Celebrate the First Signs of Japanese Spring: The Magic of Plum Blossoms and the Sweet Taste of Umeshu

🌸 Welcome the First Signs of Spring with Plum Blossoms & Umeshu! 🌸

As January comes to a close, Japan begins to awaken with its first whispers of spring—the stunning plum blossoms (ume). While cherry blossoms, or sakura, often steal the spotlight, plum blossoms are the unsung heroes of Japan’s seasonal beauty, blooming earlier and heralding the changing season.

A Delicate Beauty with a Sweet Surprise
Unlike sakura, plum blossoms bring more than just visual charm. Their fragrant, sweet aroma fills the air, making them a sensory delight. These blooms range from pristine white to deep pink, with each petal symbolizing hope and renewal. Beyond their beauty, the plum tree also gifts us with its fruit—used to create some of Japan’s most iconic flavors.

The sour ume fruit is transformed into delights like umeboshi, a tangy pickled plum enjoyed with rice, and the ever-popular umeshu, a sweet, fruity plum wine loved for its balanced sweet-sour taste.

🌸 The Magic of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival 🌸

If you're lucky enough to visit Japan in early spring, make sure to attend the Mito Plum Blossom Festival at the historic Kairakuen Garden in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Known as one of Japan’s "Three Great Gardens," Kairakuen boasts nearly 100 varieties of plum trees, blooming in waves from mid-January to early April.

This 170-year-old garden transforms into a fragrant paradise, with blooms ranging from delicate whites to vibrant pinks. Whether you catch the early, mid-season, or late bloomers, it’s an unforgettable celebration of nature’s beauty.

🍹 Bring the Spirit of Plum Blossoms to Your Glass 🍹

No spring celebration is complete without umeshu, Japan’s beloved plum wine! We recommend Nakano BC Umeshu, crafted with the highest-quality Nankō ume.

• Made with care by skilled brewers who balance acidity and sweetness to perfection.
• Aged for over 1.5 years to bring out a rich, full flavor.
• Sweet, tangy, and incredibly smooth, with a low alcohol content—perfect for all palates, even those who don’t usually enjoy alcohol.

Whether you're reminiscing about Japan’s magical plum blossom season or dreaming of experiencing it one day, a glass of Nakano BC Umeshu is your ticket to savoring the essence of spring.

🌸 Cheers to the Season of Renewal 🌸
Until you can wander through blooming plum gardens, let the spirit of Japanese spring bloom in your glass. Grab a bottle of Nakano BC Umeshu today and indulge in the sweet and sour taste of Japan’s cherished ume tradition!