As the summer heat starts to fade, cosmos bloom in parks and along roadsides, delighting people’s eyes with their charming appearance as they flutter in the autumn breeze. Written as ‘秋桜,’ which translates to ‘cherry blossoms in autumn,’ they are now known as one of the representative flowers of Japanese autumn, even though their cultivation in Japan did not begin until the Meiji era. Originating from Mexico, cosmos are hardy and easy to grow; they quickly spread throughout Japan because of their beauty. In Fukuoka, there are several spots where entire areas are covered with cosmos. Among them, the Fukuoka Now Cosmos Guide introduces 11 easily accessible locations from the Fukuoka urban area. Viewing the cosmos under the beautiful autumn sky is an ideal outing for the fall season.
Cosmos viewing spots in Fukuoka
• Fukuoka City (3)
• Itoshima City, Fukuoka (1)
• Kurume City, Fukuoka (1)
• Dazaifu City, Fukuoka (2)
• Asakura City, Fukuoka (1)
• Onga, Fukuoka (1)
• Tagawa, Fukuoka (1)
• Oita Prefecture (1)
Fukuoka City Area
Nokonoshima Island Park
Nokonoshima Island Park is renowned for its ever-changing floral displays, offering a variety of seasonal blooms throughout the year. Set against the backdrop of the Genkai Sea, the park features a stunning array of cosmos flowers in shades of light and dark pink. These blooms create a striking contrast against the sky. While the best time to visit for cosmos-viewing is in mid-October, the area overlooking Genkai Island also features late-blooming varieties that continue to flower until mid-November.
• Season: Early Oct. 2023 ~ mid-Nov. 2023
• Approx: Early blooming 500,000, late blooming 300,000
• Open: 9:00~17:30 (Sun., hol., open until 18:30)
• Closed: Never
• Entry fee: ¥1,200, ES & JHS ¥600, over 3 y.o. ¥400
• Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: Ride the ferry from Meinohama Ferry Terminal to Nokonoshima (approx. 10 min.), then catch the bus from Nokonoshima Ferry Terminal heading to “Island Park” (approx. 13 min). Get off at the last stop.
• http://www.nokonoshima.com/en/
• https://twitter.com/W2Yh7w9NLzeE2qs
• https://www.instagram.com/nokoipark/
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, set between the waters of Hakata Bay and the Genkai Sea, spans a vast 300 hectares. The park is a year-round floral wonderland with sections dedicated to interacting with animals like squirrel monkeys and capybaras. Come autumn, the park boasts a breathtaking display of 1.2 million cosmos flowers. In addition, vibrant red kochia plants reach full bloom from mid-to-late October. As a special promotion for Urban Greenery Month, admission is free on October 1st and October 29th, 2023. In addition to cosmos viewing, check out the “Uminaka Flower Festival,” where workshops and other events are held, on the Fukuoka Now website!
• Season: Early Oct. 2023 ~ late Oct. 2023
• Approx: 1,200,000
• Open: Mar. ~ Oct. 9:30~17:30, Nov. ~ Feb. 9:30~17:00
• Closed: 12/31, 1/1, the first Mon. of Feb. and the following day
• Entry fee: ¥450, over 65 y.o. ¥210, free of under JHS
• Parking: ¥530/day
• 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: JR “Saitozaki Sta.”
• https://uminaka-park.jp/enjoy_flower/four-seasons/cosmos.html
• https://twitter.com/uminakapark
• https://www.instagram.com/uminonakamichiseasidepark/
Susenji Civic Fureai Hiroba
Located about 30 minutes by subway from Hakata Station, on the south side of ‘Susenji Station’ on the JR Chikuhi Line, is a cosmos field with excellent access. About 200,000 cosmos, cultivated by local farmers, line the area along the West Kyushu Road. It’s a restful spot that locals look forward to visiting every year. On October 22nd, a ‘Cosmos Festival’ will take place, featuring vegetable stands and a market. Visitors can pick and take home cosmos flowers. If you plan to pick some, be sure to bring scissors.
