Cherry Blossoms at Maizuru Park in Fukuoka: 2025 Festival and Light-up

Relish the Cherry Blossoms at Maizuru Park

Maizuru Park is situated on the former site of Fukuoka Castle in Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City. In spring, around 1,000 cherry trees bloom in full glory and are beautifully illuminated at night.

The Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival also takes place during this period, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the sakura (cherry blossoms).

This article highlights the features of cherry blossoms in Maizuru Park.

Maizuru Park Cherry Blossom Guide

Cherry Blossoms at Maizuru Park
The Best Time to Visit
Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Maizuru Park: Basic Information

Cherry Blossoms at Maizuru Park

Maizuru Park, situated on the former site of Fukuoka Castle, is a beautiful blend of history and nature. Approximately 1,000 cherry trees, including Somei-yoshino, Shidare-zakura, and Yama-zakura, are planted throughout the park, blooming from late March to early April each year.

The remaining stone walls enhance the beauty of the sakura, creating flower-covered tunnels in various areas of the park. During the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival, the park is illuminated, adding to its charm.

The Best Time to Visit Maizuru Park for Cherry Blossoms

The cherry trees start to bloom from late March, and reach their peak in early April. Depending on the climate, cultivars such as Yae-zakura will be still be in bloom until mid-April.

As Maizuru Park is a major cherry blossom spot in Fukuoka, it will be crowded on weekends when the flowers are in full bloom. Those who want to enjoy a picnic should come to the site in the early hours, to secure a spot.

The park will also be packed at night, so if you want to browse leisurely, it would be better to visit on weekdays. Please note that depending on the climate, some cultivars will be in bloom until June.

Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

Picture courtesy of Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival Official Site

This event takes place during the season at Maizuru Park. At night, a paid area will be illuminated, creating a beautiful contrast between the sakura, the stone walls, and the castle towers.

There will be food stalls and trucks on-site, allowing visitors to enjoy snacks and drinks while taking in the view. The illumination is scheduled to start at 18:00 and will end around 21:00.

Please note that the times may vary each year, so be sure to check for the latest information.

Fukuoka Castle Cherry Bossom Festival

Period: Late March to early April. For details, please refer to the official site.
Venue: Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle Ruins)
Illumination: 18:00 - 21:00 (The time is subject to change.)
Admission: While there is no charge, please note that a fee will be required at some areas.
Address: Postal Code 810-0043/Fukuoka, Chuo, Johnai 1
Official Site: Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival
Official Instagram: Fukuoka Sakura Matsuri

Access

By Public Transport
- An eight-minute walk from Akasaka or Ohori Koen Station (Subway Airport Line).
- A five- to eight-minute walk from the following bus stops: Fukuokajo Kourokan, Fukuokashi Bijutsukan Higashiguchi, and Otemon Heiawadai Rikujo Kyogijo Iriguchi (Nishitetsu Bus).
- A ten-minute walk from Akasaka San-chome bus stop (Nishitetsu Bus).

Parking Lots

While parking lots are available, visitors are encouraged to use public transport.

No. 1 to No. 4 Parking Lots
- Capacity: 444 standard-size cars / 18 buses
- Fee:
- No. 1 to No. 3 Parking Lots: 150 yen per hour
- No. 4 Parking Lot: 150 yen per hour for the first two hours; 400 yen per hour from the third hour.
- Business Hours: 6:30 - 21:00 (Hours will change after April 1st.)

Times Fukuokajo San no Maru Parking Lot
- Capacity: 244 standard-size cars / 19 buses
- Fee:
- Standard-size car: 220 yen per hour (Maximum charge: 550 yen)
- Bus: 1,100 yen per hour (Maximum charge: 3,300 yen)
- Business Hours: 7:00 - 21:00

Festival Events

Stamp Collecting at Fukuoka Castle/Kourokan
Visitors can collect stamps from 11 designated spots within the venue to receive tickets for SoftBank Hawks games or Boss E-zo Fukuoka coupons. There was also a lottery for special prizes.

Sakura Kids Park
A playground (admission required) designed for family groups was set up at San no Maru Square.

Fukuoka Castle Special Exhibition
Important cultural properties designated by the Japanese government, such as Tamon Tower and Shimonohashi Gate, were opened to the public.

Sakura Street Performance
Major Japanese performers gathered under the cherry blossoms. Please note that the show may be canceled due to weather conditions.

For details about other events, please check the official site.

Notice

Please refrain from reserving spots in the park with your belongings. Heating devices, including electric ones, are only permitted in designated areas.

Maizuru Park

1-4, Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 810-0043

Maizuru Park is an urban park in Fukuoka City's Chuo Ward where history and nature coexist in harmony. Located on the former site of Fukuoka Castle, it is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, about 1,000 cherry trees bloom in full glory, attracting many visitors to view the flowers. The castle ruins' stone walls and moats remain, and the park's charms include its historical scenery and lush green environment, making it a popular place of relaxation for local residents.

Hotels near Maizuru Park

kei Hotel and Apartment

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4.7 /5

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Hotel Hakata Place

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Grand Base Hakata

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About Maizuru Park

Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms at Maizuru Park in Fukuoka

At Maizuru Park, the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival takes place in spring, providing visitors with a unique experience of the cherry blossoms during both day and night.

Those looking to avoid crowds should consider visiting on weekdays, early in the morning, or in the evening when the illumination begins. Enjoy the striking contrast between the sakura and the historic stone walls.