Guide

Each spring, cherry blossom forecasts become a quiet obsession. Maps are checked, dates debated, and travel plans adjusted in pursuit of a few fleeting days of bloom. What was once a local seasonal marker is now a global one. In Fukuoka, however, sakura season feels less like a spectacle and more like part of everyday life—appearing along rivers, streets, and neighborhood parks, often without fanfare.

As winter eases, people begin to watch the trees. Cherry blossoms in Fukuoka are not limited to famous spots but woven into the city’s daily scenery, from riversides and public parks to temple grounds and ordinary streets. This understated presence is one of the most characteristically Japanese ways to experience spring.

Fukuoka is typically among the first places in Japan to see cherry blossoms bloom. While colder-than-usual weather has caused some delays this year, peak viewing is still expected around late March. When the pale pink petals finally arrive, the city shifts gently into spring, inviting hanami picnics, quiet walks, and moments of pause beneath the trees.

2026 Sakura Forecast (as of Feb. 12)

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 will begin to bloom on Mar. 21. Full bloom is expected on Mar. 31.
• Oita’s sakura will begin to bloom on Mar. 27, with full bloom around Apr. 7.
• Nagasaki’s sakura will begin to bloom on Mar. 27, with full bloom around Apr. 5.
• Saga’s sakura will begin to bloom on Mar. 26, with full bloom around Apr. 3.
• Kumamoto’s sakura will begin to bloom on Mar. 24, with full bloom around Apr. 2.
• Miyazaki’s sakura will begin to bloom on Mar. 25, with full bloom around Apr. 5.
• Kagoshima’s sakura will begin to bloom on Mar. 29, with full bloom around Apr. 7.

Sakura blooming forecast for Fukuoka as of Feb. 12. This chart illustrates the predicted percentage of blooms by date. Between Mar. 30 and Apr. 6 is predicted to be prime cherry blossom viewing in Fukuoka.

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)

▷Fukuoka Cherry Blossom / Sakura Guide 2026 Google Map

 

Fukuoka City

Maizuru Park

Approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom around the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, making it one of the city’s premier hanami destinations. During the Sakura Festival, the area is illuminated after dark. Daytime brings picnics and leisurely walks, while evenings offer a more atmospheric view of the blossoms under lights. A long-standing sign of spring in Fukuoka, it attracts large crowds each year.

• Approx. 1,000 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: ¥150/hour (different pricing for No. 4 Parking)
• 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 2024（Apr. 2, 2024）

Nishi Park

Chosen as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites,” this hillside park is among Fukuoka’s most celebrated hanami spots. Located just minutes from the city center, it offers wide views from around Terumo Shrine, looking out over Ohori Park and Hakata Bay. Each spring, it draws large crowds and remains a classic, go-to destination for cherry blossom viewing in Fukuoka.

• Approx. 1,300 trees
• Free entry
• Sakura light up: 18:00~22:00 (Mar. 27 ~ Apr. 10)
• Parking: Closed during Sakura festival period. (Vehicles cannot enter during the same period.)
• 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/

Sakura Festival:
• Mar. 27, 2026 (Fri, hol) ~ Apr. 10, 2026 (Fri)
• https://www.instagram.com/nishikoen.sakuramatsuri/

 

Tenjin Central Park

A popular cherry blossom spot in the heart of the city, at the base of ACROS Fukuoka. During the main hanami period, the lawn at Sakura Hiroba becomes a ticketed area. Visitors are still free to stroll along the surrounding paths. Food trucks are set up mainly on weekends, from 11:00 to 18:00. Mornings between 9:00 and 11:00 tend to be less crowded. Along the riverside, you can also catch the contrast of bright tulips in bloom against the soft pink of the cherry blossoms.

• Approx. 50 trees
• Free entry (designated hanami areas require a fee)
• Sakura Light up: 18:00~21:00 (Mar. 20 ~ Apr. 5)
• Parking: Available
• Public toilets: Available
• 1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 3 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Sta.
• https://tenjin-central-park.jp/

Paid hanami area (lawn inside Sakura Hiroba field):
• Mar. 20, 2026 (Fri, hol) ~ Apr. 5 (Sun) *Online reservation required (accepted from Mar. 1~)
• 9:00~21:00
• ¥500/2hrs (Maximum 4 hrs.)

