Some people might ask, "why go to Japan on February? It's not even the time for Sakura blossom yet, and it's still a transition month from winter to spring so you'll end up having no snow & no sakura" .... so why? One of the reason I decided to go on a trip to Japan on February, is because of this: Ume Matsuri, Japanese Plum Blossom Festival. And yes, simply because it has my name in it, lol.

One of the popular spots in Tokyo is Yushima Tenjin Shrine. When I came there on Sunday the 4th week of February (which turns out to be the peak of Ume blossom), there were over hundreds of ume trees blooming already, along with performing arts and food stalls everywhere surrounding the shrine. The shrine itself, on regular day, is often visited by many students praying for the success of passing their examinations, by presenting votive tablets called Ema. When I asked, it will cost you around ¥800 (around IDR 80k+, oh well.. :p). Luckily I didn't come there as a student so I barely had any exam to wish for.

Ema,  small wooden plaques on which Shinto worshippers write their prayers or wishes. — **Ema**, small wooden plaques on which Shinto worshippers write their prayers or wishes.

And of course, what I love about festival is absolutely its food! Food-stalls everywhere! From takoyaki, okonomiyaki, grilled gigantic squid & octopus, steamed potato & butter, dorayaki with custard filling (which is AMAZING, btw), yakisoba, and so much more that I cannot identify what's what, haha. Truly snack time!

If you ever visited Japan on February-March, then make sure to include 'go to Ume Matsuri on weekends' to your itinerary. There are several popular plum spots in and around Tokyo, you can see all listed here. I really had a great time!

Yushima Tenjin Shrine
3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo