The plum blossoms begin to bloom in Fukuoka around “risshun,” which marks the arrival of spring on the calendar. The plum blossoms, red, white, and pink, are small, lovely, and fragrant and are also the prefectural flower of Fukuoka.
Last year (2022), plum blossoms in Fukuoka bloomed on January 23 (Fukuoka District Meteorological Observatory). Plum blossoms are usually at their peak from mid-February and stay in bloom until early March. Let’s hope for a long viewing season this year!
Fukuoka Now has selected 26 famous plum blossom viewing spots in various locations, including Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine’s flying plum blossoms and Maizuru Park’s plum blossom garden, both of which have been popular for many years.
Plum Blossom Viewing Spots in Fukuoka
• Fukuoka City Area (7)
• Chikugo Area (9)
• Chikuho Area (5)
• Kitakyushu Area (5)
Fukuoka City Area (7)
Maizuru Park
Easily accessible from Tenjin. Approximately 270 trees inside the Maizuru plum orchard are expected to come into bloom as we enter the spring months. On sunny days after mid-Feb, benches covered with red rugs will be set up so that visitors can enjoy the plum blossoms at their leisure.
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 270 trees
• 1-4 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/
• https://www.instagram.com/maidurupark/
Kyushu Live - Plum Blossoms & Flea Market in Fukuoka / 福岡城跡 舞鶴公園の梅園（2022年2月20日配信）
https://youtu.be/XqsL_WmLbFY
Ohori Park Japanese Garden
Ohori Park is an oasis for Fukuoka citizens to enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. The adjacent Japanese garden has three plum trees with pink and red flowers. The plum blossoms in the neatly landscaped garden and the green leaves of the pine trees create an elegant scene that evokes the feeling of spring. Matcha green tea and tea sweets are served at the tea house in the garden from 10:00 on the third Tuesday of every month (¥500, ends when all sweets are gone).
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. three trees
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (last entry 16:45)
• Closed: Mon. (open if Mon. is a hol. and closed next day)
• Entry fee: ¥250, under 15 y.o. ¥120
• 1 Ohorikoen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://ohoriteien.jp/
• https://www.instagram.com/ohoriteien/
Aburayama Citizen’s Forest
A spacious park with various attractions for families. At the plum orchard, a 5-minute walk from the management office, about 330 plum trees are at their best from mid-Feb every year. There is also an observatory at the top of Mt. Aburayama.
• Best time to view: Early Feb. ~ Mid-Feb.
• Approx. 330 trees
• 855-4 Hibaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka (PDF map of the park)
• Access: 1 hour on foot from Aburayama Danchi-guchi bus stop (4km)
• http://www.shimi-mori.com/
• https://twitter.com/aburayama_mori
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
The shrine is a well-known spot for plum blossoms, particularly for the famous tree “Tobiume” which was believed to have ‘flown’ from Kyoto to Dazaifu. During plum blossom season there will be several teahouses serving tea and sweets. You can also buy umegaemochi to nibble on while strolling in the shrine grounds.
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Mid-Mar.
• Approx. 6,000 trees
• 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Sta.
• http://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/
• https://www.instagram.com/dazaifutenmangu.official/
Kofuji Bairin
This is a famous plum blossom viewing spot located at the southern foot of Mount Kaya, locally known as “Itoshima Fuji.” You can admire a total of 3,000 plum trees, 1,000 of which were planted in the Edo period to ward off famine, and 2,000 of which were planted after the war to generate income for farmers while strolling along the gentle slope. You can also enjoy the view of Funakoshi Bay (commonly known as Kafuri Bay) below.
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 3,000 trees
• Shima-kofuji, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: 13 min. by car from Maebaru Interchange or take the JR Chikuhi Line, get off at Chikumae-maehara Sta. (North Exit), take the Keya Line, get off at the Kofuji Bus Stop, and walk about 10 min.
• https://kanko-itoshima.jp/spot/kofujibairin/
Hirao Sanso (Mountain Villa)
This mountain villa (hut) is a designated cultural property of Fukuoka. The sight of plum blossoms against a thatched roof is lovely.
