Trip to fulfill your heart with stunning scenery of cherry blossoms while experiencing Fukuoka’s history. 3 recommended spots in and around Fukuoka city

In Fukuoka prefecture, cherry blossoms bloom the earliest in the Kyushu region every year. The time of flowering varies depending on each type of cherry blossoms, but it’s said that most of them will start to bloom around 17th March and be in full bloom around 26th March. How about touring around a cherry blossoms wonderland with superb views unique to Fukuoka?

This time, we’re going to introduce 3 recommended spots among cherry-blossom viewing spots in and around Fukuoka city, where stunning views distinguished from the others spread out.

“Maiduru Park” where a great variety of cherry blossoms proudly bloom against the background of Fukuoka Castle

“Maiduru Park” is located about 15 minutes on foot from Fukuoka’s largest downtown ‘Tenjin.’ There are various cultural properties in the park, such as Fukuoka Castle ruins with over 400 years of history and Korokan ruins used as a state guest house at the Heian period. When it gets to spring, about 20 kinds of cherry blossoms, including Someiyoshino and Matsumaezakura, Yoko, Kanzan and Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), bloom one after another and create space making your heart leap up for joy. It is said that the best season is from mid-March to mid-April every year. The highlight is Fukuoka Castle surrounded by approximately 1,000 cherry trees. There are many ways to enjoy cherry blossoms, for example, looking up at the castle while strolling near the castle wall, overlooking the scenery full of cherry blossoms from the castle tower and something like that. When cherry blossoms begin to scatter, you can also see ‘Hanaikada (flower raft),’ petals of cherry blossoms float on the surface of the water in the moat.

Cherry Tree Growth Status	Cherry blossoms called “Yoko,” which blooms the earliest in the park, are still in bud.／The cherry blossoms bloom forecast 20th March
Opening Hours	Open for 24 hours
Address	1 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access	A 8-min walk from Ohorikoen Station which is 3 stations away from Nakasukawabata Station on the Kuko line
URL	https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/file/panf_en.pdf

Fukuoka’s only one spot designated as one of Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites in Japan “Nishi Park”

“Nishi Park” is the place that has been protected as a scenic spot since the Edo period. Like Maiduru Park, you can easily visit here on foot from the Tenjin area. Having 1,300 cherry trees in full bloom from late-March to early-April every year, this park attracts lots of tourists in and out of Fukuoka prefecture. Heading to the observation deck, you can see not only cherry blossoms but also instagrammable view created by nature such as Hakata Bay, Noto Island and Shika Island. In addition, there is also ‘Terumo Shrine,’ which is dedicated to Kuroda Nagamasa, the first lord of Chikuzen Kuroda Clan, and his father Josui. Let’s walk along a row of cherry trees on both sides of the approach to the main hall! At night, they are lit up and give you a different view from one during the day. You will be draped in a quaint, romantic and mysterious atmosphere.

Cherry Tree Growth Status	Still in bud／The cherry blossoms bloom forecast 22nd March
Opening Hours	Open for 24 hours
Address	Nishikoen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access	A 15-min walk from Ohori Station which is 3 stations away from Nakasukawabata Station on the Kuko line
URL	https://www.nishikouen.jp/en/

100-year-old “Asai no Ippon Zakura” overcoming difficulties and blooming powerfully

If you have enough time, why not stop by at “Asai no Ippon Zakura (Single Asai Cherry Blossom Tree)” in Kurume city? Planted in commemoration of Emperor Showa’s enthronement, this tree is impressive Yamazakura with 18 meters (nearly 60 feet) tall and 4.3 meters (about 14 feet) around its trunk. Although its trunk had been broken by typhoon in 1991, it was repaired thanks to the requests of local residents. Therefore, bright pink cherry blossoms powerfully bloom in early-April every year. The appearance with an abundance of petals and a solemn ambiance must touch your heart. In particular, a fantastic view that can be seen only for about 10 minutes, when the blue sky remains immediately after sunset, is becoming a topic of conversation in Japan. Moreover, don’t miss seeing ‘Sakasa Zakura (upside-down cherry blossom tree)’ reflected on the pond!

Cherry Tree Growth Status	Still in bud／The cherry blossoms bloom forecast 20th March
Opening Hours	10:00AM – 9:00PM
Address	1151 Mino, Ymamoto-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access	Take a rapid train on the Kagoshima line at Hakata Station, transfer to Kyudai line at Kurume Station and get off it at Zendoji Station. It takes 5 mins to the destination by taxi.
URL	http://www.kurume-hotomeki.jp/en/event/?mode=detail&isSpot=1&id=402036000083