Are you planning on coming to Japan in the spring? Maybe you’re worried your trip will be too early to catch the cherry blossoms. The good news is, that Kyushu cherry blossom start blooming earlier than in other parts of Japan, so you won’t miss out!🌸
Japan’s southernmost main island, Kyushu, offers a unique sakura season that begins early in Okinawa and continues northward, giving visitors an extended window to enjoy the cherry blossoms. This means you can partake in the Japanese tradition of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) even in Kyushu!
Keep reading for our Kyushu Cherry Blossom Guide!🌸
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Kyushu Cherry Blossom Guide
Across Japan, in spring, people come together with family and friends to celebrate hanami, a beloved tradition that revolves around appreciating the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms. Many enjoy this special time by having picnics under the trees, sharing food, drinks, and laughter while taking in the stunning sakura. 🌸
Before we dive into our list, check out our map of the hanami spots we’ll cover below!⬇️
Map of Cherry Blossom Spots📍
Ensure a smooth and stress-free trip by staying connected with a travel SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi from Sakura Mobile!
Types of Sakura
Japan is home to approximately 200 cherry tree types, and Kyushu showcases a remarkable variety. Here are some common (and some rare!) cherry blossom species and where you can see them in Kyushu:
Now, let’s start down south, where the first blossoms bloom in Japan!
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Okinawa
Season: Start blooming as early as mid-January and last through mid-February.
Okinawa’s signature cherry blossom, the Kanhizakura (or Hikanzakura), is distinct from the pale pink Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms found on the mainland. These bell-shaped flowers are a deep pink, and their vibrant color adds a tropical flair to the sakura season.
Top Spots in Okinawa:
Mt. Yae, Motobu
Home to over 7,000 Kanhizakura trees, this spot also hosts the Motobu Mt. Yae Cherry Blossom Festival every year, where you can enjoy live performances and food stalls. Mt. Yae is known for having some of the earliest cherry blossoms in Japan and for its stunning views of the East China Sea.
Nago Castle Park, Nago City
A historic site and expansive park featuring stunning cherry blossoms and the lively Nago Sakura Festival. You can see over 20,000 Kanhizakura trees intertwined with tropical plants! There are also traditional performances (Eisa dances and taiko/Japanese drumming) in the Nago City streets and live music you can enjoy.
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Kumamoto
Season: Typically blooms from late March to early April.
Kumamoto combines rich history with natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for cherry blossom viewing. The region’s mild climate supports a variety of sakura species, offering diverse viewing opportunities.
Top Spots in Kumamoto:
Kumamoto Castle and Ninomaru Park
Kumamoto Castle is surrounded by about 800 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura. The contrast of delicate blossoms against the castle’s sturdy stone walls creates a picturesque scene. The surrounding Ninomaru Park is also a very popular spot for picnicking!
Ichifusa Dam Lake
Boasting 10,000 Somei Yoshino and other varieties of cherry trees, this is one of Kyushu’s most expansive sakura spots. You can also catch the evening light-up, a marathon, and fireworks during this season!
Don’t let connectivity issues interrupt your journey—explore Kyushu’s sakura spots with confidence.
With many of Kyushu’s top sakura locations situated outside city centers, exploring these spots often requires careful planning and reliable navigation. Staying connected during your journey can be challenging, as free Wi-Fi isn’t always available in Japan, especially in rural areas.
Stay connected with Sakura Mobile’s travel SIM/eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi to make the most of your trip!
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Saga
Season: Bloom from late March to early April.
Saga’s natural beauty shines during sakura season, with its gardens and historical sites adorned by cherry blossoms.
Top Spots in Saga:
Mifuneyama Rakuen
This stunning garden features approximately 2,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Oshimazakura, Yamazakura, and Yaezakura. Azaleas also bloom this time of year, creating a beautiful sea of purples and pinks.
Ogi Park
Another must-visit location in Saga, this park is home to over 3,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed hanami outing with tranquil walking paths and scenic views.
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Miyazaki
Season: Typically bloom from late March to early April.
This prefecture offers a serene and intimate cherry blossom experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
Top Spots in Miyazaki:
Saitobaru Burial Mounds (Goryohaka-mae)
This historical park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and ancient heritage. In spring, 2,000 cherry blossom trees and 300,000 vibrant canola flowers transform the area into a floral paradise.
Mochio Park
Selected as one of Japan’s top 100 sites for cherry blossom viewing, Mochio Park is famous for its cherry blossom tunnel. Walking through this tunnel of overhanging blossoms is a magical experience, perfect for capturing a photo and for leisurely strolls. There are around 2,600 trees, including Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura and Yaezakura.
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Oita
Season: Generally bloom from late March to early April.
Oita’s cherry blossom spots combine historical significance with natural beauty, offering unique viewing experiences.
Top Spots in Oita:
Oka Castle Ruins
Recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots, these ruins provide a serene and historic setting for hanami. This spot features about 450 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura.
Mt. Tsurumi (Beppu Ropeway)
While you’re in Beppu, make sure to ride the ropeway for panoramic views of sakura covering Mt. Tsurumi! The mountain has over 2,000 Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms.
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Nagasaki
Season: Bloom from late March to early April.
Nagasaki’s cherry blossoms bring a vibrant burst of color to the prefecture’s historical sites and parks.
Top Spots in Nagasaki:
Omura Park
Approximately 2,000 Somei Yoshino and 20 other varieties of cherry trees burst into bloom in Omura Park, signaling the start of spring. The park is listed as one of Japan’s 100 famous cherry blossom-viewing sites. It also features one of the most graceful sakura species, the Omurazakura (a cherry blossom flower with 60-100 petals), which is designated by the national government as a natural monument.
Sakura no Sato
This park is equipped with a lawn area, tennis courts, and a children’s play area, making it an excellent spot for families. Approximately 8,000 cherry blossom trees—including Kanhizakura, Somei Yoshino, and Yaezakura—bloom here.
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Hanami Tips
- Timing: Check local bloom forecasts to plan your visit during peak season. Full bloom is called “mankai” (満開) in Japanese!
- Check the rules: Not all parks allow you to barbeque or picnic. Check your desired location’s official site.
- Arrive early: Secure the best viewing spots by going early; you can spread out a picnic blanket/sheet to claim your spot.
- Essentials: Bring a picnic blanket, food and drinks, and warm clothing for chilly evenings. Some parks do not have garbage bins nearby, so bring trash bags just in case!
- Local flavors: Try sakura-themed treats, such as sakura mochi and sakura-flavored drinks! Hanami dango🍡, dumplings made from rice flour, is another quintessential Japanese sweet that people eat while viewing cherry blossoms.
- Respect the trees: Do not pull on tree branches or pick the flowers.
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Conclusion
Kyushu’s cherry blossom offer a diverse and breathtaking experience, from Okinawa’s early blooms to Oita’s historic sites. Each location has its own charm, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
We hope you found our Kyushu Cherry Blossom Guide useful, and have fun making unforgettable hanami memories!
But what about connecting to WiFi when you’re chilling at the park?🌸
For a seamless travel experience, consider Sakura Mobile’s travel SIM or pocket Wi-Fi options!
We’ll keep you connected while navigating Kyushu’s top cherry blossom spots—perfect for sharing your hanami adventures and staying informed about bloom updates.
Be sure to check out our related blogs for more travel tips and inspiration!🌸
And keep an eye out for more hanami guides in the future. ✨👀
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