The blossoming of sakura (cherry blossoms) is an occasion for celebration all over Japan. Between late March and early April, families, friends and colleagues come together for ohanami or “blossom-viewing”. In f*ckuoka, blooming was (officially) announced on March 18, four days earlier than normal but a day later than last year.
• 2023 Sakura Forecast
• f*ckuoka Now Sakura Map (Google Map)
Viewing spots
• f*ckuoka City (15)
• Itoshima City (2)
• Dazaifu City (1)
• Ukiha City (2)
• Asakura City (2)
• Kurume City (1)
• Tagawa City (1)
• Kasuya-gun (1)
• Other Kyushu’s Sakura Spots (6)
2023 Sakura Forecast (as of Mar. 23)
Part of the magic of sakura is that you never know for certain when they’ll start to bloom or be in full bloom. To help you plan your ohanami with better probability, refer to this website which offers updated forecast for sakura all around the country.
• f*ckuoka, sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 18. Full bloom is expected on Mar. 26.
• Oita’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 24, with full bloom around Apr. 2.
• Nagasaki’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 22, with full bloom around Mar. 29.
• Saga’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 22, with full bloom around Mar. 29.
• Kumamoto’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 22, with full bloom around Mar. 30.
• Miyazaki’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 19, with full bloom around Mar. 28.
• Kagoshima’s sakura have begun to bloom on Mar. 24, with full bloom around Apr. 1.
Sakura blooming forecast for f*ckuoka as of Mar. 23. This chart illustrates the predicted percentage of blooms by date. Between Mar. 25 and Apr. 1 is predicted to be prime cherry blossom viewing in f*ckuoka. Source.
f*ckuoka Now Sakura Map 2023
To help you and your friends find a place to enjoy the ohanami season, we’ve made an online map of locations in f*ckuoka known for nice sakura trees.
f*ckuoka City
Maizuru Park
• 1-4 Jonai, Chuo-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: 5 min. walk from Ohorikoen Sta.
• 1,000 trees
• f*ckuoka Castle Sakura Festival: 3/24 (Fri.) ~ 4/2 (Sun.) 11:00~22:00 (light up: 18:00~22:00)
• Special light-up area: one zone ¥400, three zones ¥1,000
• Parking: ¥150/hour
• Public toilets: available
• http://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=302001
Kyushu Live
f*ckuoka Sakura Cherry Blossom Walk 2023: Experience the Magic LIVE! (Mar. 24, 2023)
Cherry Blossoms at f*ckuoka Castle 2022 (Mar. 29, 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/live/YwjySXSJrO4?feature=share
Nishi Park
• 1-2 Ohorikoen, Chuo-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot from Arato 2-chome bus stop; 15 min. on foot from Ohorikoen Sta.
• 1,300 trees
• Free
• Parking: free *vehicles cannot enter or park inside during the season
• Public toilets: available
*No source of ignition permitted
• https://www.nishikouen.jp/
• https://www.instagram.com/nishipark_f*ckuoka/
Tenjin Central Park
• 1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: 3 min. walk from Tenjin Sta.
• Approx. 50 trees along a path next to Yakuin Shinkawa River
• Free
• Parking: ¥200/30 min. (basem*nt parking, open 24 hours)
• Public toilets: available
• http://tenjin-central-park.jp/
Kyushu Live
Sakura In Bloom! f*ckuoka City 2022 (Mar. 28, 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/live/TPOeCtWjKkY?feature=share
Minami Park
Photograph provided by f*ckuoka City.
• Minamikoen, Chuo-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: Dobutsuen-mae bus stop (f*ckuoka Zoo); 15 min. on foot from Sakurazaka Sta.
• Approx. 400 trees, daytime only
• Free
• Parking: coin parking available nearby
• Public toilets: available
• Note: wear comfortable clothes to walk around!
• http://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=302003
Sanno Park
• 1-9 Sanno, Hakata-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: Get off at Sanno Koen-mae bus stop; 8 min. on foot from Higashi-Hie Sta.
• Approx. 300 trees
• Free
• Parking: coin parking available nearby
• Public toilets: available
• https://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=204001
Higashi Hirao Park
Photograph provided by f*ckuoka City.