 

Minami Park

A cherry blossom spot on a wooded hillside, offering a quieter, more natural setting. From the Nishi Observatory in Minami Park, enjoy sweeping 360-degree views over the city. The park’s paths are uneven and hilly in places, so comfortable walking shoes are a good idea. During peak season, the area around the zoo and botanical garden can get especially busy. Using public transportation is recommended.

• Approx. 150 trees
• 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.
• https://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=302003

Fukuoka Flower Show 2026
• Mar. 22, 2026 (Sun) ~ Mar. 26 (Thu)

 

Tochoji Temple

A historic temple in Hakata, traditionally said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai). It is best known as the home of the Fukuoka Daibutsu, one of Japan’s largest seated wooden Buddha statues. In spring, cherry trees bloom across the temple grounds, creating a peaceful setting to enjoy the blossoms with the main gate and five-story pagoda as a backdrop.

• 5 trees
• Free entry
• Open 9:00~17:00
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
• 2-4 Gokusho-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 2 min. on foot from Gion Subway Sta.
• https://hakatanomiryoku.com/spot/

 

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://hakatanomiryoku.com/spot/

 

Higashi Hirao Park

• Approx. 1,600 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Available (partially charged)
• Public toilets: Available
• 2-1-2 Higashi-hirao Koen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot from Higashihirao Koen-iriguchi Nishitetsu bus stop
• https://www.instagram.com/higashihirao_park/

 

Reisen Park

A popular spot in the heart of Fukuoka, which also attracts many cherry blossom viewers at night.

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City

• 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

 

Washio Atago Shrine

A shrine perched atop Mt. Atago near the sea.
From the grounds, you can enjoy panoramic views of Fukuoka Tower, Mizuho PayPay Dome, and the Genkai Sea. In cherry blossom season, the landscape is softened by pink blooms, and after sunset the city lights unfold below.

• Over 2,000 trees
• Free entry
• Sakura Light up: sunset~ (Mar. 14 ~ Apr. 15)
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
• 2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Muromi Subway Sta., 5 min. on foot from Atago Jinja-mae Nishitetsu bus stop
• https://washioatago-jinja.com

Atago Sakura Festival:
• Mar. 14,2026 (Sat) ~ Apr. 15, 2026 (Wed)

Fukuoka Topics – Cherry Blossoms and Beautiful Night Views at Atago Shrine

 

Nokonoshima Island Park

• Approx. 150 trees
• Entry fee: ¥1,500, ES & JHS ¥800, over 3 years old ¥500
• Open: 9:00~17:30 (Mon ~ Sat), 9:00~18:30 (Sun & hol)
• 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
• https://nokonoshima.com/
• https://x.com/w2yh7w9nlzee2qs

 

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

A vast waterfront park where seasonal flowers bloom across expansive grounds. In spring, some areas offer the rare chance to see nemophila and cherry blossoms in bloom together, creating a vivid contrast of blue and pale pink. The park is accessible by bus or JR, and can also be reached by boat from Tenjin or the Momochi area. Dedicated cycling paths run throughout the park, and rental bikes make it easy to explore efficiently.

• Approx. 1,600 trees
• Entry fee: ¥450, over 65 y.o. ¥210, free for JHS and under
• Open: 9:30~17:30 (Mar. 1 ~ Oct. 31)
• Parking: ¥600/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 2026:
• Mar. 20, 2026 (Fri, hol) ~ May 17, 2026 (Sun)

 

Muromigawa River Park

A waterside park stretching along both banks of the Muromi River, lined with cherry trees and azaleas. Beloved by local residents, it’s a relaxed spot for walks and morning runs. In spring, blossoms trace the river’s edge, and the park comes alive with people gathering for picnics under the trees.

• Approx. 260 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

A green park surrounding a reservoir in Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City. Cherry trees line the lakeside, allowing visitors to enjoy the blossoms in an open waterside setting. Adjacent to a residential neighborhood, the park is also popular for walks and jogging.

