Kyushu located in the southwest of Japan has a mild climate and features cherry blossoms that bloom earlier than the Tohoku, Kanto, Kansai, and Hokkaido regions. Kyushu is full of wonderful cherry blossom spots, such as scenic spots overlooking the sea and islands, world heritage sites, and places where you can enjoy castles and cherry blossoms at the same time. This time, FUN! JAPAN has carefully selected the best cherry blossom spots in Kyushu for you! Would you like to come and see the cherry blossoms that are unique to Kyushu?
1. Fukuoka Prefecture: Nishi Park
"Nishi Park" (西公園 / Nishi Kōen) is the only place in Fukuoka Prefecture that has been selected as one of the "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots". It is a park where you can take in the views of Hakata Bay, Nokonoshima Island, and Shikanoshima Island connected by a sandbar, right from the observation plaza all at once. In spring, about 1,300 cherry trees, such as Somei-yoshino and Yoko-zakura, bloom pale pink under the soft sunlight. On the other hand, at night, the park is lit up (cancelled in 2022), creating a fantastic appearance differs from the daytime. It is a famous spot where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms while relaxing on a picnic sheet.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Ohorikoen Station. Or about 10 minutes on foot from "Ohori Park" bus stop.
- Address: Map
2. Fukuoka Prefecture: Kokura Castle
Built in 1602 and rebuilt in 1959, "Kokura Castle" (小倉城 / Kokura-jō) is the only castle in Fukuoka Prefecture that has a castle tower. In spring, about 200 cherry blossoms such as Somei-yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms (Shidare-zakura) are in full bloom. The flowers are lit up at night, creating a romantic atmosphere. Moreover, the "Kokura Castle Sakura Festival" is held every year with stalls selling everything from gourmet foods to sundry goods. It is also recommended to enjoy flower-viewing from the top floor of the castle.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Kokura Station. Or about 10 minutes on foot from JR Nishi-Kokura Station
- Address: Map
3. Saga Prefecture: Ogi Park
"Ogi Park" (小城公園 / Ogi Kōen) is the only place in Saga Prefecture that has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots". This is a famous garden built in the 17th century. Its beauty was even highly appreciated by the imperial court in Kyoto. In spring, about 3,000 cherry trees, such as Somei-yoshino and Yae-zakura, color this beautiful garden in their pinks. At night, the area is lit up with paper lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. During the season when the flowers fall, you can enjoy a different majestic view of which the fallen petals float in the pond.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
- Access: About 5 minutes on by walk from JR Ogi station
- Address: Map
4. Nagasaki Prefecture: Omura Park
"Omura Park" (大村公園 / Ōmura Kōen), one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots", is located on the site of Kushima Castle built in 1599. In spring, about 2,000 cherry blossom trees of more than 21 varieties, including Omura-zakura, a nationally designated Natural Monument, and the classic Somei-yoshino, are in full bloom. At night, the park is lit up and the cherry blossoms at night create a gorgeous atmosphere for night visitors. The cherry blossoms reflected in the water mirror of the pond and the tunnel of cherry blossoms show a different expression from the daytime counterpart.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to mid-April
- Access: About 10 minutes from JR Omura Station to "Shiyakusho-mae" bus stop, immediately after getting off
- Address: Map
5. Kumamoto Prefecture: Suizenji Jojuen Garden
"Suizenji Jojuen Garden" (水前寺成趣園 / Suizenji Jōjuen), which has been designated as a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site, is a circuit-style garden that mimics the 53 scenic post towns of the Edo period, "The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō" (東海道五十三次). In spring, the cherry blossoms that dot the walking paths brighten up the garden. In addition, in the "Kokindenju no ma" (古今伝授の間) where it is said that the teaching of the arcanes of "Kokin Wakashu" (古今和歌集) was conducted, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while savouring Japanese sweets and matcha green tea at the same time. It is a spot where you can experience elegant cherry blossom viewing in the historic garden.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
- Access: About a 4-minute walk from 'Suizenji Park' tram stop. Or about 10 minutes on foot from JR Shin-Suizenji Station
- Address: Map
6. Kumamoto Prefecture: The Big Cherry Blossom Tree of Issingyo
In Isshingyo Park (一心行公園 / Isshingyō Kōen), there is a single cherry blossom tree called "The Big Cherry Blossom Tree of Issingyo" (一心行の大桜 / Isshingyō no Ōzakura) which is said to be about 400 years old. The origin of this name is that the vassals planted cherry blossoms and devoted themselves wholeheartedly (一心 / isshin) to the practice (行 / gyō) in order to hold a memorial service for their lord who died in battle and his family. It is a large cherry tree with a height of 14m, a trunk circumference of 7.35m and a branch spreading 21.3m from east to west and 26m from north to south. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, they are lit up for a limited time. Here you can appreciate the sight of a stunning large cherry tree standing out from the surrounding darkness.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
- Access: About 15 minutes on by walk from Minami-aso Railway 'Nakamatsu' Station
- Address: Map
7. Oita Prefecture: Beppu Park
"Beppu Park" (別府公園 / Beppu Kōen) boasts a vast 27.3ha area surrounded by pine trees and bamboo forests with a history of more than 100 years. In spring, flowers such as pale pink Some-yoshino and colorful tulips add colors to the green park. Especially the east side of the park is where many cherry trees are planted. If you are up for enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a picnic mood, spread a picnic sheet and bring your own lunch box!
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
- Access: About 15 minutes on by walk from JR Beppu station
- Address: Map
8. Oita Prefecture: Youra Peninsula
"Youra Peninsula" (四浦半島 / Youra Hantō) where more than 5,000 Kawazu cherry blossoms are in full bloom. On sunny days, the blue sea makes the bright pink flowers look even more beautiful. As Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom all over the peninsula, it is recommended to travel by car to visit the various viewing spots. Every year, the "Bungosuido Kawazu Cherry Tree Festival" is held (canceled in 2022) where you can enjoy specialties and dishes made with local seafood.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Early to late February
- Access: 25 minutes by car from JR Tsukumi Station
- Address: Map
9. Miyazaki Prefecture: Mochio-Sekinoo Prefectural Natural Park
"Mochio-Sekinoo Prefectural Natural Park" (母智丘関之尾県立自然公園 / Mochio Sekinoo Kenritsu Shizen Kōen - also called Mochio Park) refers to the area around the Mochio Hills area and Sekinoo Falls. Mochio Park boasts 2,600 cherry blossom trees such as Somei-yoshino and Yaezakura that stretch about 2 km, and has been selected as one of the "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots". Every year, a cherry blossom festival is held at Mochio Park, where you can enjoy folk performing arts and food stalls. We also recommend viewing the cherry blossoms from Mochio Shrine, which overlooks Mochio Park.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
- Access: About 25 minutes from Miyakonojo Station to "Yokoichi" bus stop, about 30 minutes on foot after getting off
- Address: Map
10. Kagoshima Prefecture: Sengan-en
The "Sengan-en" (仙巌園) garden is the symbol of Kagoshima with one of the world's most active volcanoes, "Sakurajima" and Kinko Bay as backdrops. Built in 1658 by the lord of the Satsuma Domain, this villa is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. The cherry blossoms bloom early, starting with Kanhi-zakura in February, followed by various varieties of cherry blossoms such as Yama-zakura and Somei-yoshino. There are also cafes and restaurants in the park, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms while enjoying tea, Japanese sweets and local cuisines.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Early February to mid-April
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Kagoshima-chuo Station to "Senganen-mae" bus stop, then about 1 minute on foot.
- Address: Map
Comments