Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing and Spring Walking in Kitakyushu

Apart from the Okinawa Islands, the first place on the Japanese mainland to see cherry blossoms bloom is Kitakyushu. Here, we have compiled a guide to the top cherry blossom viewing spots in northern Kyushu, as well as some hidden gems. Click to view.

Kushida Shrine is located in the old city center of Fukuoka's Hakata district and is a place of faith for the people of Hakata. The tall and exquisite Yamakasa floats within the shrine are well-preserved, and the sake barrels offered to the shrine blend with the cherry blossoms to create the most beautiful picture.
The avenue on both sides of the horse farm is lined with long-aged cherry trees, forming a cherry blossom avenue. This is one of the most popular flower viewing spots in Fukuoka, usually visited only by locals. From late March to early April each year, the cherry blossoms on both sides of the road are in full bloom, covering the sky and attracting about 100,000 visitors. The spectacular scene is imaginable.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is located in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is considered one of the main shrines of Tenmangu in Japan, alongside Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto. The water system design in front of the shrine is beautiful, and the plum and cherry blossoms bloom brilliantly in spring. This is a place where Japanese people pray for academic success and passing exams, so it is very popular, with many students ringing bells and praying. It is also said that the fortune-telling here is very accurate.
In spring, this is an excellent spot for cherry blossom viewing. The park is well-designed, and you can get guide maps in various languages at the entrance. These maps feature color-coded walking tours ranging from one to three hours.

Ogi Mountain Cherry Blossom Park

Ogi Mountain Cherry Blossom Park is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing in Beppu. Nearly 6,000 cherry trees are planted here, making it a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms from a high vantage point. In the park, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Beppu Bay, and the steam from the hot springs throughout Beppu city blends seamlessly with the sea view. Ogi Mountain Cherry Blossom Park is also an excellent place for hiking, with many trails suitable for walking and flower viewing.

Sea Hell (Hot Spring)

Sea Hell gets its name because the largest hot spring in the park presents a beautiful emerald blue-green color like the sea, and the steaming mist makes it look like a fairyland. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom here, and enjoying the flowers while soaking a few eggs in the hot spring is a wonderful experience. Sea Hell has a dedicated free foot bath area, where tired visitors can soak their feet and enjoy a very comfortable experience.
The garden's scenery is excellent, and it is well worth a visit even without cherry blossoms. It is especially charming during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. There is a dedicated area for cherry blossom viewing in the back of the garden, making it a perfect spot to combine cherry blossom viewing with a tea experience. Sitting in the garden's tea house, you can enjoy the view of pink cherry blossoms against the moss-covered hills while tasting traditional Japanese matcha and Kyushu snacks, making it an ideal place for a leisurely afternoon.
Shimabara Castle, with a history of 300 years, has cherry blossoms planted along the moat at the foot of the castle. The entire ancient castle is surrounded by approximately 250 cherry trees. In spring, the 1.5-kilometer path around the moat is lined with pink cherry blossoms, creating a mesmerizing scene. Part of this path forms a cherry blossom tunnel, which is breathtakingly beautiful. The castle is also open for night visits, allowing visitors to enjoy the enchanting night cherry blossom views.
Omura Park is home to about 2,000 cherry blossom trees of 21 different varieties. Among them, over 300 Omura cherry trees are planted in the central area of the park, around Omura Shrine. Every year, the elegant Omura cherry blossoms bloom beautifully after the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms have finished, turning a corner of the park pink. Cherry blossom viewing period: Late March to mid-April. Night cherry blossom illumination: From dusk to 23:00.
The spring scenery in Takeo is extremely beautiful. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom along the hot spring street, and the medical beauty and health resort is surrounded by cherry blossoms. Takeo in spring is a sea of pink and white, indescribably beautiful. Soaking in the hot springs, with gusts of wind blowing and petals falling, one can't help but marvel.
Mifuneyama Rakuen is a Japanese national monument, known for its garden that was once the villa of the old Takeo Nabeshima family. It is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn foliage viewing, with the Mifuneyama cliff as its backdrop. In spring, it is renowned for its early spring cherry blossoms and late spring azaleas. The garden spans 500,000 square meters, offering a panoramic view of a sea of flowers when viewed from the mountain. When the azaleas are in full bloom, the garden is a riot of colors. The cherry blossom season is also picturesque. At night, the garden is famous for its illuminated night views, offering a serene and beautiful experience.
Ogimachi Park is the only representative from Saga in the 'Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots'. As a typical Japanese garden, it is very distinctive: the combination of tea rooms, shrines, ponds, and artificial hills has made the park one of Japan's Top 100 Historical Parks. During the blooming season, over 3,000 cherry blossom trees bloom inside and outside the park, making this dual-selected park famous. At night, there is a light display on the pond's surface, with the reflection of cherry blossoms appearing and disappearing, adding infinite imagination. Visiting Ogimachi Park also allows you to enjoy the local famous carp cuisine and the traditional Japanese sweet Ogimachi Yokan, making it a perfect combination of beautiful scenery and delicious food.
Xu Fu Bicycle Path is one of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Saga City. Even outside of cherry blossom season, this path is ideal for visitors to take a stroll. Approximately 1,200 cherry trees are planted along both sides of the road, attracting countless locals and tourists to walk and admire the blossoms when they are in full bloom.
This is a great place to view autumn leaves in Kitakyushu City and also a wonderful spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring. After the beginning of spring, the green grass flourishes, and the small purple flowers of rosemary bloom, emitting a charming fragrance, while the cherry blossoms bloom brilliantly under the bright sun. As a civic park, picnicking under the cherry trees is a favorite activity for locals.
Kumamoto Castle is surrounded by cherry blossom trees, making it a picturesque scene in spring. The entire moat is lined with large cherry blossom trees, creating a breathtaking view.
The entrance to Nokonoshima Island is a cherry blossom square, and along the way to the seaside, there are large cherry blossom trees with charming flower buds. The rapeseed flowers by the seaside are also very splendid.

Maizuru Park

Maizuru Park consists of several well-arranged areas, with different varieties of cherry blossoms distributed among them. Climbing up to the castle ruins, you can overlook the entire city of Fukuoka. Maizuru Park is open 24 hours, allowing for night cherry blossom viewing (some small areas close earlier).