• Approx. 30 trees
• Free entry
• Open 9:00~19:00 (Apr. 1 ~ Sep. 30)
• 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.
• https://seinanmori.q-rin.co.jp/

 

Aburayama Fukuoka

Aburayama Fukuoka, a nature-focused area set within the forests of Mt. Abura. In spring, Somei Yoshino and a variety of other cherry tree species bloom across the grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy the blossoms alongside the fresh greenery of the forest. On the Shimin no Mori side, the area around the Central Observatory and the Flower Garden are popular photo spots. Mornings, especially on weekdays, are generally quieter and offer a more relaxed atmosphere for exploring.

• Approx. 1,700 trees
• Open 9:00~18:00 (Closed on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays)
• Free entry
• Parking: Standard car ¥300/3 hours (over 3 hours, ¥100/1 hour)
• Public toilets: Available
• 855-4 Hibaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 21 min. by car from Umebayashi Subway Sta.
• https://www.aburayama-fukuoka.com/

 

Hibaruzakura Park

A park that preserves the story of cherry trees once slated for removal, saved after a single resident spoke up. Word of that appeal spread from person to person and eventually reached the mayor at the time. Near the stone monument in the park, tanka poems inspired by the cherry blossoms are displayed each year, keeping the story alive alongside the flowers.

• 30 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Free temporary parking lot available
• Public toilets: Available in the temporary parking lot (around Mar. 20 ~ Apr. 12)
• 1-5 Hibaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: Short walk from Hibaruzakura-mae 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

Along the Ikeda River in Itoshima City, rows of cherry trees line the riverbanks, creating a peaceful spot for hanami. With a backdrop of quiet rural scenery, it’s an ideal place to stroll and admire the blossoms reflected on the surface of the water.

• Free entry
• Parking: Coin parking available near JR Hatae Sta.
• 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

A hilltop park overlooking Kafuri Bay. In spring, cherry blossoms come into bloom, set against a backdrop of sea and mountain ridges that creates a broad, open view. Bordering a residential area, the park is well used for daily walks and as a relaxed neighborhood retreat.

• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
• 5-718 Kafuri, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from Kafuri Showa bus stop
• https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/spot/12200

 

Sasayama Park 

A hilltop park overlooking Itoshima City. Popular as a walking course, the park offers sweeping views of the town and the sea from its highest point. In spring, cherry blossoms add seasonal color, enhancing the panorama.

• 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://kanko-itoshima.jp/spot/sakura/

 

Dazaifu City

Kamado Shrine

Known as the shrine that guards the northeast “kimon” direction of Dazaifu Tenmangu, it is about a 30-minute walk from the main shrine and is often visited as part of a longer stroll. The grounds around the contemporary shrine office include benches with open views of the surrounding landscape. In spring, visitors can be seen posing with cherry blossom–shaped omikuji, adding a seasonal note to the experience.

*The following information is from last year. Please wait for the latest updates.
• Approx. 200 trees
• Free entry
• Sakura Light up: Details to be announced soon.
• 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
• https://kamadojinja.or.jp/

 

Ukiha City

Shidarezakura at Hokkebaru Hanateien

A privately owned garden in Ukiha City, known for its large weeping cherry tree called “Minobu no Shidarezakura.” At the heart of the landscaped grounds, which feature a pond and carefully arranged stonework, this single tree stands as a focal point. During the blooming season, visitors can appreciate the blossoms in a quiet, mountain-ringed setting.

• 3 trees (Shidarezakura)
• Parking: Free
• Sakura light up: Details to be announced soon.
• Public toilets: Available
• 2314 Tominaga, Yoshii-machi, Ukiha City, Fukuoka
• Access: 36 min. on foot from JR Chikugo-yoshii Sta.
• https://ukihalove.jp/contents/minobe-shidaresakura/
• https://www.instagram.com/ukihalove.jp

 

Nagarekawa no Sakuranamiki

In the Nagarekawa area along the Kose River in Ukiha City, a row of cherry trees stretches for about two kilometers, forming a tunnel of blossoms each spring. Set against the river and rural scenery, the blooms continue in a gentle sweep, offering a relaxed and scenic walk through an open countryside landscape.