• Season: Mid-Oct. 2023 ~ early Nov. 2023
• Approx: 200,000
• Free entry
• South side of JR Susenji Sta., Susenji, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: Take the JR Chikuhi line to “Chikuzen-maebaru” from “Hakata Sta.”, get off at “Susenji Sta.”
Itoshima City
Hirabaru Historical Park
A hidden gem known to those in the know, Hirabaru Historical Park in Itoshima is a treasure trove of attractions. Located on a small hill, the park is home to a variety of historical landmarks. These include a rectangular moat tomb measuring 14m by 12m, said to belong to the King of Ito State from the Late Yayoi period, the Hirabaru ruins where Japan’s largest bronze mirror ‘Naiko Kamonkyo’ was excavated, and the old Fujise residence built during the Edo period. In the fall, cosmos flowers planted by local volunteers come into bloom, making it an ideal location for picnics on a sunny day.
（一社）糸島市観光協会
• Season: Mid-Oct. 2023 ~ late Oct. 2023
• Approx: 100,000
• Free entry
• Free parking available: Approx. 20 spaces at the park
• Arita, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. by car from Maebaru IC
• https://kanko-itoshima.jp/spot/hirabarurekishikouen/
Kurume City
Cosmos Road
One of the most visited cosmos-viewing spots in Fukuoka Prefecture is the Cosmos Road in Kitano-machi. During October, which is the prime season for cosmos, the flowers blanket a 3.5 km stretch along the bank of the Jinya River, a tributary of the Chikugo River. This spectacular display has earned it a spot on the list of Japan’s 100 most beautiful flower landscapes to preserve for future generations. Adding to the seasonal excitement, a Cosmos Festival will be held on October 21st and 22nd. The festival will feature 26 vendors, primarily offering food and drinks, along with kitchen car stalls, creating a lively atmosphere.
• Season: Mid-Oct. 2023 ~ late Oct. 2023
• Approx: 500,000
• Free parking available: 102 spaces at Cosmos Park Kitano, 40 spaces at Chikugo Riverside
• Jinyagawa-river, Imayama, Kitano-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: Get off at Nishitetsu Amagi line “Kitano Sta.” 5 min. on foot from there
• https://bit.ly/3emegn8
• https://cosmos-fes.jimdofree.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/cosmos.fes
Dazaifu City
Kanzeonji Temple
Founded in 746 and boasting a history of over 1,200 years, Kanzeonji Temple is a venerable site that houses many significant cultural treasures, including a bronze bell known as ‘Bonsho,’ which is said to be the oldest in Japan. On the east side of the temple, cosmos flowers bloom gloriously in the fall. A path leading to the main hall is lined with towering Metasequoia trees. The temple is situated next to the ruins of the ‘Dazaifu Government Office,’ making it a hidden gem where visitors can stroll and spend some peaceful time.
• Season: Late Oct. 2023 ~ early Nov. 2023
• Approx: 900,000
• Free parking available: 45 spaces (Kanzeonji Temple)
• 5-6-1 Kanzeonji, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• Access: Get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu line “Gojo Sta.” 10 min. on foot from there
• https://www.city.dazaifu.lg.jp/site/kanko/11420.html
Mizuki Fortress Ruins
In autumn, approximately 3.78 million cosmos bloom at the Mizuki Fortress Ruins, while in spring, canola flowers and cherry blossoms flourish, creating a beautiful landscape set against the lush green castle ruins. Strolling through the flower fields or enjoying the view from the free observation deck are among the pleasures to be had here. Built 1,350 years ago, this fortress still has a massive earthen wall that stretches 1.2 km in length and reaches a height of 13 meters.
• Season: Late Oct. 2023 ~ early Nov. 2023
• Approx: 3,780,000
• Open: 9:00~16:30 (Mizukikan)
• Closed (Mizukikan): Mon. (open if Mon. is a hol. and closed the next day) *the garden area never closes
• Free parking available: 15 spaces
• 1 Mizuki, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• Access: Get off at Nishitetsu Omuta Line “Tofurō-Mae Sta.” 20 min. on foot from there
• https://www.city.dazaifu.lg.jp/site/kanko/11428.html
Asakura City
Kirin Beer Park
Stretching out in front of the beer factory, the approximately 70,000 m² Kirin Beer Park comes alive with 10 million cosmos flowers in the fall. From October 14th (Sat.) to November 5th (Sun.), the “Kirin Cosmos Festa 2023” will be held. Next to it, at the Kirin Beer Farm, you can enjoy factory-fresh beer and meals. During this period, the Asakura Tourism Association is organizing a stamp rally where visitors can effectively tour the highlights of the area. Depending on the number of stamps collected, you can win local products or hot spring vouchers.
• Season: Mid-Oct. ~ early Nov.
• Approx: 10,000,000
• Open: Kirin Beer Park 24h, reservations by phone required for factory tours
• Closed: Never
• Free entry
• Free parking available: 1,500 spaces
• 0946-23-2132
• 3601 Mada, Asakura City, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. by car from Amagi IC
• https://www.instagram.com/kirinfukuoka_cosmos/
Onga
Mizumaki-machi Cosmos Park
In Mizumaki Town, cosmos flowers serve as the town’s floral symbol. Throughout the town, you can find vending machines with original cosmos-themed designs and even manhole covers featuring cosmos illustrations, filling the town with the charm of these flowers. From mid-October, cosmos cultivated by local volunteers bloom alongside the Koga River, creating a ‘Pink Cosmos Road’ that stretches for about 6 km. Updates on the growth of the cosmos are regularly posted on the official blog. On October 21st and 22nd, a Cosmos Festival will be held at the nearby Midorin Park, featuring stage shows, songs and talks by Maekawa Kiyoshi, as well as gourmet food stalls.
• Season: Mid-Oct. 2023 ~ early Nov. 2023
• Approx: 5,000,000
• Free entry
• Free parking available: 500 spaces
• 12 Mizumaki-machi, Onga, Fukuoka
• Access: 6 min. by car from JR “Mizumaki Sta.”
• https://bit.ly/3LIduy3
• https://bit.ly/3PT9kpB
Tagawa
Oto Sakurakaido Flower Garden
This rest stop features a shop offering local farm produce as well as a natural hot spring facility named ‘Tennen Onsen Sakura-kan.’ Beyond its lavish restrooms, which cost 100 million yen to build, the station is home to a flower garden that showcases seasonal blooms throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy rape blossoms in the spring, sunflowers in the summer, and cosmos flowers in the fall. At the heart of the garden stands an 8-meter-high observatory tower, providing a 360-degree panoramic view of the stunning cosmos field below.
• Season: Usually, the peak season is in late October. However, the plants are not looking good this year – might be better to visit in 2024?
• Approx: 180,000
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (opening time of the observatory)
• Closed: Irregular
• Free entry
• Free parking available: 800 spaces
• 1339 Imatobaru, Oto-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka
• Access: Take community bus from JR “Tagawa-Ita Sta.”, get off at “Tanaka” bus stop, 14 min. on foot from there
• https://www.instagram.com/ootousakurakaidou
Oita Prefecture
Sanko Cosmos Park
One of the largest cosmos fields in Western Japan will be open for a limited time. A stunning 28 million cosmos bloom across the vast 16 hectares of land! You can enjoy the charm of cosmos through art made from the flowers or in a flower bed area featuring rare varieties. A market selling local specialties will be open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Cosmos from the cut flower area can also be taken home for ¥300, available from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Season: 10/4 (Wed.) ~ 10/22 (Sun.)
• Approx: 28,000,000
• Closed: Never
• Free entry
• Parking: Available in the park (¥300)
• Sanko, Nakatsu City, Oita
• Access: 10 min. by car from Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, Nakatsu IC (Sanko Post Office is the landmark)
• https://www.city-nakatsu.jp/doc/2023070700036/
• https://www.instagram.com/sanko_cosmos_festival2023/
• Fukuoka Now Cosmos Guide 2023 Google Map
Originally written in September 2023.
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NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was originally written in September 2021.
