10 x the best places to see cherry blossoms in Fukuoka
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The cherry blossom season in Japan has come to an end and for the past two weeks, I have been exploring Fukuoka to find the most beautiful locations and best spots in the city where you can spot the cherry blossoms.
Undoubtedly, the best places to see cherry blossoms in Fukuoka were Ohori Park and Tenjin Central Park. However, the beautiful colours along the Naka River were well worth wandering around the streets and alleyways of the city centre.
Admiring the Sakura in Japan for the first time was a bucket list experience, and in this article, I’ll tell you where you can find the best places to see the cherry blossoms in Fukuoka if you plan to go next year.
READ ALSO: The perfect itinerary for Japan in 3 Weeks
What is Sakura?
Sakura is the Japanese name for cherry blossoms, which are the symbolic flowers of springtime in Japan. These delicate pink and white flowers bloom for a short period usually starting from late March to late April. depending on the weather forecast and location in the country.
They are highly revered in Japanese culture and have been celebrated for centuries with festivals such as Hanami (flower viewing) where people gather under the cherry blossom trees to eat, drink, socialize and admire the beauty of nature.
Sakura has become an iconic symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage that carries a special place in every Japanese person’s heart.
Get your JR rail pass in advance!
Best time to see the cherry blossoms in Fukuoka.
If you plan to visit Fukuoka and admire the cherry blossoms next year, the best time to go is usually from late March to early April.
This is when the annual Sakura Festival in Ohori Park takes place, and where you can enjoy the pink and white cherry blossom trees in various locations around the city.
While timing is always dependent on Mother Nature, it’s recommended to check the official cherry blossom forecast for updates on when they are expected to bloom.
This year was the official Sakura Festival from March 23rd to April 4th, however, some trees will start to bloom a bit earlier or later.
TIP: On the website of Japan Guide you can find the best and updated information about the cherry blossoms season in Japan
Where to stay in Fukuoka?
Are you still looking for a good place to stay in Fukuoka? There are so many options in the city that it can be difficult to make the right decision. You can find a private room in a hotel for €50 per night while a bed in a dorm will cost somewhere between €10-20 per night.
Here are some hotels that are conveniently located near public transportation and restaurants, as well as being reasonably priced and comfortable.
Where to see cherry blossoms in Fukuoka
Ohori Park
If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to take in the iconic cherry blossoms of Japan, Ohori Park should be on your list. This park is home to hundreds of cherry blossom trees that bloom every year usually from late March to early April.
The Annual Sakura Festival in Fukuoka is also held here, and if you come at night, you can admire the enchanting atmosphere and illuminated cherry blossom trees under a beautiful night sky.
The best time to visit this circular-shaped park is during the weekends, as locals come out in droves to celebrate the soft pink flowers with picnics and drinks under the trees.
And if you happen to miss the cherry blossoms season in Japan, you can walk around Ohori Park and its surrounding pond or rent out a swan boat for a more relaxed take on sightseeing.
The atmosphere here is lively yet peaceful; it’s a perfect place to experience Japanese culture while surrounded by nature.
Maizuru Park
Maizuru Park is located next to Ohori Park and is actually an extension that’s separated by a road. However, don’t skip this place to see the cherry blossoms as you’ll find more than 100 cherry trees along the walking paths in this beautiful park. When they bloom, it’s a sight to behold.
The soft pink and white florets create a magical atmosphere that brings people from all over Japan and other places every year.
This year, the Fukuoka Sakura Festival was also held here. There were many food stands and all kinds of entertainment. Everyone gathered here to take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms, enjoy the pleasant spring weather, and enjoy a picnic.
In Maizuru Park, you can also visit the Fukuoka Castle Ruins and walk up the hill where you have a view over the city’s skyline.
Nishi Park
Nishi Park definitely belongs to this list as it is one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in Fukuoka. A lot of Cherry blossom trees lined up the path to the Terumo Shrine from the main street.