• Approx. 2 km of Sakura-tree lined walkway
• 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/

Now Report – The connection between Nagaregawa and Slam Dunk?

 

Asakura City

Akizuki Sugi-no-baba

Along Sugi no Baba in Akizuki, the approach to the ruins of Akizuki Castle, around 200 cherry trees line a stretch of roughly 500 meters. With remnants such as the Kuromon Gate still standing, visitors can enjoy the cherry-lined avenue within a setting that preserves the area’s historic character.

• 200 trees, along a 500 m concourse.
• Free entry
• Parking: Akizuki Parking ¥400, Kamiakizuki Parking (available during sakura season) ¥300
• Public toilets: Available
• Akizukinotori, Asakura City, Fukuoka
• Access: A short walk from Hakubutsukan-mae bus stop
• https://amagiasakura.net/sightseeing_post/akizuki_suginobaba_sakura/
• https://x.com/amagiasakura

Akizuki Spring Festival: Apr. 5 (Sun)

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

 

Amagi Park

Amagi Park, laid out in a traditional strolling pond style, centers on a distinctive gourd-shaped pond. Around it, Somei Yoshino, Kawazu-zakura, Yamazakura, and Yaezakura bloom in sequence, extending the cherry blossom season over several weeks. At peak bloom, the blossoms spread across the water in reflection, and the red bridge over the pond is a well-known photo spot.

• Approx: 4,000 trees
• Free entry
• Sakura Light up: 18:00 ~ around 23:00 (Late Mar. ~ early Apr.)
• Parking: Free
• Public toilet: Available
• 79 Bodaiji, Asakura City, Fukuoka
• Access: 25 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Amagi Sta.
• https://www.city.asakura.lg.jp/www/contents/1297660018659/index.html
• https://x.com/amagiasakura

 

Kurume City

Asai no Ippon Zakura (Hotomeki no Ki)

Asai’s Ipponzakura in Kurume City is a large Yamazakura standing alone amid open countryside. With a trunk circumference of about 4.3 meters, a height of roughly 18 meters, and an estimated age of around 100 years, it commands attention in bloom, its single canopy shaping the entire landscape.

• 1 tree
• Free viewing
• Sakura light up: Details to be announced soon.
• Parking: Price will be updated on the official web.
• Public toilets: A temporary toilet installed (available only during the Sakura viewing period.)
• 1151 Mino, Yamamoto-machi Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: 30 min. on foot from JR Zendoji Sta.
• https://welcome-kurume.com/spots/detail/38889ca9-7405-4e16-b04a-d06c0a36f46b

 

Tagawa City / Soeda-machi

Maruyama Park

Set on a hill overlooking central Tagawa, this park comes into bloom with cherry blossoms each spring. From the observation area, you can look out across the Chikuho cityscape. It remains one of the area’s well-loved local spots for hanami.

• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
• 19-1 Maruyama-machi, Tagawa City, Fukuoka
• Access: 16 min. on foot from JR Tagawa-Gotoji Sta.
• https://tagawa-fc.com/locate/35
• https://www.instagram.com/tagawa_official/

 

Shidarezakura at Shujobo

The weeping cherry tree at Shuseibo on Mt. Hiko is said to have been propagated from the famed “Gion Shidarezakura” in Kyoto’s Maruyama Park some 220 years ago, and it still blooms each spring. With its broad, cascading branches set within the quiet mountain grounds, the tree makes a striking focal point. During the flowering season, it is illuminated at night.

• Over 200-year-old weeping cherry tree (1 tree)
• Free viewing
• Sakura Light up: Mar. 26, 2026 (Thu) ~
• Parking: Unavailable (nearby parking: Hikosan Kane-no-torii Parking)
• 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.tokutsumi.or.jp/info/2690.html

Sakura Festival at Shujubo:
• Mar. 28, 2026 (Sat) 13:00~19:30
• Participation fee: ¥10,000, HS and under: free
• Book via official LINE or email (info@tokutsumi.or.jp) by Mar. 26.