• 2-1-2 Higashi-hirao Koen, Hakata-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: Higashi Hirao Koen-iriguchi bus stop
• Approx. 1,600 trees
• Free
• Parking: free
• Public toilets: available
• Note: There’s an athletic facility at adjacent adventure forest (Otani Hiroba)
• http://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=202002
Reisen Park
A popular spot in central f*ckuoka for night cherry blossom viewing.
• 7 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: 3 min. walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Sta.; 2 min. walk from Kawabata-machi Hakataza-mae bus stop
• 32 trees
• Free
• Parking: coin parking available nearby
• Public toilets: available
• https://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=205001
Atago Shrine
Photograph provided by f*ckuoka City.
• 2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from at Atago-sh*ta bus stop; 20 min. on foot from Muromi Sta.
• 2,000 trees
• Parking: free
• Public toilets: available
• http://atagojinjya.com/
• f*ckuoka Topics – Cherry Blossoms and Beautiful Night Views at Atago Shrine
Nokonoshima Island Park
Photograph provided by f*ckuoka City.
• Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: Catch a ferry from Meinohama Passenger Terminal
• Approx. 200 trees
• Adult (HS and above) ¥1,200, ES and MS ¥600, over 3 years old: ¥400
• Parking: available next to Meinohama Passenger Terminal (¥510/day)
• Public toilets: available
• http://nokonoshima.com/en/
• https://www.instagram.com/nokoipark/
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
• 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, f*ckuoka
• Approx. 1600 trees
• Open: 9:30~17:30 (Mar. 1 ~ Oct. 31)
• Entry fee: over 15 y.o. ¥450, over 65 y.o. ¥210, free for JHS and under
• Uminonakamichi Flower Picnic 2023: 3/18 (Sat.) ~ 5/21 (Sun.)
• Parking: available (¥530)
• Public toilets: available
• https://uminaka-park.jp/enjoy_flower/four-seasons/cherry-blossom.html
Muromigawa river park
• 4-14 Sawara-ku, Kotabe, f*ckuoka
• Free
• Open: 24 hours
• Parking: Free (28 spaces)
• Public toilets: available
• https://www.city.f*ckuoka.lg.jp/sawaraku/sawaraku-tamatebako/kankou/muromi_park.html
Seinanmorinokohan Park
• 6 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, f*ckuoka
• Approx. 200 trees
• Free
• Open: 24 hours
• Parking: ¥100/h (141 spaces)
• Public toilets: available
• http://seinanmori.q-rin.co.jp/index.php
Mt. Aburayama Citizens’ Forest
Photograph provided by f*ckuoka City.
• 855-4 Hibaru, Minami-ku, f*ckuoka
• Approx. 2,000 trees
• Free
• Open: 24 hours
• Parking: normal-size vehicle ¥300, middle-size vehicle ¥1,000, large-size vehicle ¥2,000
• Public toilets: available
• http://www.shimi-mori.com/ (official ohanami guide)
• https://www.instagram.com/aburayama_shimimori/
Hibaruzakura Park
• 1-5 Hibaru, Minami-ku, f*ckuoka
• 13 trees
• Free
• Open: 24 hours
• Parking: unavailable
• Public toilets: unavailable
• https://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=406111
• f*ckuoka Topics – The Hibaru Cherry Trees: A Testament to the Will of the People of f*ckuoka
f*ckuoka Tower Sakura Illumination
• 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, f*ckuoka
• Access: Ride a bus going to f*ckuoka Tower and get off at f*ckuoka Tower-minamiguchi bus stop; 20 min. on foot from Nishijin Sta.
• Illumination : 3/16 (Thu.) ~ 4/16 (Sun.) 19:00~23:00 *except 4/2 and 4/8
• Adult: ¥800, JHS and ES: ¥500, over 4 years old: ¥200
• Parking: 7:00~23:00 ¥300 / 2hrs, ¥100 per 20 min after 2 hours
• Public toilets: available
• http://www.f*ckuokatower.co.jp/lightup/
• https://www.instagram.com/f*ckuokatower_official/
Itoshima City
Kafuri Park
• 702-1 Kafuri, Itoshima City, f*ckuoka
• Approx: 500 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: free (20 spaces)
• Public toilets: available
• https://www.crossroadf*ckuoka.jp/spot/12200
Sasayama Park
• 2 Maebarueki-minami, Itoshima City, f*ckuoka
• Access: Chikuzen-Maebaru Sta. (JR Chikuhi line)
• Approx. 660 trees
• Free
• Parking: free (approx. five spaces)
• Public toilets: available
• Note: Enjoy hiking and see most of Itoshima from the top of the mountain.
