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 9 easily accessible locations from the Fukuoka urban area. Viewing the cosmos under the beautiful autumn sky is an ideal outing for the fall season.
▷ Fukuoka Now Cosmos Guide 2024 (Google Map)
Cosmos viewing spots in Fukuoka
• Fukuoka City (2)
• Itoshima City, Fukuoka (1)
• Kurume City, Fukuoka (1)
• Dazaifu City, Fukuoka (2)
• Asakura City, Fukuoka (1)
• Onga-gun, Fukuoka (1)
• Oita Prefecture (1)
Fukuoka City
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. ~ mid-Nov.
• Approx: Early blooming 500,000, late blooming 300,000
• Open: 9:00~17:30 (Sun., hol., open until 18:30)
• Closed: Never
• Entry fee: ¥1,500, ES & JHS ¥800, over 3 y.o. ¥500, ¥500/dog
• 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/
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 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 6th and October 27th, 2024.
• Season: Early Oct. ~ late Oct.
• Approx: 1,000,000
• Open: Mar. ~ Oct. 9:30~17:30, Nov. ~ Feb. 9:30~17:00
• Entry fee: ¥450, over 65 y.o. ¥210, free of under JHS
• Parking: Standard car ¥600/day
• 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: A short walk from JR “Saitozaki Sta.”
• https://uminaka-park.jp/enjoy_flower/four-seasons/cosmos.html
Itoshima City
Hirabaru Historical Park
Hidden gem alert: Hirabaru Historical Park in Itoshima is a renowned spot for cosmos flowers. This picturesque site, home to the Hirabaru Ruins believed to be the tomb of the King of Ito from the Yayoi period, features a hillside where cosmos flowers, planted by local volunteers, bloom beautifully. Around October 20th each year, a unique phenomenon can be witnessed: as the sun rises from the Hinata Pass in the east, it illuminates the cosmos field and casts light directly onto the tomb, creating a sundial-like effect. The park also offers other attractions, such as the historic former Fujise Family Residence, built during the Edo period.
（一社）糸島市観光協会
• Season: Mid-Oct
• Approx: 100,000
• Free entry
• Parking: 20 spaces (free)
• Arita, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. by car from Maebaru IC
• https://kanko-itoshima.jp/spot/hirabarurekishikouen/
Kurume City
Cosmos Road
Among the famous spots for cosmos flowers in Fukuoka Prefecture, the Cosmos Road in Kitano Town is particularly popular, attracting many visitors during the season. In October, when the flowers are at their peak, cosmos bloom along a 3.5-kilometer stretch of the Jinya River embankment, a tributary of the Chikugo River. This picturesque landscape is recognized as one of the “100 Flower Landscapes of Japan to Preserve for the Future” by the Ikenobo Flower Association. On October 26 and 27, the Cosmos Festival will be held at Cosmos Park Kitano, featuring around 40 food trucks and booths.
• Season: Mid-Oct. ~ early Nov.
• Approx: 500,000
• Parking: 102 spaces (free) at Cosmos Park Kitano
• Jinyagawa-river, Imayama, Kitano-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: Get off at Nishitetsu Amagi line “Kitano Sta.” 14 min. on foot from there
• https://cosmos-fes.jimdofree.com/
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. ~ early Nov.
• Approx: 900,000
• Parking: 45 spaces (free)
• 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/bunkazai/36420.html
Mizuki Fortress Ruins
In autumn, approximately 200 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 10 meters.
• Season: Late Oct. ~ early Nov.
• Approx: 2,000,000
• Open (Mizukikan): 9:00~16:30
• Closed (Mizukikan): Mon. (open if Mon. is a hol. and closed the next day) *the garden area never closes
• Parking: 15 spaces (free)
• 1 Mizuki, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• Access: Get off at Nishitetsu Omuta Line “Shimo-ori Sta.” 19 min. on foot from there
• https://www.city.dazaifu.lg.jp/site/bunkazai/36421.html
Asakura City
Kirin Beer Park
The Kirin Beer Park, located in front of a beer factory, spans about 70,000 square meters and is home to 10 million cosmos flowers that bloom in the fall. From Saturday, October 12 to Monday, November 4, the “Asakura Kirin Cosmos Festa” will take place, where visitors can enjoy freshly brewed beer and meals at the adjacent Kirin Beer Farm. Factory tours are available by reservation only (¥500 per person for those aged 20 and over).
• Season: Mid-Oct. ~ early Nov.
• Approx: 10,000,000
• Open: Kirin Beer Park 24h
• Closed: Never
• Free entry
• Parking: 800 spaces (free)
• 3601 Mada, Asakura City, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. by car from Amagi IC
• https://www.instagram.com/kirinfukuoka_cosmos/
Onga-gun
Mizumaki-machi Cosmos Park
In Mizumaki Town, where the cosmos flower is a town symbol, cosmos motifs can be found everywhere, from original-design vending machines to manhole covers. From mid-October, a pink cosmos road stretches for about 6 kilometers along the banks of the Onga River. The growth of the cosmos flowers is regularly updated on the town’s official blog. On October 26 and 27, the Cosmos Festival will be held at Midorin Park, featuring stage shows and food stalls.
• Season: Mid-Oct. ~ early Nov.
• Approx: 5,000,000
• Free entry
• Parking: 350 spaces (free)
• 12 Mizumaki-machi, Onga-gun, Fukuoka
• Access: 6 min. by car from JR “Mizumaki Sta.”
• https://www.town.mizumaki.lg.jp/li/business/
Oita Prefecture
Sanko Cosmos Park
One of the largest cosmos fields in Western Japan will be open for a limited time. A stunning 27 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: 10/18 (Fri.) ~ 10/31 (Thu.)
• Approx: 27,000,000
• Closed: Never
• Free entry
• Parking: 180 spaces in the park (¥300/car), 440 spaces (free) at Sanko Sports Park, Sanko Community Center *1 km from Cosmos Park
• Haraguchi, Sanko, Nakatsu City, Oita
• Access: Take a bus to “Hachimenzan” from JR “Nakatsu Sta.”, get off at “Naritune” bus stop. A short walk from there
• https://www.city-nakatsu.jp/doc/2024061800063/
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Originally written in September 2024.
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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.
