It looks like the plum blossoms at Koto Bairin were in 50% bloom as of February 15.
After checking the blooming status at the link above, it seems that last year, in 2018, the blossoms reached 50% bloom on March 1, so this year’s plum blossoms appear to be blooming about two weeks earlier.
This is likely due to the effects of what has been called a warm winter.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency’s one-month forecast for the Kinki region, average temperatures are expected to be quite high for the month starting Saturday, February 16.
Last year, the blossoms reached full bloom four days after hitting 50% bloom, so full bloom for the plum blossoms may be coming very soon.
When it gets warmer, deciding what to wear becomes a bit tricky, doesn’t it?
About Koto Bairin
Koto Bairin has 39 varieties of plum trees, about 190 trees in total, and a plum blossom event is held every year from February to March.
Some of the plum trees are said to be over 100 years old.
Plum blossom viewing is available from 9:00 a.m. until sunset, with no closing days.
Access to Koto Bairin
Hankyu Kotoen Station
On foot: 11 minutes.
Hankyu Bus: From Hankyu Kotoen Station, get off at Kami-Kotoen and it is right nearby.
Here is the map for Koto Bairin ↓
The address is 2-11-60 Kami-Kotoen, Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture
