Now Reports

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

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’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 City

Maizuru Park

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

Photograph 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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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/

Muromigawa River Park

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Sasayama Park 

Enjoyable 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

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/

 

Ukiha City

Shidarezakura at Hokkebaru Hanateien

• 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

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

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

• 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/

 

Kurume City

Asai no Ippon Zakura (Hotomeki no Ki)

The 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

• 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

• 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

©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

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

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

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 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

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

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.

Photo 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.