Now Reports

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2024

Welcome to the Fukuoka Cherry Blossom/Sakura Guide 2024, where the early blooms of Fukuoka set the stage for the season’s most awaited spectacle. This guide is your passport to the best hanami spots across the city and beyond, offering insights on when and where to catch the cherry blossoms at their finest. From city parks to serene countryside, we’ve got you covered with our latest Sakura Forecast and essential hanami tips. Discover the joys of picnic under the blossoms, the etiquette of flower viewing, and the unique types of sakura that dot our landscape. Dive into the heart of spring with us and make your sakura experience in Fukuoka unforgettable.
Fukuoka Cherry Blossom/Sakura Guide 2024 Google Map

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

Viewing spots
Fukuoka City (15)
Itoshima City (3)
Dazaifu City (1)
Ukiha City (2)
Asakura City (2)
Kurume City (1)
Tagawa City / Soeda-machi (2)
Kasuya-gun (1)
Other Kyushu’s Sakura Spots (6)

2024 Sakura Forecast (as of Apr. 4)

Part of the magic of sakura is that you never know for certain when they’ll start to bloom or be in full bloom. To help you plan your ohanami with better probability, refer to this website which offers updated forecasts for sakura all around the country.

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2024, 福岡さくら花見ガイド2024

Fukuoka’s, sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 27. Full bloom is expected on Apr. 2.
Oita’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 30, with full bloom around Apr. 7.
Nagasaki‘s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 26, with full bloom around Apr. 2.
Saga’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 29, with full bloom around Apr. 2.
Kumamoto’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 26, with full bloom around Apr. 2.
Miyazaki’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 25, with full bloom around Apr. 3.
Kagoshima’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 29, with full bloom around Apr. 9.

Sakura blooming forecast for Fukuoka as of Apr. 4. This chart illustrates the predicted percentage of blooms by date. Between Apr. 1 and Apr. 8 is predicted to be prime cherry blossom viewing in Fukuoka.
Source: Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2024, 福岡さくら花見ガイド2024

 

Fukuoka City

Maizuru Park

Sakura at Maizuru Park, 舞鶴公園の桜

• Approx. 1,000 trees
• Free entry
Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival: 3/27 (Wed.) ~ 4/7 (Sun.)
• Parking: ¥150/hour
• Public toilets: Available
1-4 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 8 min. on foot from Akasaka or Ohori Park Subway Sta.
https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/

Kyushu Live
Fukuoka Sakura Cherry Blossom Walk 2023: Experience the Magic LIVE! (Mar. 24, 2023)

Cherry Blossoms at Fukuoka Castle 2022 (Mar. 29, 2022)

 

Nishi Park

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

• Approx. 1,300 trees
• Free entry
Sakura Festival: 3/20 (Wed., hol.) ~ 4/7 (Sun.)
• Vehicles cannot enter or park inside during the season
• Public toilets: Available
13 Nishi-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from Ohori Koen Nishitetsu bus stop, 15 min. on foot from Ohori Park Subway Sta.
https://www.nishikouen.jp/

Tenjin Central Park

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

• Approx. 50 trees
• Free entry
• Public toilets: Available
1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 3 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Sta.
http://tenjin-central-park.jp/

Kyushu Live
Sakura In Bloom! Fukuoka City 2022 (Mar. 28, 2022)

 

Minami Park

Sakura at Minami Park, 南公園の桜Wear comfortable clothes to walk around!

• Approx. 150 trees (approx. +50 trees in botanical garden)
• Free entry
• Parking: Coin parking available nearby
• Public toilets: Available
1-1 Minamikoen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Yakuin-odori Subway Sta.
http://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=302003

Tochoji Temple

Sakura at Tochoji Temple, 東長寺の桜

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City

• 5 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
2-4 Gokusho-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 2 min. on foot from Gion Subway Sta.
https://bit.ly/49n4yrU

Sanno Park

Sakura at Sanno Park, 山王公園の桜

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City

• Approx. 200 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Coin parking available nearby
• Public toilets: Available
1-9 Sanno, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 1 min. on foot from Sanno Koen-mae Nishitetsu bus stop or 12 min. on foot from Higashi-Hie Subway Sta.
https://bit.ly/3SI9AYL

Higashi Hirao Park

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
The Adventure Forest in Otani Square, adjacent to it, is equipped with athletic playground equipment.