Fukuoka Topics – Botoni Nomura—Female Poet of the Late Edo Era
https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/botoni-nomura-female-poet-of-the-late-edo-era/
• Best time to view: Early Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 100 trees
• 5-2-28 Hirao, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 13 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Hirao Sta.
• http://bunkazai.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/cultural_properties/detail/item_id:101547
Chinkokuji Temple
• Best time to view: Mid-Dec. ~ Early Feb.
• Approx. 20 trees
• 966 Yoshida, Munakata City, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Bus Munakata Taisha-mae.
• http://chinkokuji.or.jp/
• https://bit.ly/3iK0QDC
Chikugo Area (9)
Ishibashi Cultural Center
The Ishibashi Cultural Center boasts 140 red and white blooming plum trees, including the “spring plum tree” donated by Hefei City, China, a friendship city of Kurume City. In the spacious grounds of the cultural complex, which includes a library, art museum, and music hall, there is a plum blossom garden and rows of plum trees, and from mid-February to early March, when the plum blossoms are in full bloom, the area is filled with their sweet fragrance. During the Ume Festival (2/11~3/5), plum-themed set menus and cakes are available at the café, and umegae mochi (rice cakes) are available for take-out. Also, starting this year, the plum trees around the Swan Pond will be lit up on Saturdays only during the festival period. (17:00~20:00)
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 140 trees
• Lit up: 2/18, 2/25, 3/4 17:00~20:00
• 1015 Nonaka-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Kurume Sta.
• https://www.ishibashi-bunka.jp/event/ume2023/
• https://www.instagram.com/ishibashi_cultural_center/
Miyanojin Shrine
It is said that the name “Miyanojin” comes from the fact that a prince camped here during the Ohara Battle (Battle of Chikugo River) in 1359. The Shogun’s plum tree, which was planted by hand at the time of the battle, is a natural treasure designated by Kurume City and is one of the largest plum trees in Kurume City that still blooms.
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar. (Shogun Ume: early Mar.)
• Approx. 100 trees and 7 trees shogun ume
• 5-12 Miyanojin, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Miyanojin Sta.
• https://welcome-kurume.com/season/season_03.html
Bairinji Temple Garden
Bairinji Temple is located on a hill by the Chikugo River, just behind JR Kurume Station. A corner along the Chikugo River is open to the public as a park where people can gather and enjoy the blooming of 500 plum trees of about 30 varieties, including red, white, and Garyubai plum.
Kurume Bureau of Tourism and International Exchange Photo Gallery
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 500 trees
• 209 Kyo-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot from JR Kurume Sta.
• https://welcome-kurume.com/season/season_03.html
Yabejizo Park
提供：（一社）うきは観光みらいづくり公社
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 300 trees
• 583-11 Yoshii-machi Yabe, Ukiha City, Fukuoka
• Access: 20 min. by car via Asakura Interchange or 11 min. on foot from the Yabe bus stop.
• https://ukihalove.jp/contents/yabejizoukouen/
Umenoki Kaido
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 180 trees
• Nanatsue, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka
• Access: 14 min. on foot from Nogyo Soko-mae bus stop
• https://bit.ly/3QKkSKB
Tanigawa Bairin Plum Grove
From February to March, visitors can admire thousands of plum trees spanning 80 hectares. The 30,000 well-maintained plum blossom trees are open to the public during the blooming season. In 2023 it will be open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Feb. 18 to 26. During this period, a shuttle bus (¥100 one-way) will run from Yame City Hall Tachibana Branch Office to the plum grove every 10 to 15 minutes.
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 30,000 trees
• Yume Tachibana Plum Blossom Viewing: 2/18 (Sat.), 2/19 (Sun.), 2/23 (Thu., hol.), 2/25 (Sat.), 2/26 (Sun.) 10:00~16:00
• Free entry
• 1784 Tachibana-machi Tanigawa, Yame City, Fukuoka (No entry except during the plum blossom viewing season)
• Shuttle bus (Yame City Hall Tachibana Branch Office to the plum grove) ¥100 one-way
• https://bit.ly/3j3q3sH
Garyubai at Fukoji Temple
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 200 trees
• 2538 Imayama, Omuta City, Fukuoka
• Access: Ride a Nishitetsu bus heading to “Fukoji” from JR Omuta Sta. 10 min. on foot from the Fukoji bus stop
• https://www.sekoia.org/topic.php?no=998
Mizuta Tenmangu Shrine
• Best time to view: Early Feb. ~ Late Feb.
