Background
梅花祭 Baika-sai (Plum Blossom Festival)
DateThu, Feb 25in 132 days
CrowdsBusy
CostFree, with paid seats
If it rainsHeld in the rain
A ceremony at Kitano Tenmangu on February 25 with an outdoor tea service by geiko from Kamishichiken, held while the plum trees are in bloom.
- Where
- 北野天満宮
- How to enjoy it
- Plum trees are in the garden (separate fee). Tea tickets are limited, so arrive early.
Background
The Plum Blossom Festival is held every February 25, the anniversary of Sugawara no Michizane's death. Michizane loved plum blossoms, and the shrine grounds hold about 1,500 plum trees. The festival has roughly 900 years of history.
What to see
- Outdoor tea ceremony served by maiko and geiko of Kamishichiken
- About 1,500 trees of 50 varieties in bloom
- A tea tradition tracing back to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 1587 grand tea gathering
- The formal memorial rite on the anniversary day
Timeline
- Feb 25 morning
- Baikasai memorial rite
- Feb 25 daytime
- Nodate open-air tea ceremony
How to watch
- Shrine visit is free
- The tea ceremony needs a tea ticket, limited in number; see shrine notices
- The plum grove is open from early February to late March
Getting there
Get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop; or about 10 min on foot from Kitano-Hakubaicho subway station.
Good to know
Is it held in the rain?
Yes, rain or shine.
Do I need to reserve for the tea ceremony?
No reservation needed, but tickets are limited and first-come.
When are the blossoms at their best?
Early February to late March, usually peaking around Feb 25.
Can I take photos?
Yes on the grounds; please stay quiet during the tea ceremony.