• Approx. 1,600 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
2-1-2 Higashi-hirao Koen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot from Higashihirao Koen-iriguchi Nishitetsu bus stop
http://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=202002

Reisen Park

Sakura at Reisen Park, 冷泉公園の桜Photograph provided by Fukuoka City
A popular spot in the heart of Fukuoka, which also attracts many cherry blossom viewers at night.

• Approx. 60 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Coin parking available nearby
• Public toilets: Available
7 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 3 min. on foot from Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Sta. or 3 min. on foot from Kawabata-machi Hakataza-mae Nishitetsu bus stop
https://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=205001

Atago Shrine

Sakura at Atago Shrine, 愛宕神社の桜

• Over 1,000 trees
• Free entry
• Atago Sakura Festival: 3/16 (Sat.) ~ 4/14 (Sun.)
• Sakura Light up: 3/16 (Sat.) ~ 4/14 (Sun.) sunset~
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 20 min. on foot from Muromi Subway Sta., a short walk from Atago Jinja-mae Nishitetsu bus stop
http://atagojinjya.com/
• Fukuoka Topics – Cherry Blossoms and Beautiful Night Views at Atago Shrine

Nokonoshima Island Park

Sakura at Nokonoshima Island Park, のこのしまアイランドパークの桜

• Approx. 200 trees
• Open: 9:00~17:30 (Mon. ~ Sat.), 9:00~18:00 (Sun., & hol.)
• Entry fee: ¥1,200, ES & JHS ¥600, over 3 years old ¥400
• Parking: Available next to Meinohama Passenger Terminal (¥510/day)
• Public toilets: Available
Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: Catch a ferry from Meinohama Passenger Terminal, and get a bus to Island Park
http://nokonoshima.com/en/

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Sakura at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, 国営海の中道海浜公園の桜

• Approx. 1,600 trees
• Open: 9:30~17:30 (Mar. 1 ~ Oct. 31)
• Entry fee: ¥450, over 65 y.o. ¥210, free for JHS and under
Uminonakamichi Flower Picnic 2024: 3/23 (Sat.) ~ 5/19 (Sun.)
• Parking: ¥530/day
• Public toilets: Available
18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: A short walk from JR Uminonakamichi Sta.
https://uminaka-park.jp/

Uminonakamichi Flower Picnic 2023

Muromigawa River Park

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

• Approx. 100 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
4-14 Kotabe, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 1 min. on foot from Kotabe 4-chome Nishitetsu bus stop
https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/sawaraku/sawaraku-tamatebako/kankou/muromi_park.html

Seinanmorinokohan Park

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

• Approx. 30 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: ¥100/hour
• Public toilets: Available
6 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 7 min. on foot from Nanakuma Subway Sta., 5 min. on foot from Umebayashi Subway Sta.
http://seinanmori.q-rin.co.jp/index.php

Aburayama Fukuoka

Sakura at Aburayama Fukuoka, ABURAYAMA FUKUOKAの桜

• Approx. 1,700 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Standard car ¥300/3 hours (over 3 hours, ¥100/1 hour)
• Public toilets: Available
855-4 Hibaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka
• From 3/2 (Sat.) ~ 3/31 (Sun.) there are direct buses from Fukudaiseimon-mae bus stop (time table) *weekends & hol. only
• Access: 21 min. by car from Umebayashi Subway Sta.
https://www.aburayama-fukuoka.com/

Hibaruzakura Park

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

• 13 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Unavailable
• Public toilets: Unavailable
1-5 Hibaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 2 min. on foot from Matsumotoike Nishitetsu bus stop
https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/minamiku/k-shinko/charm-event/hibaru_access.html
• Fukuoka Topics – The Hibaru Cherry Trees: A Testament to the Will of the People of Fukuoka

 

Itoshima City

Ikeda River

Sakura at Ikeda River, 池田川河畔の桜

• Number unknown
• Free entry
• Parking: Unavailable
• Public toilets: Unavailable
Hataeeki-kita, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Hatae Sta.
https://kanko-itoshima.jp/spot/sakura/

Kafuri Park

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

• Approx. 500 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
5-718 Kafuri, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: A short walk from Kafuri Showa bus stop
https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/spot/12200

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

Sasayama Park 

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023Enjoyable for walking, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of Itoshima from the summit.

• Approx. 660 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
2 Maebarueki-minami, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Sta.
https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/spot/12202

 

Dazaifu City

Kamado Shrine

Sakura at Kamado Shrine, 宝満宮 竈門神社の桜Known for protecting the kimon (northeast) of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Kamado Shrine is also a popular photo cherry blossom spot.