Full Moon Collaboration Light-Up: Apr. 2, 2026 (Thu) from 20:00

 

Kasuya-gun

Ino Tensho Kotai Shrine

Located in Hisayama Town, this shrine enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the same deity revered at the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu. Its cedar-lined approach and grounds beside a clear stream create a calm, secluded atmosphere. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the shrine, offering a peaceful setting for enjoying the season’s flowers.

©久山町

• Approx. 200 trees
• Free entry
• Sakura Light up: 18:30~21:00 (Mar. 27 ~ Mar. 29)
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
• 604 Ino, Hisayama-machi, Kasuya, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot from Ino bus stop
• https://inojinja.jp/

Hisayama Ino Sakura Festival: Mar. 29, 2026 (Sat) 10:00~20:00
*temporary parking information for the festival day is available on the official web page.

 

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

Designated among both Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites” and “Top 100 Historic Parks,” this park offers a tranquil setting surrounded by nature. Within the grounds are a pond where koi swim and a shrine nestled among the trees. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, and their reflections on the water create a particularly striking scene.

• Approx. 3,000 trees
• Free entry
• Sakura Light up: Mar. 20 ~ Apr. 5
• 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

• Approx. 700 trees
• Free entry
• Sakura light up: 18:30~21:00 (Mar. 20 ~ Apr. 12)
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
• 1458 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki
• Access: 5 min. by car from Hirado Bridge or 15 min. on foot from Hirado Port Koryu Hiroba
• https://www.city.hirado.nagasaki.jp/kanko/shizen/shi28.html

Hirado Castle Sakura Festival: Details to be announced soon.

Hirado Castle extended opening hours: ~20:00 on Mar. 21 (Sat), Mar. 28 (Sat) and Apr 11 (Sat)

 

Kumamoto Castle

Photograph provided by Kumamoto City

• Approx. 550 trees
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (last entry 16:00)
• Entry fee: ¥800, ES & JHS ¥300, free for preschool children
• Sakura light up: 17:30~21:00 (Mar. 20 ~ Apr. 5)
• Parking: ¥200/2 hours (¥100 per additional hour), from Apr.: ¥400/2 hours (¥200 per additional 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/
• https://x.com/kumamoto_castle

Kumamoto Castle extended opening hours: Mar. 20, 2026 (Fri, hol) ~ Apr. 5, 2026 (Sun) until 20:00 (last entry 19:00)

 

Oita Castle Ruin Park

From the castle’s stone walls, cherry blossoms can be seen reflected on the surface of the water below. The park, developed around the ruins of Oita Castle, retains sections of the inner moat and original stone ramparts. In spring, cherry trees bloom along the water’s edge, their blossoms mirrored in the moat. Located in the city center, it offers a hanami setting that brings together historic remains and seasonal color.

• Approx. 60 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: Coin parking available nearby
• Public toilets: Available
• 74 Niage-machi, Oita City, Oita
• Access: 15 min. on foot from JR Oita Sta.
• https://www.oishiimati-oita.jp/spot/2846

 

Shiroyama Park

An observatory park set on a 192-meter-high hill in Kirishima. Cherry trees are planted throughout the grounds, and in spring the blossoms can be enjoyed alongside sweeping views over Kagoshima City and Sakurajima. Close to the urban center, it offers an easy combination of seasonal blooms and panoramic scenery.

• Approx. 630 trees
• Open: 9:30~17:00 (Mar.), 9:30~18:00 (Apr.) *Closed on Mon (Applies on some facilities only. The park can be visited 24 hours.)
• Free entry
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: Available
• 3819 Kokubukamiko-gawa, Kirishima City, Kagoshima
• Access: A short walk from Shiroyama bus stop
• https://www.kirishima-sjc.or.jp/shiroyama/

 

Darumizu Park

A row of cherry trees lines the city road leading to the entrance of this park, set on a hill about 120 meters above sea level. Known locally as “Cherry Road,” it is a familiar and much-loved spot for enjoying the blossoms.

*The following information is from last year. Please wait for the latest updates.
• 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 or JR Miyazaki Sta.
• 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

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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 Fukuoka Now. This report was last updated in January of 2026.