Garyubai

This is a magnificient ume tree (Japanese plum), which is located near the Yatsushiro Castle, Kumamoto Prefecture. It has been named Garyubai, because it resembles a lying dragon. Literally ga means lying, ryu means dragon, and bai is another reading of ume, so it means a lying dragon ume. The tree is about 400 years old. It has been in bloom for about a week and pleasing the eyes of visitors with its white blossoms and its fragrance which fills the the place.