Drive through southern Ōtsu in early spring.
At Sunai-no-Sato, stroll through plum groves blooming with pure white Jōshū-haku blossoms. After visiting Tachiki Kannon to pray for the coming cherry blossom season, admire the plum garden overlooking the Seta River at Ishiyama-dera Temple and view the seasonal bonsai plum display. This recommended early-spring sightseeing course lets you enjoy an early glimpse of cherry blossoms and Lake Biwa scenery.
① Kanō Shōju-an Sunai-no-Sato: Plum Groves Blooming with Pure White Blossoms
Famous as a plum blossom destination, Sunai-no-Sato features groves of Jōshū-haku plum trees spreading across the hillside. When the plum blossoms reach full bloom, the landscape resembles a white carpet.
Each year from late February to mid-March, a Plum Blossom Festival is held to coincide with the blooming season, and visitors can enjoy plum-themed cuisine, traditional sweets, and desserts throughout the grounds.
Kano Shojuan Sunainosato
Location
4-chōme-2-1 Ōishiryūmon, Otsu, Shiga 520-2266, Japan
② Visit Tachiki Kannon with Wishes for a Blossoming Spring
The Kannon of Mount Tachiki offers blessings for warding off misfortune and fulfilling heartfelt wishes.
The 17th of each month is the sacred day of Tachiki Kannon. Throughout January, the Gantan-e and Hatsu-Tachiki-e ceremonies are solemnly observed for warding off misfortune, fulfilling wishes, praying for success, prospering in business, and seeking happiness for the year ahead.
On Setsubun, the day before the start of spring in February, the Setsubun-e ceremony is held as a purification rite, featuring a grand goma fire ritual and the scattering of fortune beans.
From the spring equinox until April 8, the birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Kanbutsu-e (Buddha Bathing Ceremony) is observed. April 8, celebrating the Buddha's birth, is also known as the Flower Festival, when sweet tea is poured over a statue of the infant Buddha enshrined in the hall, and Buddhist rites are performed to pray for children's growth and the health and peace of families.
Ishiyama-dera's plum garden features approximately 400 plum trees blooming across the grounds, and seasonal bonsai plum displays are exhibited throughout the temple precincts. During plum blossom season, the Plum Blossom Festival is held, offering visitors an early taste of spring.
Ishiyamadera Temple
Location
1-chōme-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu, Shiga 520-0861, Japan
④ Enjoy a Lakeside Stroll Admiring Early-Blooming Kawazu Cherry Blossoms
From early February to early March each year, early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees bloom along the promenade stretching from the foot of Ōmi Bridge to Sunshine Beach. These vibrant deep-pink Kawazu cherries bloom earlier than Somei Yoshino and are known for their long flowering period. The newly opened Japanese confectionery shop LAGO Ōtsu, which opened in spring 2025, is located near this spot, making it a great place to stop for a café break.