• Approx. 200 trees
• Free entry
Sakura Festival: 3/23 (Sat.), 3/24 (Sun.) 10:00~16:00
• Sakura Light up: 3/23 (Sat.) ~ 3/31(Sun.) sunset~21:00
• Parking: ¥400
• Public toilets: Available
883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• Access: Take Community bus Mahorobago, a short walk from Uchiyama bus stop, or 30 min. on foot from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
http://kamadojinja.or.jp/

Sakura at Kamado Shrine, 宝満宮 竈門神社の桜

 

Ukiha City

Shidarezakura at Hokkebaru Hanateien

Shidarezakura at Hokkebaru Hanateien, 法華原華庭園 身延の枝垂れ桜

• 3 trees (Shidarezakura)
• Weeping Cherry Blossom Festival: 3/16 (Sat.) ~ 3/24 (Sun.)
• Sakura Light up: 3/16 (Sat.) ~ 3/24 (Sun.) 18:30~
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
2314 Tominaga, Yoshii-machi, Ukiha City, Fukuoka
• Access: 36 min. on foot from JR Chikugo-yoshii Sta.
https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/spot/14027

Nagarekawa no Sakuranamiki

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023 写真提供:福岡県観光連盟
A row of cherry trees stretching about 2 km along the Kose River.

• Approx: 350 trees
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
Nagarekawa, Ukiha-machi, Ukiha City, Fukuoka
• Access: 6 min. on foot from Nagarekawa Nishitetsu bus stop, 24 min. on foot from JR Ukiha Sta.
https://ukihalove.jp/contents/nagarekawasakuranamiki/
• Related article: Now Report “The connection between Nagaregawa and Slam Dunk?

 

Asakura City

Akizuki Sugi-no-baba

Sakura at Akizuki Sugi-no-baba , 秋月杉の馬場の桜Approximately 200 cherry blossom trees, spanning about 500 meters, present a breathtaking view!

• 200 trees, along a 500 m concourse.
• Free entry
• Sakura Light up: Late Mar. ~ early Apr. sunset ~ around 22:00
• Parking: ¥400 (Akizuki Parking)
• Public toilets: Available
Akizukinotori, Asakura City, Fukuoka
• Access: A short walk from Hakubutsukan-mae bus stop
https://amagiasakura.net/sightseeing_post/akizuki_suginobaba_sakura/

Kyushu Live
Akizuki, Fukuoka & Cherry Blossoms – Kyushu Live Walk in Japan (Mar. 24, 2021)

 

Amagi Park

Sakura at Amagi Park, 甘木公園の桜

• Approx: 4,000 trees
• Sakura Light up: Late Mar. ~ early Apr. sunset ~ around 22:00
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilet: Available
79 Bodaiji, Asakura City, Fukuoka
• Access: 25 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Amagi Sta.
https://amagiasakura.net/sightseeing_post/amagikouen_sakura/

Sakura at Amagi Park, 甘木公園の桜

 

Kurume City

Asai no Ippon Zakura (Hotomeki no Ki)

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023The tree is over 100 years old. It is known as Yamazakura and is 18 m tall with a circumference of 4.3 m.

• Free entry
• Sakura Light up: 3/27 (Wed.) ~ 4/5 (Fri.) 19:00~21:00
• Parking: Price will be updated on the official web.
• Public toilets: Unavailable (Temporary toilets are installed only during the Sakura Festival period.)
1151 Mino, Yamamoto-machi Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: 30 min. on foot from JR Zendoji Sta.
https://bit.ly/3T1lKgC

 

Tagawa City / Soeda-machi

Maruyama Park

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

• Approx. 1,000 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
19-1 Maruyama-machi, Tagawa City, Fukuoka
• Access: 16 min. on foot from JR Tagawa-Gotoji Sta.
http://www.joho.tagawa.fukuoka.jp/kiji00336/index.html

Shidarezakura at Shujobo

Shidarezakura at Shujobo, 守静坊のしだれ桜

• 1 tree (over 200-year-old weeping cherry tree)
• Free viewing
• Sakura Light up: 3/29 (Fri.), 3/30 (Sat.) sunset~24:00
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Unavailable
728 Hikosan, Soeda-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka
• Access: Take Community bus Soeda-machi bus (Hikosan course), a short walk from Kane-no-torii bus stop
https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/event/15519

Kasuya-gun

Ino Tenshoko Shrine

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023©久山町

• Approx. 200 trees
• Free entry
• Hisayama Ino Sakura Festival: 3/30 (Sat.) 10:00~20:00
• Sakura Light up: 3/29 (Fri.) ~ 3/31 (Sun.) 18:30~21:00
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
604 Ino, Hisayama-machi, Kasuya, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot from Ino bus stop
https://bit.ly/3JIsegn

 

Kyushu’s Sakura Spots

As a bonus addition to the Fukuoka Now Sakura Guide, we’ve listed up one no-fail sakura spot for each of Kyushu’s other six prefectures – for those venturing outside the Fukuoka city limits!

