Nara City Tourism Association

Tsukigase, located in the eastern part of Nara City, is one of Japan's premier destinations for plum blossoms. Approximately 10,000 vibrant red and white plum trees line the Satsuki River valley, referred to as "Tsukigase Plum Grove" (Tsukigase Plum Valley). The Ume Matsuri (Plum Festival) is held annually in February and March. During this period, various events take place at different locations, including the Tsukigase Ume Museum, where food stalls and teahouses serve treats such as plum ice cream and udon with pickled plums. It takes about one hour by car from central Nara to Tsukigase, while taking the bus requires approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 50 minutes from JR/Kintetsu Nara Station.