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The Kyushu Region, home to Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, Saga, and Okinawa Prefectures, is warm region in southern Japan featuring a variety of picturesque landscapes. Spring comes early here, meaning the cherry blossoms are eager to return each year. Here are some beautiful places to witness the cherry blossoms in Kyushu.
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map①: Yoshino Park
Yoshino Park in Kagoshima Prefecture offers stunning views of Mount Sakurajima as you walk through colorful flowers. Around 70 thousand flowers bloom at various times through the year. In the spring, around 800 cherry blossom trees bloom, attracting visitors from all over Kyushu. Some cherry trees are of the kawazuzakura variety, which bloom as early as February.
Viewing period: March to early April
Access: 25min bus ride from JR Kagoshima-Chu Station
Address: 7955 Yoshino-cho, Kagoshima-shi, 892-0871 Kagoshima
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map②: Senganen Garden
For early blooming cherry blossoms, visit Senganen Garden from January to see the Kanhi cherry blossoms. Senganen Garden, also known as Isoteien, is a Japanese-style landscape garden with magnificent views of Mount Sakurajima. At the center of this historic garden, constructed in 1658, is the well-preserved Iso Residence of the Shimazu family. Visitors can learn about Japanese history and culture while appreciating the lovely cherry blossoms.
Viewing period: End of January to early April
Access: About 30min by car from Kagoshima airport
Address: 1-1 Yoshino-cho, Kagoshima-shi, 892-0871 Kagoshima
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map③: Koutsuki Riverside
For a more casual stroll among the cherry blossoms, take a walk along the tree-lined riverbanks of Kagoshima City’s Kotsuki River. Because the river runs through Kagoshima City, the view changes dynamically from beneath the 500 cherry trees. In the evening, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, enhancing their beauty.
Viewing period: End of March to early April
Access: About 20min walk from Kagoshima-Chuto Station
Address: Kotsuki-cho, Kagoshima-shi, 892-0837
Ranking: ★★☆☆☆
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map④: Hirakawa Zoological Park
Hirakawa Zoo offers great fun for the whole family, especially in spring when visitors can enjoy cute and unique animals gracefully frolicking as sakura petals from about 800 cherry blossom trees flutter through the sky. Mount Sakurajima also watches over the park in the distance adding to the beautiful landscape. Entrance tickets are just 100JPY for children and 500JPY for adults.
Viewing period: End of March to Mid-April
Access: 60min by bus from Kagoshima Station on the Kagoshima Kotsu No.2 Bus
Address: 5669-1 Hirakawa-cho, Kagoshima-shi, 891-0133 Kagoshima
Ranking: ★★☆☆☆
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map⑤: Maizuru Park
Maizuru Park extends from the grounds of the historic Fukuoka castle ruins and is a beloved cherry blossom viewing area in Fukuoaka City. The canopy of pink blossoms provides pleasant shade for groups to enjoy food and drinks while appreciating the colors of the natural scenery. The Ohori Park and Fukuoka City Art Museum nearby offer even more scenic landscapes and culture.
Viewing period: End of March to early April
Access: 8min walk from Akasaka or Ohorikoen Station
Address: Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Ranking: ★★★★★
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map⑥: Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Prefecture attracts many to Kyushu with its luscious natural scenery and fascinating history. One of the most famous landmarks is the impressive Kumamoto Castle. In spring, the black castle walls towering above the grounds creates a stunning contrast to the gentle, pink cherry blossoms below. With about 800 cherry trees, Kumamoto Castle is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
Viewing period: End of March to early April
Access: 15min tram ride from JR Kumamoto Station to Kumamotojo-mae tram stop
Address: 351-2 Tateyama, Chiba 294-0036
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map⑦: Mifuneyama Rakuen
Mifuneyama Rakuen is a gorgeous flower-filled Japanese-style garden at the foot of Mount Mifune in Saga Prefecture. Complete with a traditional teahouse, visitors can experience Japanese culture among this colorful landscape near Takeo City. In spring, the 2,000 cherry blossom trees are the star of the show, receiving beautiful illuminations.
Viewing period: End of March to early April
Access: 25min walk from Takeo-Onsen Station
Address: 4100 Takeo, Takeo-cho, Takeo-shi, Saga-ken
Ranking: ★★★★★
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map⑧: Isshinji Temple
Isshinji Temple in Oita Prefecture is home to a variety of colorful cherry blossoms, including a double-flowering variety. There are around 1,000 cherry trees across the 16-acre valley. When viewed from the path above, the temple grounds appear flooded with sea of pink cherry blossoms. Of course, they are also illuminated in the evening, creating a dreamlike landscape.
Viewing period: February to Mid-April
Access: About 30min by car from Oita Station
Address: 1305 Megusuno, Oita City, Oita Prefecture 870-1163
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map⑨: Darumizu Park
This hilltop park offers peaceful views of Uryuno-Shimohata in Miyazaki, but Darumizu Park is only recommended for people who plant to travel by car. Known especially of Yoshino and Yaezakura varieties, Darumizu Park is home to around 3,500 cherry trees and hosts a cherry blossom festival in the spring. Darumizu Park’s famous “Cherry Road” leads visitors through a tunnel of cherry blossoms that stretches two kilometers. The illuminations are especially beautiful.
Viewing period: March to Early April
Access: About 30min by car from Miyazaki Station
Address: Uryuno, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture 880-0044
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Map⑩: Saitobaru Burial Mounds
The Saitobaru Burial Mounds in Miyazaki Prefecture holds within a great deal of Japanese history. Built approximately 1,700 years ago, this unique site teaches visitors about the ancient past of Miyazaki. In addition to fascinating history, the Saitobaru Burial Mounds also offers breathtaking views. Of course, the 2,000 cherry blossoms are wonderful, but the sea of rapeseed flowers that bloom along with the cherry trees color this historical landmark in even more in springtime hues.
Viewing period: March to Early April
Access: About 15min walk from Keikyu Miura Kaigan Station
Address: 635 Minamishitauramachi, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0101
Ranking: ★★★★☆