Ogi Park

Sakura at Ogi Park, 小城公園の桜Nestled within a park that boasts the distinction of being among Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom sites and historical parks, this verdant sanctuary houses a carp pond and a shrine, providing a serene setting for peaceful moments. As night falls, the cherry blossoms, illuminated, cast their reflections upon the water, enveloping the space in an enchanting ambiance.

• Approx. 3,000 trees
• Free entry
• Sakura Light up: 3/23 (Sat.) ~ 4/7 (Sun.) sunset~21:00
*The end date may be moved up depending on the condition of the cherry blossoms.
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
185 Ogi-machi, Ogi City, Saga
• Access: 3 min. on foot from JR Ogi Sta.
https://www.city.ogi.lg.jp/main/5526.html

Kameoka Park

Sakura at Kameoka Park, 亀岡公園の桜Visitors can marvel at a rich variety of cherry blossoms, encompassing around 700 Somei Yoshino trees, an ancient avenue of 400-year-old yew trees, and unique “double-blooming cherry blossoms” that produce new buds among the blossoms. As the cherry trees reach peak bloom, the area becomes a bustling hub of activity, drawing crowds of enthusiasts eager to partake in the seasonal spectacle.

• Approx. 700 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
1458 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki
• Access: 5 min. by car from Hirado Bridge
https://www.hirado-net.com/see/hokubu/see55/

Kumamoto Castle

Sakura at Kumamoto Castle, 熊本城の桜Photograph provided by Kumamoto City

• Approx. 550 trees
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Entry fee: ¥800, ES & JHS ¥300, free for preschool children
• Parking: ¥200/2 hours (over 2 hours, ¥100/hour)
• Public toilets: Available
1-1 Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto
• 10 min. on foot from Kumamoto Castle / City Hall Sta.
https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/

Oita Castle Ruin Park

Sakura at Oita Castle Ruin Park, 大分城址公園の桜Sakura trees line the moat surrounding the historic castle, and the flowers reflect brilliantly on the water.

• 65 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Unavailable
• Public toilets: Available
74 Niage-machi, Oita City, Oita
• Access: 15 min. on foot from JR Oita Sta.
https://www.oishiimati-oita.jp/spots/detail/CPID:9999900074991

Shiroyama Park

Sakura at Shiroyama Park, 城山公園の桜From an elevation of 192 meters, you can have a panoramic view of Kagoshima City.

• Approx. 730 trees
• Open: 9:30~17:00 (Mar.), 9:30~18:00 (Apr.)
• Closed: Mon. (open if Mon. is a hol. and closed the next day)
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
3819 Kokubukamiko-gawa, Kirishima City, Kagoshima
• Access: A short walk from Shiroyama bus stop
http://www.kirishima-sjc.or.jp/shiroyama/

Darumizu Park

Sakura at Darumizu Park, 垂水公園(だるみずこうえん)の桜In a park located on a hill at an elevation of 120 meters, the cherry blossom trees along the municipal road leading to the park’s entrance are known as a famous cherry blossom spot, commonly referred to as “Cherry Road.”

• Approx. 3,500 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
5724-1 Uryuno, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki
• Access: 25 min. by car from Sadowara IC
https://www.miyazaki-city.tourism.or.jp/spot/12274

Ohanami How-to

Before you head out to your chosen cherry blossom spot, it’s time to plan your ohanami picnic. We suggest organizing a group of friends and dividing the list of essentials to ensure nothing is forgotten or duplicated!

Tips

– Secure Your Spot: Lay down a ground sheet early to claim your ideal location in busy parks. This step is crucial for enjoying hanami in popular areas.

– Dress Warmly: Temperatures can drop quickly once the sun sets. Pack an extra layer to ensure you remain cozy from the afternoon into the evening.

– Pack Entertainment: An enjoyable ohanami can last the entire day. Bring along entertainment like books, magazines, a portable Bluetooth speaker, playing cards, or even a guitar to enhance the atmosphere.

– Culinary Planning: Elevate your picnic beyond convenience store finds. Choose sakura-themed bento boxes from department stores or prepare homemade delights. And of course, sakura viewing wouldn’t be complete without sake!

