As one of Japan’s oldest cities, Fukuoka boasts a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Like many other Japanese cities, Fukuoka becomes very beautiful during cherry blossom season. During sakura season, which usually occurs in the mid of March, Fukuoka’s parks, riversides, and streets become the places of hanami, which is a beloved Japanese tradition of picnicking under cherry blossom trees.
Keep reading this post to get more information about the sakura season in Fukuoka: we’ll try to highlight the most popular and scenic places to enjoy cherry blossoms in the city, and provide details about day tour options for an even better experience.
Cherry Blossom Season in Fukuoka
According to the data provided by Japan Meteorological Corporation, cherry blossom season in Fukuoka in 2024 should start on March 21st with the full bloom on March 31st. The forecast of sakura season in Japan provides approximate information, the actual dates may differ due to climatic changes.
Fukuoka Cherry Blossom Day Trips
You can join customized day tour to visit best places in Fukuoka where sakura is blooming, click here to book.
Join private walking tour in Fukuoka and visit Ohori Park and Castle Ruins with great ramen lunch, click here to get more details about the trip and complete your booking.
Private tour sometimes is the best option to visit the most iconic places in the city. Follow the link, check the itinerary offered for Fukuoka exploration and make your booking.
Get even more closer to Japanese culture with rental a kimono. All the details can be found here.
Best Spots to See Cherry Blossom in Fukuoka
Below you can find the list of 5 most popular places in Fukuoka where you can enjoy sakura.
Maizuru Park and Fukuoka Castle Ruins
Maizuru Park is a central location in Fukuoka City, renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms. With over 1,000 cherry trees, including varieties like Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura, the park transforms into a sea of pink and white during sakura season.
The Fukuoka Castle Ruins offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s feudal past amid the beauty of cherry blossoms. Although the castle itself no longer stands, the remaining stone walls and moats provide a picturesque backdrop for hanami gatherings.
Nishi Park
Nishi Park is a beautiful green space located in the heart of Fukuoka City, known for its picturesque cherry blossoms during sakura season. Park offers panoramic views of Fukuoka City, providing visitors with a tranquil escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
The park’s elevated location on a hillside allows for sweeping vistas of the city skyline, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the beauty of Fukuoka. The park features walking trails that meander through lush greenery and cherry blossom groves.
Ohori Park
Ohori Park is a scenic urban park located in the heart of Fukuoka City. The centerpiece of Ohori Park is its large, rectangular lake, which spans approximately 2 kilometers in circumference.
Park features paved walking paths and picturesque bridges that crisscross the lake and wind through the park’s landscaped gardens. During the spring months, Ohori Park becomes one of the popular places to see cherry blossoms in Fukuoka, attracting crowds of visitors to enjoy hanami picnics under blooming sakura trees.
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a picturesque destination in Fukuoka, renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms. This place boasts vast expanses of cherry blossom trees that bloom in abundance during the spring months.
Situated on a narrow peninsula extending into Hakata Bay, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park offers stunning views of the bay and surrounding coastline. During the sakura season, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park hosts special events and festivities to celebrate the arrival of spring.
This park is also a home to several botanical gardens and attractions, including the Flowering Plant Garden, Tropical Plant Garden, and Children’s Animal Forest.
- Address: 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 811-0321, Japan
- Working hours: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
- Official website: https://uminaka-park.jp/
Atago Shrine
Located on the slopes of Atago Mountain in Fukuoka, this charming Shinto shrine is known as one of the best places to see sakura in Fukuoka. The shrine’s elevated location offers panoramic views of Fukuoka City and the surrounding landscape.
Atago Shrine holds cultural and historical significance as one of Fukuoka’s oldest shrines, dating back over 1,300 years. Visitors can explore its sacred grounds, including its main hall, torii gates, and stone lanterns, while learning about its role in local traditions and customs.
- Address: 2 Chome-7-1 Atago, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka, 819-0015, Japan
- Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm
- Admission: free