• https://bit.ly/3LIeP6w
Dazaifu City
Kamado Shrine
Known for protecting the kimon (northeast) of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Kamado Shrine is also a popular photo cherry blossom spot.
• 883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu City, f*ckuoka
• Access: 883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu City, f*ckuoka (accessible by the ¥100 Mahorobago Community Bus from Dazaifu Sta.)
• Free
• 200 trees
• Illuminated on these nights: 3/24 (Fri.) ~3/31(Fri.) 18:30~21:00
• Sakura Festival: 3/25 (Sat.), 3/26 (Sun.)
• Parking: ¥400
• Public toilets: available
• http://kamadojinja.or.jp/
• https://www.instagram.com/kamadojinja.official/
Ukiha City
Shidarezakura at Hokkebaru Hanateien
写真提供:一般社団法人うきは観光みらいづくり公社
写真提供:一般社団法人うきは観光みらいづくり公社
• Best time to view: mid March. ~ late Mar.
• Sakura light up: 3/18~3/26 (sunset ~ 21:00)
• 2314 Yoshimachi, Tominaga, Ukiha City, f*ckuoka
• 3 trees (Shidarezakura)
• Parking: Free
• Public toilets: available
• https://ukihalove.jp/sakurainfo_2023/
• https://www.instagram.com/ukiha.ukihako/
Nagarekawa no Sakuranamiki
• Nagarekawa, Ukiha-cho, Ukiha City, f*ckuoka
• Approx: 350 trees
• Parking: available
• https://ukihalove.jp/contents/nagarekawasakuranamiki/
Asakura City
Akizuki Sugi-no-baba
• Akizukinotori, Asakura City, f*ckuoka
• Access: Kyodokan-mae bus stop, Amagi Kanko Bus from Amagi Sta. (20 min.)
• 200 trees, along a 500 m concourse.
• Free
• Parking: ¥400
• Public toilets: available
• https://amagiasakura.net/sightseeing_post/akizuki_suginobaba_sakura/
Amagi Park
• 79 Bodaiji, Asakura City, f*ckuoka
• Approx: 4000 trees
• Sakura light up: sunset ~ 22:00
• Free entry
• Parking: free (500 spaces)
• Public toilet: available
• https://amagiasakura.net/sightseeing_post/amagikouen_sakura/
Kurume City
Asai Ippon-sakura (Hotomeki no Ki)
The tree is over 100 years old. It is known as Yamazakura and is 18 m tall with a circumference of 4.3 m.
• 1151 Yamamoto-machi Mino, Kurume City, f*ckuoka
• Access: 20 min. from JR Zendoji Sta.
• Open: 10:00~21:00
• Sakura light up from early Mar.
• Free
• Parking: price will be updated on the official web.
• Public toilets: available
• http://www.kurume-hotomeki.jp/event/?mode=detail&id=402036000083&isSpot=1
Tagawa City
Maruyama Park
• 19-1 Maruyama-machi, Tagawa City, f*ckuoka
• Approx. 1,000 trees
• Free
• Parking: free
• Public toilets: available
• http://www.joho.tagawa.f*ckuoka.jp/kiji00336/index.html
Kasuya-gun
Ino Tenshoko Shrine
©久山町
• 604 Ino, Hisayama-machi, Kasuya, f*ckuoka
• Approx. 200 trees
• Free entry
• Parking: free (charges may apply on busy dates)
• Public toilets: available
• https://bit.ly/3JIsegn
Kyushu’s Sakura Spots
As a bonus addition to the f*ckuoka Now Sakura Guide, we’ve listed up one no-fail sakura spot for each of Kyushu’s other six prefectures – for those venturing outside the f*ckuoka city limits!