– Use Public Transportation: Parks and hanami spots can get very crowded, and parking might be difficult to find. Using public transportation can save you from the hassle of searching for a parking spot.

– Capture the Moment: Bring a camera or make sure your phone is charged to capture the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms. However, remember to enjoy the view with your eyes as much as you do through the lens.

Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts

– Space Consideration: Occupy only as much space as you need. If your group consists of four, prepare a space suitable for four.

– Keep Volume Moderate: Enjoy the serene ambiance. Avoid loud music or singing that disrupts the peaceful setting. Hanami is about appreciating nature, not hosting a boisterous party.

– Cleanup Responsibility: Bring along cleaning supplies like gloves and bags for trash segregation. Since many viewing spots lack proper disposal facilities, be prepared to carry your trash with you.

– Respect Nature: Do not harm the trees, their branches, or roots. Avoid bending or breaking branches, and leave the blossoms for all to enjoy.

– Consideration for Others: Your actions can affect everyone’s experience. Be mindful and respectful of those around you.

– Do arrive early: Especially in popular spots, arriving early not only helps you secure a good location but also allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the morning cherry blossoms.

– Do keep the noise level down: Even during the day, remember that some people visit cherry blossom spots for quiet reflection and relaxation.

– Don’t forget to check for local rules: Some parks may have specific guidelines for hanami, such as restrictions on alcohol consumption or barbecue use. Familiarize yourself with these rules to avoid any inconvenience.

Types of Sakura Trees – Know Your Sakura!

Japan boasts over one hundred types of sakura trees, encompassing both cultivated and wild varieties. For centuries, these trees have adorned gardens and parks, enchanting onlookers with their beauty. The Somei Yoshino is the most popular variety, but during springtime in Fukuoka, you’re sure to encounter many other varieties. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the characteristics that differentiate the varieties of sakura:

1. Number of Petals: Wild sakura trees and the majority of cultivated trees feature blossoms with five petals, such as the Somei Yoshino. However, some species, known as yaezakura, boast blossoms with more than five petals, ranging from those with around 20 petals (e.g., Ichiyo) to those with up to 300 petals (e.g., Kikuzakura).

2. Color of Blossoms: Sakura blossoms can vary from the common light pink or white (e.g., Shogetsu) to more unusual colors like dark pink (e.g., Kanzan), yellow, or green (e.g., Ukon). Some varieties even change color as they bloom.

3. Time of Blooming: While sakura blossoms are typically associated with spring, not all varieties bloom during this season. Yaezakura varieties usually bloom four to five weeks after the five-petaled species and some rare varieties bloom in late autumn or even winter!

Most common cherry tree varieties

– Somei Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry): The most widespread sakura tree in Japan, the Somei Yoshino, cultivated in Tokyo during the Edo Period, features pale-pink, five-petaled blossoms. Its fresh leaves emerge only after the peak of flowering, creating an intense visual impact.

– Yamazakura: The most common wild cherry tree variety. With five slightly pink, small petals, the Yamazakura’s blossoms appear simultaneously with its fresh leaves, offering a softer appearance compared to the Somei Yoshino.

YamazakuraPhoto from Photo AC

– Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry): Among Japan’s most beloved cherry trees, Shidarezakura come in varieties with both five-petaled blossoms and those with more than five petals, the latter blooming about a week later.

©Taichiro Ueki

Sakura Vocabulary

Show your expertise and impress your picnic buddies by learning some seasonal Japanese vocabulary.

Sakura / 桜 / さくら: Cherry blossoms
Hanami / 花見 / はなみ : Cherry-blossom viewing
Kaikayosou / 開花予想 / かいかよそう: Blooming prediction/forecast
Tsubomi / つぼみ: Bud
Sakihajime / 咲き始め / さきはじめ: Beginning to bloom
Migoro / 見頃 / みごろ: Best time to see
Gobuzaki / 5分咲き / ごぶざき: 50% bloom
Shichibuzaki / 7分咲き / しちぶざき: 70% bloom
Mankai / 満開 / まんかい: Full bloom
Chirihajime / 散り始め / ちりはじめ: Beginning to fall
Hazakura / 葉桜 / はざくら: Leaves


>> View the Map on this larger map

Originally written in February 2017
NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there is a possibility of error and facility details may change. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was last updated in February of 2024.

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2023 / 福岡さくら・お花見ガイド2023

Category
Seasonal Guide
Fukuoka Prefecture
Kyushu
Published: Feb 20, 2024 / Last Updated: Apr 4, 2024

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