Plum Blossoms at Rurikoji Pagoda

A colorful start to spring in Yamaguchi

Mandy Bartok Mar 06, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Plum blossoms frame the Rurikoji Pagoda in Yamaguchi City</p>

<p>Plum blossoms come in multiple shades</p>

<p>The petals of plum blossoms are rounder than cherry blossoms, yet another way to tell the two apart</p>

<p>The grounds around the pagoda are free to walk around</p>

<p>The plum grove on site boasts about two dozen trees</p>

<p>The blossoms will last until early to mid March</p>

Notice

The scaffolding that covered Rurikoji Temple's five-storied pagoda was removed in April 2025, restoring this much-treasured famous viewing spot. Related renovations are expected to continue until March 2026.

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The grounds of the Rurikoji Pagoda spring to life beginning in mid-February as the temple's plum grove offers the first signs of spring to those weary of winter. The small grove, numbering about two dozen trees, boasts petals in a variety of colors - from dark pink to wine-red to stark white. With the right angle, you can photograph the blossoms and the pagoda in the same frame. Entrance to the park surrounding the pagoda is free, though there is a charge to enter the actual temple nearby.