Early Spring Plum Blossom Walk at Kitano Tenmangu — A Gentle Cultural Tour in Kyoto

Early spring at Kitano Tenmangu begins with the soft colors and fragrance of plum blossoms.

Before entering the garden, we share the story of Sugawara no Michizane, whose love for plum trees gives these blossoms a special meaning.

In the plum garden, views are shaped by the historic Odoi fortification, allowing you to enjoy the blossoms from different elevations—looking out over the shrine grounds from above, or walking among the trees up close.

A warm cup of lightly savory plum tea and a small seasonal sweet offer a simple taste of spring that local people look forward to each year.

We recommend this tour because it reflects how people in Kyoto enjoy this quiet season: walking slowly, appreciating small moments, and welcoming spring with a gentle spirit.

For guests choosing the Cultural Lunch & Tea Course, the journey continues into Kamishichiken, Kyoto’s oldest geisha district, where a special lunch and a seasonal tea experience await.

A guided cultural walk through Kitano Tenmangu and the Plum Garden,
concluding in the historic district of Kamishichiken.

Extends the Basic Course with a seasonal tempura lunch at the renowned Tenki,
followed by an authentic matcha experience at SENTAMA.

◎ Included in Both Courses
・English-speaking local guide
・Entry to the Plum Garden
・A cup of lightly savory plum tea and a seasonal sweet

◎ Additional Items Included in the Cultural Lunch & Tea Course
・Seasonal tempura lunch at the renowned restaurant Tenki
　(Served with Japanese tea; additional drink orders not available.)
・Authentic matcha and a seasonal confection at Sentama

✕ Not Included
・Transportation to/from the meeting point
・Any personal purchases

◆ Basic Course (approx. 2.5 hours)

9:00
Meet at the main torii gate of Kitano Tenmangu.
Guided introduction to the Main Shrine (Honden) and its history.

9:30
Stroll through the Plum Garden and the historic Odoi fortification.
Enjoy a break with lightly savory plum tea and a seasonal sweet.

10:30
Free time to explore the shrine grounds
(perfect for browsing omamori amulets or small souvenirs).

11:00
Guided walk through the historic district of Kamishichiken.

11:30
Tour concludes on the street leading toward Tenki.
(Guests joining the Cultural Lunch & Tea Course will continue from here.)

◆ Cultural Lunch & Tea Course (approx. 5 hours)

9:00 – 11:30
Same itinerary as the Basic Course
(including the walk through Kamishichiken).

11:30
Seasonal tempura lunch at the renowned restaurant Tenki.

13:00
Visit Sentama for freshly prepared matcha and a seasonal confection.

14:00
Tour concludes in the Kamishichiken area.

・Your reservation will be confirmed once you receive a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 2 day in advance.
・Participants must be 18 or older. Minors need parental consent, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

・The tour includes walking on uneven paths, slopes, and steps.　Please wear comfortable shoes.
・Blooming conditions vary by season, and the scenery may differ from photos.
・The tour runs in light rain; severe weather may cause changes or cancellation.
・Early spring can be chilly—please bring warm layers.
・For the Cultural Lunch & Tea Course: lunch is served with Japanese tea.Additional drink orders are not available.

・The experience may be modified or postponed due to traffic or other unforeseen conditions.
・Survey responses or reviews may be shared on our website or social media.

・Free of charge for cancellations up to 3 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 2 days or less prior to the tour date.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be more than 5 minutes late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.