Experience the Magic of Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival
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Experience cherry blossoms and ancient temples
Every year on February 25th, the enchanting Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival takes center stage at the beautiful Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto. This event is not just about enjoying the stunning plum blossoms; it’s a delightful blend of traditional Japanese culture, scrumptious green tea, and a dash of geisha charm! If you’re planning a visit, get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with festivities, history, and breathtaking natural beauty.
A Whiff of History: The Tale of Sugawara Michizane
The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a revered site dedicated to Tenjin, the deity of learning and scholarship. Every year, thousands of students flock to this shrine—one of over 10,000 across Japan—to pray for good fortunes in their exams. But who is this Tenjin, and why is he so essential to Japanese culture?
Before he became a deity, Tenjin was known as Sugawara Michizane, a highly respected politician and poet during the Heian period. Sadly, his story took a tragic turn in 901 AD when he was wrongfully stripped of his rank and exiled from Kyoto. As he journeyed to Kyushu, he penned a heart-wrenching poem, reminiscing about his beloved plum blossom tree.
His death in 903 AD sparked a series of unfortunate events for the Emperor, including the loss of his sons to a devastating plague and lightning striking the imperial palace. These calamities were attributed to Sugawara’s unsettled spirit. To appease him, the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was constructed, marking a unique moment in Japanese history as it became the first shrine to enshrine an individual as a deity!
What to Expect at Baikasai
So, what exactly is Baikasai? Imagine a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and spirituality! This annual festival celebrates Sugawara Michizane with plum blossom viewing, a traditional Shinto ceremony, and the delightful experience of sipping green tea served by authentic geisha.
On the 25th of each month, a small ceremony takes place at the shrine. However, the atmosphere in February is electric! As the festival coincides with the peak blooming season of plum trees, visitors can stroll through the garden of approximately 2,000 plum trees, all in full bloom, creating a breathtaking sight that feels almost otherworldly.
Among the festival’s highlights is the outdoor tea ceremony known as nodate. For just ¥2,000, you can indulge in a cup of matcha green tea accompanied by a traditional Japanese sweet, all served by genuine Kyoto geisha. Imagine sipping tea while surrounded by the sweet scent of plum blossoms and the graceful presence of maiko and geiko—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
When to Join the Festivities?
The Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival is held annually on February 25th, rain or shine! The gorgeous plum tree garden opens its gates to the public from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the enchanting display of illuminated lanterns lighting up the garden from sunset until 8:00 PM. The outdoor tea ceremony runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, ensuring that you have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities!
How Much for All This Fun?
- Admission to the garden: ¥1,000 per person
- Outdoor tea ceremony, nodate: ¥2,000 per person
For a minimal fee, you can soak up the beauty of the blossoms and enjoy a taste of Japanese culture—what a steal!
Getting There: Your Journey Awaits!
Ready to embark on this adventure? The festival is held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, located in the northwest of Kyoto. To reach the shrine from the JR Kyoto Station, hop on city bus number 50 or 101, and disembark at the Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop. Easy peasy!
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Top Photo credit: ©JNTO