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Fukuoka Cherry Blossoms: 14 Beautiful Locations in 2024
Discover Fukuoka's beautiful cherry blossom spots, from famous parks and gardens in the city to hidden gems in neighboring areas such as Kitakyushu, Dazaifu, Kurume, and others.
Cherry Blossom Season in Fukuoka
Fukuoka, an important transportation hub in Kyushu, boasts not only exquisite cuisine and entertainment but also splendid cherry blossom locations.
In this article, we feature 14 cherry blossom spots in Fukuoka Prefecture, from famous locations to hidden gems.
*In 2024, the estimated cherry blossom blooming date in Fukuoka is March 27, with full bloom expected around April 5. (Source: JMA)
Cherry Blossom Spots in Fukuoka
1. Maizuru Park
2. Nishi Park
3. Yamashita Park
4. Kamado Shrine
5. Amagi Park
6. Akizuki Sugi no Babadori Road
7. The Cherry Blossom Tree of Asai
8. Hosshin Park
9. Hyugami Dam
10. The Nagarekawa Cherry Blossom Trees
11. Katsumori Park
12. Kokura Castle
13. Shiranoe Botanical Garden
14. Habu Park
1. Maizuru Park in Central Fukuoka
Photo by Pixta
About a 15-minute walk from Tenjin, Fukuoka's prominent shopping spot, Maizuru Park is arguably one of the most beloved parks among Fukuoka residents. The park is home to remnants of Fukuoka Castle.
In spring, the moat surrounding the park harmonizes beautifully with the cherry blossoms blooming outside, becoming a symbol of spring in Fukuoka.
During the full bloom of cherry blossoms, a limited-time cherry blossom illumination event is held. From the beautiful pink hues during the day to the enchanting nighttime views, visitors can enjoy fantastic scenery!
In addition to cherry blossom viewing, Maizuru Park offers the opportunity for barbecue picnics, adding to its popularity. This feature contributes significantly to the park's appeal.
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2. Nishi Park: A Scenic Spot Overlooking Hakata Ba
Photo by Pixta
Nishi Park is located on a hillside adjacent to Hakata Bay. In spring, the park's 1,300 cherry blossom trees captivate visitors.
Nishi Park is the only cherry blossom viewing spot in Fukuoka selected as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots.
From the observatory, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Hakata Bay and Shikanoshima Island.
Nishi Park Cherry Blossom Festival: March 20 to April 7, 2024. *The duration may vary depending on the flowering conditions.
Location: Nishi Park 13, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
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3. Sanno Park: The Oasis of Hakata Residents
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Sanno Park in Hakata Ward is a leisure hub for Hakata residents, featuring a baseball field, open plaza (sports field), and comprehensive sports facilities.
At the heart of Sanno Park, there is a Cherry Blossom Hill where rare varieties like Ichiyo and Ukon, along with Somei Yoshino, bloom splendidly.
Location: Sanno 1-9, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
4. Kamado Shrine: A Hidden Cherry Blossom Spot in Dazaifu
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Located at the foot of Mount Homan in Fukuoka, Kamado Shrine is renowned as a place where people can offer prayers for romantic fulfillment.
The shrine can be accessed in approximately 10 minutes by the community bus Mahoroba-go from the nearest Dazaifu Station, with a bus fare of around 100 yen. The cherry blossoms planted around the shrine's gate create a serene Japanese ambiance.
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5. Amagi Park: Leisure Park with a Beautiful Pond
Picture courtesy of gtknj
Amagi Park is located in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The park features the large Maruyama Pond, a lawn square, tennis courts, sports fields, walking paths, and rest areas.
Picture courtesy of gtknj
As Amagi Park is a bit away from urban areas, it is recommended for those who wish to leisurely enjoy cherry blossom viewing in spring.
2024 Cherry Blossom Illumination: Planned for late March to early April (specific dates subject to the cherry blossom conditions)
Location: Bodaiji 97, Kotohiramachi, Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture
6. Akizuki Sugi no Babadori Avenue: A Cherry Blossom Tunnel!
Picture courtesy of gtknj
Located at the foot of Akizuki Castle, known as the Little Kyoto of Kyushu, Akizuki Sugi no Babadori features 200 cherry blossom trees. During their blooming peal, they create a romantic cherry blossom tunnel.
At the end of the tunnel lie the ruins of Akizuki Castle, a historical landmark of Asakura City.
Picture courtesy of gtknj
The Akizuki Castle Ruins attract many visitors seeking the nostalgic atmosphere of a castle town. It is also renowned for its autumn foliage.
2024 Cherry Blossom Illumination: Planned for late March to early April, with specific dates subject to cherry blossom conditions.