And besides the beautiful florets that can be admired up close while standing on the huge stairs, there is also an important shrine and an observation platform where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s harbour.
TIP: In Nishi Park, you’ll find a food truck that has the best hot dog in all of Japan.
Tenjin Central Park
Tenjin Central Park is located in the middle of the city and is a great place to experience the splendour of Japan.
Thousands of people, both tourists and locals, flock to this park and along the riverside to take in the beautiful cherry blossoms but also to enjoy a picnic or a straw along the walking paths.
When Sakura in Japan comes to an end, the river turns completely pink from the pink florets that have fallen into it (which you can see a little bit on the pictures below).
TIP: Walk up the ACROSS Building to see the beautiful trees from the top. (only possible during weekends)
Naka River Promenade
During Sakura in Fukuoka, along the Naka River on the edge of Nakasu District, there is a whole row of beautiful cherry blossom trees that can be seen from the many bridges, although the Fuku-Haku Deai Bridge is one of the best to get a great view to get to the vibrant city.
Don’t forget to walk by it when the various Yatai eateries are there. so you can take advantage of the delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine and the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
When I came here, I was almost end of the cherry blossom season however, it is truly amazing to walk around this area.
Seiryu Park
Located on the southernmost tip of Nakasu Island, between Tenjin and Hakata, is the lovely and cosy Seiryu Park.
Here are some cherry blossoms, and there are often small-scale events such as a live performance or a food truck event. Alternatively, you can just enjoy the peace along the river and sit on the edge of the quays with a drink as the locals do.
Hakata Port Tower
Although it is not widely known for its cherry blossoms, the Hakata Port Tower is definitely interesting to visit.
Below the tower is a small park with some cherry blossom trees, and here you can enjoy the sea breeze while watching the locals play football on the grounds. The tower itself provides a great view of the enormous harbour and the city.
TIP: The Hakata Port Tower Observation Deck is open between 10h-17h
TIP: After a long day exploring the city you can relax at the Namiha-no-Yu Onsen next to the Hakata Port Tower
Fukuoka Tower
Well, being one of the tallest towers in Japan with 234 meters and a viewing platform makes this location a reason to visit.
And although this place doesn’t actually have any real cherry blossom trees that you can admire, you will find a unique illumination here that is illustrated on the Fukuoka tower during Sakura in Japan.
At the bottom of the Fukuoka Tower, you can admire the beautiful spectacle while the trees around are illuminated.
You really have to admire it with your own eyes!
TIP: On the official Website of the Fukuoka Tower, you can find information about the illuminations during special events.
Atago Shrine
The Atago Shrine is one of Fukuoka’s most important shrines that can be found between the stops of Muromi and Meinohama.
Many locals walk to the temple and shrine every day to pay their respects and offer prayers, which is situated on top of the hill where you have one of the most stunning views of the city.
Since I was living in Fukuoka close to the Atago Shrine for nearly 6 months, I went there quite a few times because of its serene and lovely atmosphere.
During the spring, when the cherry trees are in bloom, the scenery is even more breathtaking.
Odo Park
Odo Park is located a little further away from the city centre, and it takes approximately half an hour to walk there from the last stop (Meinohama) on the Airport subway line.
It is a very nice place to have a picnic, go for a walk, or just relax with your children because it is located on the beach and the marina.
On the west side of the park, you can watch the sun go down over the ocean while in the distance you can make out the silhouettes of the various islands, and from the top of the hill, you have a breathtaking view of the city.
TIP: It can be very windy on the west side of the park and the surrounding beach area
The Sakura season for this year is over and it was truly breathtaking. Another thing that has been on my bucket list for years and I can finally tick it off.
Of course,, I have collected all the information to inspire you and help you plan your trip to Japan or Fukuoka.
So, if you have questions or you want to share some recommendations, please feel free to add a comment below.
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10 x the best places to see cherry blossoms in Fukuoka
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PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
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The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.
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