Everybody knows about the cherry blossom season in Japan. It’s a symbol. Millions of people visit the famous gardens, riverbanks, and temples to view and enjoy these flowers. But did you know that these are not the only flowers to blossom and not the first ones?
Indeed, the plum trees are the first ones to delight us with their beautiful white, pinks and red flowers that smell so strongly. These blossoms as early as February. Here are a few photos captured around Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Jonangu Shrine and a special garden in Mie prefecture, near Kyoto.

Click on any of the thumbnail below to acess the full-screen display and slideshow.