Ogi Park (Saga)
Ogi Park was selected as one of the Japan’s top 100 sakura spots, and one of Japan’s top 100 historical parks. A koi carp lake and various shrines add to the peaceful atmosphere of this magical sakura spot. There will also be nighttime illumination, including bonbori (paper lanterns).
• 185 Ogi-machi, Ogi City, Saga
• 3,000 trees
• Free
• Parking: free
• Public toilets: available
• https://www.city.ogi.lg.jp/main/5526.html
Kameoka Park (Nagasaki)
Kameoka Park is well known for its cherry blossom trees, including somei yoshino and nidozaki zakura. Enjoy your hanami picnic with the nearby Hirado Castle turrets as backdrop.
• Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki
• Approx. 1,000 trees
• Free
• Parking: free
• Public toilets: available
• http://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/guide/370/
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is by far the city’s most popular sakura spot. The view from Sakura-no-baba Josaien is recommended.
• 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto
• Viewing season: Late Mar. ~ Early Apr.
• Approx. 800 trees
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Entry fee: over HS ¥800, ES & JHS ¥300, free for preschool children
• Parking: ¥200 for first two hours, ¥100/hour after
• Public toilets: available
• https://kumamoto-guide.jp/kumamoto-castle/
• https://www.instagram.com/kumamoto_castle/
Oita Castle Ruin Park
Sakura trees line the moat surrounding the historic castle, and the flowers reflect brilliantly on the water.
• 4 Niage-machi, Oita City, Oita
• 65 trees
• Free
• Parking: None
• Public toilets: available
• https://www.oishiimati-oita.jp/spots/detail/CPID:9999900074991
Shiroyama Park (Kagoshima)
Take a sakura-filled walk through this park in downtown Kagoshima that extends over Mt. Shiroyama (192 m above sea level). The mountain was formerly the site of a castle fortification and overlooks Kagoshima City, Mt. Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay.
• 3819 Kokubukamiko-gawa, Kirishima City, Kagoshima
• Approx. 550 trees
• Open: March 9:30~17:00, April 9:30~18:00
• Closed: Mon. (open if Mon. is a holiday and closed the next day)
• Free
• Parking: free (268 spaces)
• Public toilets: available
• http://www.kirishima-sjc.or.jp/shiroyama/
Darumizu Park (Miyazaki)
Located on the Darumizu Plateau at an elevation of 120 m, this famous cherry blossom viewing spot, nicknamed “Cherry Road”, has some 3,500 sakura trees of several different varieties (including somei yoshino, yamazakura, and yaezakura).
• 5724-1 Uryuno, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki
• 3,500 trees
• Free
• Parking: free
• Public toilets: available
• https://www.miyazaki-city.tourism.or.jp/spot/12274
Types of sakura trees – know your sakura!
Japan has over one hundred types of sakura tree, including both cultivated and wild varieties. For centuries, they have been popular for decorative use in gardens and parks. The most popular variety is the Somei Yoshino, however you’re certain to see many other varieties during springtime in f*ckuoka. Here’s a beginner’s lesson to help you notice some of the characteristics that differentiate the varieties of sakura…
1. Number of petals: Wild sakura trees and the majority of cultivated trees have blossoms with five petals (e.g. Somei Yoshino). However, some species have blossoms of more than five petals. These species are called yaezakura, and range from those with around 20 petals (e.g. Ichiyo) to those with up to 300 petals (e.g. Kikuzakura).
2. Color of blossoms: The blossoms of a sakura tree can vary in color from the common light pink or white (e.g. Shogetsu) to more unusual varieties with dark pink (e.g. Kanzan), yellow or green (e.g. Ukon) blossoms. Some varieties’ blossoms even change color over the course of blooming.
3. Time of blooming: We associate sakura blossoms with springtime because the majority of trees bloom in the spring months, however it is not true for all varieties. Yaezakura are usually the last to bloom in spring, around four to five weeks later than five-petaled species, and some extreme varieties bloom in late autumn and even winter!
