during the first few days of this week.

The Kyoto Botanical Garden stated, "While the flowering is later than usual and differs according to the variety of tree, they are expected to be at their best from late February."