DATE:		December 13 to 25, 2007 (Until the plums run out)
PLACE:		Bakuro-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
DIRECTION:		City Bus #50 or #101 to Kitano –Tenmangu Mae
TEL:		81-75-461-0005
ADMISSION:		CHARGE: Ohfuku-ume 1 package (around 6 pickled plums) 500 yen
TEXT:		In Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, which honors Michizane Sugawara, a literary symbol and lover of plum trees, there are approximately 2,000 plum trees of 50 different kinds planted. According to the tale of the shrine, the pickled plums counteracted the epidemic spreading in 951 (the 5th year of the Tenreki Era). The plums will be collected and pickled and will be served on the back of fern leaves in front of the shrine pavilions. A custom accompanies the plums. Early in the morning on New Year's Day, devotees put a single plum into hot water and drink it, praying for driving away evils and bringing in good fortune. Visitors will stand in long lines to purchase this essential food item for setting the table on New Year's Day.