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Umenomiya-taisha Shrine is famous for its blessings for sake brewing, childbirth and safety. Further, as the name suggests ("ume" refers to "plum tree"), the entire precincts of Umenomiya-taisha are decorated with plum blossoms. Surprisingly, the shrine grounds remain quiet even after early February, when the plum blossoms are at their best, making it a recommended spot for those who want to relax and enjoy the plum blossoms.

Umenomiya-taisha is a shrine that was built about 1,300 years ago by Agata no Inukai no Michiyo, the mother of Tachibana no Moroe, the founder of the Tachibana clan, in Idenosho, Souraku-gun, Yamashiro Province (near Idemachi in the southern part of present-day Kyoto Prefecture) as the family's deity. It is said that the temple was later moved to its present location by Empress Danrin during the Heian period (794-1185).

Umenomiya-taisha Shrine has a constant stream of visitors who come to pray for safe delivery and childbirth. At the back of the main shrine, there is a mysterious stone called "straddle stone." It is said that when Empress Danrin visited the shrine to pray for childbirth, she stepped over this stone and conceived a baby. Since then, it is said that if you step over this stone, you will be able to have a child, and many couples who wish to have a child visit the temple.

After strolling through the Shinto garden, which occupies most of the temple grounds, the last stop is the plum garden. Since there are many different kinds of plum trees planted, including plum blossoms, rabbitear iris, kirishima azaleas, and hydrangeas, the blooming time varies, so it is not always "in full bloom", but it will surely give you a different impression each time you visit. In early March, the red plum blossoms are usually at their best. Also, the word "ume" (give birth to) is combined with the word "ume" (plum), which is associated with the blessing of childbirth, making ume the sacred flower of Umenomiya-taisha Shrine.

Before the Heian period (794-1185), people loved plum blossoms more than cherry blossoms because of the beauty and fragrance of the flowers and the fact that they were valued as medicine. If you want to receive blessings for childbirth and safe delivery, and enjoy viewing the beautiful plum blossoms, why not visit Umenomiya-taisha Shrine? You may bring with you a Nitomi's Tie-Dye Gamaguchi to carry coins you may offer to the shrine. Please have a look at our website for more details!

Nitomi's Tie-Dye Gamaguchi
https://www.shokunin.com/en/nitomi/gamaguti.html

References:
https://souda-kyoto.jp/blog/00358.html 
https://souda-kyoto.jp/travel/spot/spot.html?spot_seq=0000340
http://www.umenomiya.or.jp/sinen/hayasaki.html 
http://www.umenomiya.or.jp/sinen/ume.html 
http://kyoto.wakasa.jp/detail/25/543/
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A2%85%E5%AE%AE%E5%A4%A7%E7%A4%BE