Plum blossoms have begun flowering here and there in the severe cold conditions (2:00 p.m., February 9, Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto)

The annual public opening of the plum garden began on February 9 at Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto. Amid the chill and falling snowflakes, the red and white blossoms of garden's plum trees have begun to open, and their adorable appearance made visitors break into smiles.

There are approximately 1,500 plums of 50 different varieties in the garden and shrine precincts to reflect the shrine deity, Sugawara no Michizane, who loved plums. Although flowers have just begun to bloom, the branches of some trees were colored with swollen red buds that suggest the coming of spring.

According to a shrine administrator, early-blooming varieties started to blossom on January 21, which was 22 days later than last winter due to the cold air, noting, "the plum trees will be at their best from late February."

The admission fee is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary school students and younger, and includes Japanese plum tea service. The garden is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine at 075-461-0005.