Plum blossoms are at their best in various parts of Kyoto. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, known as a famous plum blossom viewing spot, has about 1,500 plum trees. Many people visit the shrine, not only from Japan but also from overseas. The early-blooming plum trees are in full bloom, and about half of all the trees there have flowers. In addition, red, white and pink plum blossoms are also blooming at Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Koshoji Temple and Kandaijin Shrine.

Japanese original

Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension.

A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments.

Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.