Most common cherry tree varieties
Somei Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry)
By far the most common sakura tree in Japan, the Somei Yoshino was cultivated in Tokyo in the Edo Period. It has pale-pink, five-petaled blossoms, and its fresh leaves do not emerge until after the peak of flowering, giving it an intense appearance.
Yamazakura
This is the most common cherry tree variety that grows in the wild, rather than in cultivation. With five slightly pink, small petals, the blossoms appear at the same time as the Yamazakura’s fresh leaves, giving it a less intense look than the Somei Yoshino.
Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry)
These weeping cherry trees are among the most common and beloved in Japan. You’ll find two tree varieties – those with five petaled-blossoms, and those with blossoms of more than five petals (which bloom one week later).
Sakura Vocabulary
Show your expertise and impress your picnic buddies by learning some seasonal Japanese vocabulary.
Sakura / 桜 / さくら: Cherry blossoms
Hanami / 花見 / はなみ : Cherry-blossom viewing
Kaikayosou / 開花予想 / かいかよそう: Blooming prediction/forecast
Tsubomi / つぼみ: Bud
Sakihajime / 咲き始め / さきはじめ: Beginning to bloom
Migoro / 見頃 / みごろ: Best time to see
Gobuzaki / 5分咲き / ごぶざき: 50% bloom
Shichibuzaki / 7分咲き / しちぶざき: 70% bloom
Mankai / 満開 / まんかい: Full bloom
Chirihajime / 散り始め / ちりはじめ: Beginning to fall
Hazakura / 葉桜 / はざくら: Leaves
—–
Updated in Feb. 2023.
Copyright f*ckuoka Now – including all text, photos and illustrations. Permission required to re-use in any form. Meanwhile, feel free to link to to this page.
NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the f*ckuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. Regarding the concepts mentioned in this article, let's discuss each one in detail.
Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are a significant symbol of Japanese culture and are celebrated during the ohanami season, which is the tradition of viewing and appreciating the beauty of cherry blossoms. Sakura trees bloom between late March and early April in Japan, and this period is a cause for celebration, bringing families, friends, and colleagues together for ohanami or "blossom-viewing" [[1]].
f*ckuoka Sakura Forecast
The article mentions the 2023 Sakura Forecast for f*ckuoka. The official announcement of the blooming of cherry blossoms in f*ckuoka was made on March 18, four days earlier than normal but a day later than the previous year [[1]]. The forecast also provides information on the expected dates for full bloom in f*ckuoka and other regions in Kyushu [[1]].
f*ckuoka Now Sakura Map
The f*ckuoka Now Sakura Map is an online map that highlights locations in f*ckuoka known for their beautiful sakura trees. The map provides information on various viewing spots in f*ckuoka City, Itoshima City, Dazaifu City, Ukiha City, Asakura City, Kurume City, Tagawa City, Kasuya-gun, and other areas in Kyushu [[1]].
Sakura Viewing Spots in f*ckuoka
The article lists several sakura viewing spots in f*ckuoka City, including Maizuru Park, Nishi Park, Tenjin Central Park, Minami Park, Sanno Park, Higashi Hirao Park, Reisen Park, Atago Shrine, Nokonoshima Island Park, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Muromigawa River Park, Seinanmorinokohan Park, Mt. Aburayama Citizens' Forest, Hibaruzakura Park, and f*ckuoka Tower Sakura Illumination [[1]].
Sakura Spots in Other Kyushu Prefectures
The article also mentions one sakura spot for each of the other six prefectures in Kyushu. These spots include Ogi Park in Saga, Kameoka Park in Nagasaki, Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, Oita Castle Ruin Park in Oita, Shiroyama Park in Kagoshima, and Darumizu Park in Miyazaki [[1]].
Types of Sakura Trees
The article provides information about different types of sakura trees. Some of the common varieties mentioned include Somei Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry), Yamazakura, and Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry). These varieties differ in the number of petals, color of blossoms, and time of blooming [[1]].
Sakura Vocabulary
To enhance your understanding of sakura season, the article provides a list of Japanese vocabulary related to cherry blossoms. Some of the terms mentioned include sakura (cherry blossoms), hanami (cherry-blossom viewing), tsubomi (bud), mankai (full bloom), and hazakura (leaves) [[1]].
I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!