Dazaifu Tenmangu Plum Blossoms Update (Feb 20, 2026): 70% Bloom and Approaching Peak Season

Are Plum Blossoms at Dazaifu Tenmangu in Full Bloom Now? (February 20 Update)

If you’re wondering whether February is the best time to see plum blossoms at Dazaifu Tenmangu, the answer has changed dramatically in just one week.

As of February 20, 2026, the plum blossoms at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine are now around 70% in bloom — and the shrine is quickly approaching peak season.

Just nine days ago, most trees were still closed buds.
Today, soft pink and white blossoms are spreading across the grounds, and the atmosphere already feels like early spring.
If you are planning a visit in late February, this may be the moment you’ve been waiting for.

Previous Bloom Report (Feb 11)

Just nine days ago, the situation looked completely different.
On February 11, 2026, most plum trees at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine were still in bud, with only a few early bloomers showing color.

Tobiume Plum Tree: Now Around 70% in Bloom

No visit is complete without checking Tobiume, the shrine’s most famous plum tree.

On February 11, it was only about 40% open.
Now, on February 20, Tobiume is beautifully around 70% in bloom.
Soft blossoms are spreading across its branches, creating a gentle white cloud beside the main hall.

Since Tobiume is known as the earliest-blooming plum tree at Dazaifu Tenmangu, its current condition is a strong sign that the shrine is entering peak season.

---

Plum Blossom Conditions Across the Shrine Grounds

Walking around the shrine, the change is obvious.

Near the Main Hall and the Great Camphor Tree

Around the main hall and the large camphor tree, many plum trees are now blooming steadily.

Some are almost fully open, while others are just beginning.
The mix of blossoms and buds creates a layered, living landscape — a feeling of spring unfolding in real time.

---

Around the Romon Gate

Near the Romon Gate, clusters of blossoms add bright color against the shrine’s historic architecture.
These areas already feel lively and photogenic, especially in soft morning light.

---

East Garden (Higashi Shin-en) Near Shobu Pond

In East Garden, which was almost completely quiet on February 11, blossoms are now spreading across the grove.
It is not yet 100% full bloom, but compared to last week, the difference is dramatic.

---

North Garden (Kita Shin-en) Behind the Main Hall

North Garden shows a similar pattern.
Some sections are close to peak, while others are still catching up. Overall, however, the shrine as a whole can confidently be described as about ６０% in bloom.

---

The Most Beautiful Plum Blossoms Right Now

Among all the trees I saw, the most striking were the vivid weeping plums.
Their branches flowed gracefully downward, covered in bright pink blossoms.

In certain areas, the blossoms now form gentle arches overhead.
Even though some “plum tunnels” are not fully filled in yet, you can already imagine how breathtaking they will be in just a few more days.

Right now, Dazaifu Tenmangu feels alive — colorful, fragrant, and unmistakably seasonal.

---

Not Yet Perfect — But Very Close

It is important to say that this is not complete full bloom yet.

Some trees remain in bud, and certain areas still look sparse.
But that is exactly what makes this moment special.
You are seeing the shrine in transition — not too early, not too late.

If the weather remains mild and temperatures continue to rise, the blossoms should reach their peak in the final week of February.

---

Is Late February the Best Time to Visit Dazaifu for Plum Blossoms?

So, is late February the best time to see plum blossoms at Dazaifu Tenmangu?

Based on what I observed on February 20, the answer is very likely yes.

The shrine is already beautiful and vibrant, yet still improving day by day.
If you visit between February 22 and early March, you will probably experience the plum blossoms at or near full bloom.

For travelers wondering whether February is too early — it no longer is.

Spring has officially arrived at Dazaifu.