• Approx. 50 trees
• 62-1 Mizuta, Chikugo City, Fukuoka
• Access: 20 min. on foot from the JR Hainuzuka Sta.
• https://www.mizuta-koinoki.jp/mizuta/
Chikuho Area (5)
Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine
When Michizane Sugawara was exiled to Dazaifu, his ship was shipwrecked and drifted ashore. The Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine is said to have been where the local people laid the rope from the ship on the seat to welcome Michizane. About 1,000 plum blossom trees are planted on the temple grounds in honor of Sugawara Michizane, and a plum blossom festival is held annually. Shiida Plum Festival: 2/10 (Fri.) ~ 3/10 (Fri.)
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early-Mar.
• Approx. 1,000 trees
• 794-2 Takatsuka, Chikujo-machi, Chikujo, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. on foot from JR Shiida Sta.
• https://www.town.chikujo.fukuoka.jp/s036/020/030/010/090/umematsuri.html
Kama City Bairin Park
Local food such as udon, umeboshi, umemochi and more will be on sale during plum blossom season.
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Mid-Mar.
• Approx. 400 trees
• 328-1 Shimo-Yamada, Kama City, Fukuoka
• Access: 13 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Shimo-Yamada Elementary School bus stop
• https://bit.ly/3WfMkBh
Kozoji Jinguin Temple
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Mar.
• Approx. 800 trees
• 22 Kawara, Karawa-machi, Tagawa, Fukuoka
• Access: 25 min. on foot from Kawara Sta. or 10 min. on foot from Jingu bus stop.
• https://bit.ly/3cDUfFa
Tenchizan Park
• Best time to view: Early Feb. ~ Mid-Mar.
• Approx. 160 trees
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (1/2~2/28), 9:00~18:00 (3/1~6/30)
• 1140-1 Omura, Buzen City, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. by car via Buzen Interchange
• http://www.buzen-kk.jp/nature_ume.html
Yakiyama Kaboku Garden
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 840 trees
• 1310-46 Yakiyama, Izuka City, Fukuoka
• Access: 25 min. by car via prefectural road no. 201, Fukuoka Interchange
• http://kankou-iizuka.jp/topic_30/
Kitakyushu Area (5)
Mitsutake Bairin Park
Photo by Kitakyushu City Tourist Site
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Mid-Mar.
• Approx. 350 trees
• Tsujimitsu, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• Access: approx. 15 min. by taxi from Nishitetsu Nakatani bus stop or 1 hour on foot (approx. 4.4 km)
• http://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/kensetu/file_0212.html
Hananooka Park (Kitakyushu Sogo Noji Center)
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Early Mar.
• Approx. 170 trees, 16 varieties
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• 1-6-1 Yokoshiro Higashi-machi, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• Access: ride a Nishitetsu bus and get off at Nouji Center-mae bus stop or 15 min. On foot from Abeyama-koen Sta., JR Nippo Main Line
• https://k-nouji.com/see
• https://www.instagram.com/k_nouji/
Senbonso
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Mid-Mar.
• Approx. 1,000 trees
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Koishi, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• Access: 20 min. on foot from “Sakota” municipal bus stop or Koishimura Honmachi bus stop.
• https://www.gururich-kitaq.com/spot/senbonsou
Shirakidani Bairin
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Mid-Mar.
• Approx. 500 trees
• Hata, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• Access: Ride a Nishitetsu bus to “Shinishizaka” from JR Kurosaki Sta. 40 min. on foot from the Shinishizaka bus stop (approx. 3km)
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/kensetu/file_0227.html
Umeyasu Tenmangu Shrine
• Best time to view: Mid-Feb. ~ Mid-Mar.
• Approx. 300 trees
• 1-42 Chuo, Nakama City, Fukuoka
• Access: 20 min. on foot from JR Nakama Sta.
• https://goraifuku.jp/spots/detail/76
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Originally written in January 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 January 2019.
