With the arrival of spring, Fukuoka comes alive with colorful flowers and traditional festivals. Here are some of the best spring events you can experience in Fukuoka.
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【February–April】Yanagawa Hina Festival: Sagemon Meguri
The "Yanagawa Hina Festival: Sagemon Meguri" is a traditional Hina Matsuri (Girls' Day) event held annually in Yanagawa City, dating back to the Edo period. A unique feature of this festival is the "Sagemon" decorations—vibrant hanging ornaments made of colorful fabric. These ornaments are crafted to celebrate a baby girl's first Hina Matsuri, each one filled with the family's love and prayers. During the festival, various tourist facilities and shops throughout the city display Sagemon decorations for visitors to admire. Yanagawa is famous for its river cruises, and during this season, the waterways are decorated with Sagemon. One of the highlights is the "Ohinasama Water Parade," where dolls representing the Emperor and Empress are placed on boats for a beautiful floating procession.
Address: Around Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: Nishitetsu Tenjin-Ōmuta Line, Yanagawa Station
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Annual Festival Period: Mid-February to Early April
- 2025 Festival Dates: February 11 (Tue, Public Holiday) – April 3 (Thu)
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【March】Fukufuku-no-Sato Nanohana Festival
"Fukufuku-no-Sato" in Itoshima City is a local farmers' market selling fresh vegetables and seafood. In spring, the area becomes a breathtaking sea of bright yellow canola flowers in full bloom. Walking paths are set up throughout the vast flower fields, allowing visitors to stroll leisurely while surrounded by the vibrant scenery. During the festival, there are opportunities to sample and purchase local dishes made with seasonal vegetables and fruits. There will also be a hands-on petting experience in the canola fields, making it a fun event for children as well.
Address: 6333 Nijofukui, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: About 5 minutes by taxi from JR Chikuhi Line, Fukuyoshi Station
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Annual Festival Period: A weekend in late March (March 23–24 in 2024)
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【March–April】Nishi Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Located in Chūō-ku, Fukuoka City, Nishi Park is one of Fukuoka's most famous cherry blossom spots and the only place in the prefecture selected as one of "Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots." The "Nishi Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is held from late March to early April when the cherry blossoms reach full bloom. The festival attracts both locals and tourists, making it a lively spring event. The park is home to around 1,300 cherry trees, and the illuminated night-time cherry blossoms are an especially stunning sight. During the festival, various stalls line the park, offering local specialties and festival foods, creating a festive atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Japanese cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies, pottery making, Hakata doll painting, and rice cake pounding. From the park’s observatory, you can take in panoramic views of Fukuoka City and Hakata Bay, making it a great scenic spot as well.
Address: 13-1 Nishi Park, Chūō-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: About a 15-minute walk from Ōhori Park Station on the Subway Kūkō Line
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Illuminations begin at sunset)
- Annual Festival Period: Late March to Early April (March 20–April 7 in 2024)
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【March–April】Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Kokura Castle, a symbol of Kitakyushu City, hosts the "Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival" when the surrounding cherry trees are in full bloom. This festival is a beloved spring tradition in Kokura. Built during the Sengoku period, Kokura Castle’s historical architecture combined with the breathtaking cherry blossoms creates a stunning scene that captivates visitors. During the festival, the cherry trees are illuminated at night, offering a magical and different atmosphere from the daytime views. As you admire the blossoms, you can also enjoy delicious food from the market stalls and food vendors set up for the event.
Address: 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Kagoshima Main Line, Nishi-Kokura Station
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Annual Festival Period: Late March to Early April (March 23–April 7 in 2024)
【March–April】Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Held at the Fukuoka Castle Ruins in Maizuru Park, the "Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival" allows visitors to enjoy around 1,000 blooming cherry trees. In the daytime, you can stroll through the beautiful cherry blossom-lined paths with the historic castle ruins as a backdrop. At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms create a completely different, enchanting atmosphere. The festival also features unique cultural experiences such as horseback riding and rickshaw rides, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions. Additionally, in 2024, around 70 food trucks participated, offering a variety of delicious options.
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from Ōhori Park Station on the Subway Kūkō Line
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Annual Festival Period: Late March to Early April (March 27–April 7 in 2024)
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【March–May】Uminonakamichi Flower Picnic
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, located in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, hosts the "Flower Picnic" event every year from spring to early summer. For about three months, visitors can enjoy breathtaking displays of seasonal flowers. The park features 1,600 cherry trees, a vast 1,300㎡ tulip field, and the ever-popular baby blue eyes (Nemophila), which are best viewed from early to late April. During the festival, special cafés and food trucks appear, offering seasonal treats, including soft-serve ice cream in Nemophila blue—perfect for a spring outing.
