Cherry blossoms in Kyushu start in mid-March and although the best time is the first week of April, there are also places where you can still enjoy cherry blossoms till late April. As the proverb “The best flower blossoms later” goes, you would want to enjoy the cherry blossoms that beautifully decorate the end of the season.
1. Shiranoe Botanical Garden (白野江植物公園)
It has a collection of about 60 different kinds and 800 trees in the prefecture, including a designated natural treasure, the 500-year-old Sakura tree. From mid-February to early May one can see the various cherry blossoms. Other than Sakura, there are peony, rhododendrons, and azaleas.
Shiranoe Botanical Garden (白野江植物公園)
- Best time for cherry blossoms: late February ~ early May
- Address: Fukuoka Prefecture, Kita-kyushu, Moji-ku, Shiranoe 2-chome
- Opening hours: 9:00~17:00
- Closed on: Tuesday. Open if Tuesday is a holiday and the next day is closed. Year-end and New Year holidays (Open daily in February ~ June and September ~ November)
2. Eboshi Park
The Eboshi Park, located within Josuiji Temple, is the famous spot of the Botan Sakura (double cherry blossoms). About 500 trees are planted here and the best time for Sakura viewing is mid of April ~ early May. At the end of April, the Mt. Eboshi Botan Sakura Festival is held and one can enjoy the Kagura (sacred Shinto music and dance) as well at the event.
Eboshi Park (えぼし公園)
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Mid of April ~ late April
- Address: Oita Prefecture, Bungo Ono-shi, Ono-cho Fujikita
3. Isshinji Temple
Isshinji Temple is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. The cherry blossoms in the valley and Japan’s largest Buddha statue create a fantastic landscape and it is called the Shangri-La of Sakura. The view of more than 15 kinds of special Yaezakura (double cherry blossoms) such as green, yellow, and purple Sakura, in blossom all over the valley, is magnificent. The pink petals, due to the Sakura Fubuki (blossoms falling) by the wind from the valley, spread under your feet like a Sakura carpet. Furthermore, the 20m high statue of Fudo Myoo as well as the Buddha Prayer Bell in the main hall, both largest in Japan, are famous as power spots. On 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd April, there are light-ups and you can enjoy the night Sakura viewing.
Budoson Isshinji Temple (不動尊 一心寺)
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Early April ~ Late April
- Address: Oita Prefecture, Oita-shi, Megusuno 1305
- Opening hours: 9:00~17:00, light-ups till 21:00
- Fees: Adult 700 yen, child 200 yen
4. Ogiyama Sakura no Sono
About 6000 trees of 14 varieties of Sakura are in bloom at this wide site. The place with an altitude of about 400m high, where one can have a full view of Beppu Bay, is also a perfect place for a driving trip.
Ogiyamu Sakura no Sono(扇山さくらの園)
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Early April ~ Late April
- Address: Oita Prefecture, Beppu-shi, Oza Tsurumi Aza Ohira 4550-3
5. Usuki-shi Kigahata
The Sakura which the locals have carefully grown over 20 years are in full blossom from around mid-April. On a sunny day, you will be able to see the magnificent view of Mt. Yufudake and Mt. Tsurumitake from the top of the hill.
Usuki-shi Kigahata (臼杵市木ケ畑)
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Mid of April ~ Late April
- Address: Oita Prefecture, Usuki-shi, Takayama
- Access: http://www.usuki-kanko.com/?p=7532
6. Kirishima Jingu Shrine
A historical place where the shrine was built in the 6th century. (The present shrine was rebuilt in 1715). There is a sacred cedar tree that has aged over 800 years in the precinct and has drawn many worshippers. Furthermore, from late March to early April, about 200 Sakura trees blossom. The Shidare Sakura with the Worship Hall as a background is a beautiful scene.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine (霧島神宮)
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March ~ Early April
- Address: Kagoshima Prefecture, Kirishima-shi, Kirishima Taguchi 2608-5
7. Kirishima Plateau National Recreation Areas
Here you can view about 2000 trees from early April to the end of the month. You can also camp under the tree while enjoying Sakura viewing. Find a place that you like then enjoy till you are completely satisfied.
Kirishima Plateau National Recreation Areas (霧島高原国民休養地)
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Early April ~ Late April
- Address: Kirishima-shi, Makizono-cho, Takachiho 3311
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