How to Make Plum Syrup | Japanese Ume Syrup Recipe From Rural Japan

As May arrives in Japan, fresh green ume (Japanese plums) begin to appear.

This is the time of year when I always make plum syrup — known in Japan as ume syrup.

Hi, I’m Yumi. Thank you, as always, for reading.

What is Ume Syrup (Japanese Plum Syrup)?

Ume syrup is a simple syrup made with green ume (Japanese plums) and sugar.

If you prepare it in May or June, you can enjoy this homemade plum syrup throughout the hot Japanese summer.

When mixed with water or sparkling water, it becomes a refreshing drink often called ume juice.

Ume is rich in citric acid, which is known to help with fatigue and summer heat.

Because it’s so easy to make, plum syrup is a popular homemade staple in many Japanese households.

For me, making ume syrup has become a small seasonal ritual — something I look forward to every year.

It’s also a big favorite with my child.

Every Home Has a Different Flavor

I’ve tasted ume syrup from many different homes, and each one is slightly different.

Of course, they are all delicious.

The type of ume, the kind of sugar — these small differences create a unique flavor in every household.

I’ve also tried making spiced plum syrup.

Adding ingredients like cardamom, cloves, or ginger creates a completely different taste.

That freedom to experiment is one of the things I love most about making it.

Plum Syrup Recipe: Two Simple Versions

Here are two simple plum syrup recipes we make at home every summer.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Plum Syrup

The process is simple and forgiving — perfect for beginners.

1. Wash the ume gently
Rinse the green plums carefully with cool water.

2. Remove the stems
Use a toothpick or bamboo skewer to lift out each stem.

3. Dry them completely
Spread the ume on a clean cloth and let them air-dry. Any moisture left can spoil the syrup.

4. Layer the ume and sugar in a jar
Place the plums and sugar in alternating layers inside a large sterilized glass jar.

5. (Optional) Add a splash of vinegar
A small amount of apple cider vinegar helps prevent fermentation or mold.

6. Shake the jar lightly every day
This helps the sugar dissolve evenly.

Once the sugar has completely dissolved, your homemade plum syrup is ready. It usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks.

How Long Does Plum Syrup Keep?

Once finished, ume syrup can be stored for several months when kept in a cool, clean place or in the refrigerator.

This makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the summer.

Ways to Enjoy Ume Syrup

I personally enjoy it simply mixed with water.

But there are many other ways to use this Japanese plum syrup:

・With sparkling water
・With milk
・Added to tea as a refreshing fruit infusion
・Drizzled over shaved ice
・Mixed into yogurt
・Combined with alcohol

It’s a versatile syrup that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

A Simple Seasonal Joy

The ingredients can be adjusted freely to suit your taste.

Even if fermentation starts, you can heat it gently and still use it — so making plum syrup is very forgiving.

It’s simple, but it brings a quiet kind of joy.

If you come across fresh ume, I hope you’ll try making your own ume syrup.

It’s a small way to connect with the seasons and bring a taste of Japanese summer into your home.

→ Watch our seasonal life in rural Japan on YouTube

We share simple, quiet moments from life in rural Japan.