Location: Akizuki Sugi no Babadori Avenue, Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture
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7. The Cherry Blossom Tree of Asai
Picture courtesy of gtknj
The Cherry Blossom Tree of Asai, or Asai no Ipponzakura, has a trunk circumference of 4.3 meters, a height of 18 meters, and an estimated age of around 110 years.
Recognized for its uniqueness and rarity, it was designated as a protected tree by Fukuoka City in 1986. Since then, it has become a beloved cherry blossom viewing spot among Fukuoka residents.
Picture courtesy of gtknj
The Cherry Blossom Tree of Asai is of the Yamazakura variety, which is different from the Somei Yoshino variety that predominates in Japan.
Its blooming period is later compared to other cherry blossoms, typically around early April each year. When in full bloom, it is lit up at night, and visitors can enjoy it along with its upside-down reflection in the lake.
2024 Illumination: Scheduled for late March to early April, with precise dates subject to the cherry blossom conditions.
Location: Yamamotomachi 1506, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture
8. Hosshin Park: The Cherry Blossoms Loved by Natsume Soseki
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Hosshin Park in Kurume is renowned as a place where the former lords of the Kurume domain enjoyed cherry blossoms in the Edo period (1603-1868) and is also a famous cherry blossom spot beloved by novelist Natsume Soseki.
The summers here are cool, and the Hosshin River has become a water play spot for children. In spring, the magnificent Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Yaebenishidare cherry trees that have captivated scholars and feudal lords welcome visitors with their splendor.
Location: Kusano 664-1, Kusano, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture
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9. Hyugami Dam: Cherry blossoms and Breathtaking Lake Scenery
Picture courtesy of Pixta
The Hyugami Dam was constructed in 1962 and is primarily used for flood control of the adjacent Yabe River and hydroelectric power generation for the Omuta region.
Here you'll find a thousand cherry blossom trees planted around the dam lake, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake, mountains, and cherry blossoms all at once.
Location: Kokonoe, Kuroki, Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture
10. The Nagarekawa Cherry Blossom Trees Illuminated at Night
Picture courtesy of Pixta
In the Nagarekawa area of Ukiha City, there is a 2-kilometer-long cherry blossom tree-lined street along the Kode River.
Every year, from late March to early April, in the evening and into the night, this area is illuminated, attracting many visitors.
Location: Ukihamachi Nagarekawa, Ukiha, Fukuoka Prefecture
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11. Katsumori Park: Cherry Blossoms and an Old Steam Locomotive
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Katsumori Park is the oldest park in Iizuka City, established in 1925.
In addition to amusement facilities for children, the park also showcases an old steam locomotive! During the cherry blossom season, around 300 Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees grace the park with their beauty.
Location: Katashima 1-607-1, Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
12. Kokura Castle in Katsuyama Park, Kitakyushu
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Kokura Castle, which was the residence of famous feudal lords from the Hosokawa family and Ogasawara family clans, is located in the center of Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture. Due to its convenient access, it has become the number one cherry blossom spot for the citizens of Kitakyushu.
During the cherry blossom season, numerous food stalls line the area around Kokura Castle, and a temporary stage is set up in the castle square showcasing music and dance performances.
2024 Cherry Blossom Illumination: The light-up is scheduled from late March to early April (the dates may vary depending on the cherry blossom conditions)
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13. Shiranoe Botanical Garden
Picture courtesy of Pixta
The Shiranoe Botanical Garden is located in the Moji area of Kitakyushu. This garden is home to over 60 varieties of cherry blossom trees, including varieties blooming in October and the Yoko cherry tree variety that blooms from October to January.
In addition to the early blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms (blooming around February), you can also find Somei Yoshino and Yaebenishidare cherry blossoms (blooming around April).
Location: Shirano 2, Moji, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
14. Habu Park: Cherry Blossoms and a Red Arch Bridge
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Habu Park, located in Nakama City, is home to over 2,000 cherry blossom trees.
The park is famous for its beautiful lake with a red arch bridge. The picturesque scenery with red accents among the pink cherry blossoms attracts many photographers.
Location: Habu Yatsuhira 428, Nakama City, Fukuoka Prefecture
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Enjoy Fukuoka's Cherry Blossoms
Maizuru Park, Nishi Park, and Kokura Castle are easily accessible as they are close to the city center, but they tend to get crowded during the cherry blossom viewing season.
On the other hand, places like Amagi Park, Akizuki Sugi no Babadori Road, and Kamado Shrine, which are relatively further from Fukuoka City, do not get as crowded even with many cherry blossom viewers.
However, these more remote spots may have limited options for shopping or dining, so it's advisable to prepare food and drinks beforehand when visiting.
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Main image courtesy of Pixta
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