Address: 18-25 Ōaza Nishitōzaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Kashii Line, Uminonakamichi Station
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays (or the following Wednesday if Tuesday is a public holiday)
- Admission Fee: Adults (15 and older) ¥450, Seniors (65 and older) ¥210, Free for junior high school students and younger
- Annual Festival Period: Late March to Early May (March 23–May 19 in 2024)
【April】Nakayama Great Wisteria (Ofuji) Festival
Nakayama Kumano Shrine in Yame City is famous for its massive wisteria trellis, estimated to be over 300 years old. This trellis is one of the largest in Japan, and when the flowers are in full bloom, the sight is truly breathtaking. During the peak season from mid to late April, the shrine grounds are beautifully tinted in soft purple, offering a tranquil atmosphere for visitors. At night, the wisteria is illuminated, creating a mystical ambiance different from the daytime views. During the season, the shrine also offers a special goshuin (temple seal) featuring a wisteria flower design, adding a unique touch to your visit.
Address: 538-1 Nakayama, Mitsuhashi-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: About a 20-minute drive from Haebaru Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line
- Illumination: From sunset until 9:00 PM
- Annual Festival Period: Mid to Late April (April 15–28 in 2024)
[April–May] Nokonoshima Island Park – Spring Flower Season
Located on Nokonoshima Island in Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, this park is a scenic spot where vibrant flower fields bloom in spring. The park features beautiful flower beds, including Livingstone daisies that open only on sunny days and delicate orange and yellow poppies, creating a cheerful spring landscape. Visitors can explore the park via walking trails and observation decks, which offer stunning views of Hakata Bay. The park also provides seasonal activities like flower picking and a café serving local specialty foods, ensuring a delightful experience for all guests.
- Address: 1624 Noko, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: About a 10-minute ferry ride from Meinohama Port to Nokonoshima
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Sundays & Holidays: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Closed: Open year-round
- Admission Fee:
- Adults: ¥1,500, Elementary & Junior High School Students: ¥800, Preschoolers (ages 3 and up): ¥500
- International students receive a ¥1,000 discount with a valid student ID (if the ID lacks a photo, a residence permit is also required).
- Best Viewing Period: Mid-April to Early May
【April–May】Mitsui Miike Coal Mine – Carp Streamers at Mikawa Pit
Mitsui Miike Coal Mine in Ōmuta City is a historically significant site that once played a vital role in Japan’s industrial development. Every spring, around 100 colorful carp streamers (koinobori) are displayed at the site, symbolizing wishes for children's healthy growth. Seeing these carp streamers fluttering in the vast sky creates a heartwarming scene. Nearby, visitors can also explore the Ōmuta Coal Industry and Science Museum, where they can learn about the history of coal mining and the region's industrial heritage.
- Address: 2-3 Nishiminato-machi, Ōmuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: From JR Kagoshima Main Line, Ōmuta Station, take a bus to "Mikawa-machi 1-chome" stop, then walk about 3 minutes
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Annual Event Period:
- Weekends & Holidays from Early April to Early May (April 6–May 26 in 2024)
- Daily during Golden Week (April 27–May 6)
【April–May】Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden – Best Viewing Season
Kawachi Wisteria Garden, located in Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu, is a world-renowned wisteria destination. The garden spans approximately 1,000 tsubo (about 3,300 square meters) and features breathtaking wisteria trellises and tunnels. The 80-meter and 110-meter-long wisteria tunnels create a mesmerizing corridor of purple and white blossoms, captivating all who visit. The best time to visit is around Golden Week when the garden is at its peak bloom, drawing many tourists who come to admire the spectacular scenery and take stunning photos. Please note that same-day tickets are not available, and advance reservations are required. This system helps control visitor numbers, allowing guests to enjoy the wisteria in a relaxed and less crowded setting.
Address: 2-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: About a 20-minute taxi ride from Yahata Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (hours may vary during the season)
- Closed: Open daily during the viewing season
- Annual Opening Period: Late April to Early May (April 20–May 6 in 2024)
【May】Hakata Dontaku Port Festival
The Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is one of Fukuoka’s most iconic annual events, held on May 3 and 4. With origins dating back to the Heian period, this festival evolved from the traditional "Hakata Matsubayashi" celebrations. During the event, about 20,000 performers take to the streets in lively parades, and over 100 stages across the city host vibrant performances. One of the highlights is the "Dontaku Parade," where participants and spectators join together in a high-energy celebration, making for an unforgettable experience.
Location: Various sites across Fukuoka City
- Access: Within walking distance from JR Hakata Station
- Annual Festival Dates: May 3–4
- 2025 Festival Dates: May 3 (Sat) & May 4 (Sun)
【May】Marine World – Night Aquarium
© Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association: *The image is for illustrative purposes only
Marine World Uminonakamichi, located in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, hosts a special nighttime event during Golden Week called "Night Aquarium." This unique experience features illuminated tanks and the chance to observe nocturnal marine creatures in a peaceful, nighttime setting. Visitors can enjoy the magical ambiance of the aquarium after dark, seeing marine life in a completely different light. Special nighttime dolphin and sea lion shows are also held, offering exciting performances that mesmerize guests.
Address: 18-28 Nishijin, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from Uminonakamichi Station on the JR Kashii Line
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM)
- Closed: Tuesdays (or the following Wednesday if Tuesday is a public holiday)
- Admission Fee: ¥2,500 for adults, ¥2,500 for seniors (65+), ¥2,500 for college/technical school/high school students, ¥1,200 for elementary & junior high school students, ¥700 for preschoolers (ages 3 and up)
- Annual Event Period: Late April to Early May (April 27–May 6 in 2024)
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