6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu

6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, is a hidden gem when it comes to cherry blossom viewing. With its mild climate, historic sites, and stunning landscapes, Kyushu offers a unique Hanami (flower viewing) experience away from the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto. If you're planning a trip during sakura season, here are six must-visit spots to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in Kyushu.

10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in South Korea

As the spring wind blows, the pinkish white petals magically scatter and slowly spread out on the ground; these are cherry blossoms (벗꽃), the delicate and ephemeral flowers that many people chase for. When the cherry blossom season arrives, it also marks the end of winter as the temperature become mild and pleasant, and the people start to go outdoors and the streets become lively again. Cherry blossom viewing certainly has become one of the top activities in Korea during the spring season.

The Magical Moment at Sasang Park

Typically, the blooming starts in the Southern region in late March and then move into the Northern region in mid-April. Seeing cherry blossoms in Korea is not as difficult as you might think; in fact, it is almost anywhere along the streets and especially in the parks.

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival 2016, South Korea

The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is one of the largest cherry blossom festival in Korea that attracts a large crowd of visitors from around the world annually. Around early April, the glorious cherry blossom cover the whole Jinhae city, creating an enchanting atmosphere, and it is definitely the best moment to take a stroll along the endless street of cherry blossom trees.

3 years ago, I went to the Jinhae city for the cherry blossom festival, but the blooming of cherry blossoms had finished when I was there. I left the city with disappointment and I told myself  that I must go back again for the cherry blossom. I kept my promise and true enough, I was back in Jinhae city in 2016; the timing was perfect for the full-bloom cherry blossom this round.

Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival 2016, South Korea

We were standing under the cherry blossom trees and looking at a signboard that written 한국의 아름다운 길 (Scenic Road of Korea). At that point of time, we realized that we were already walking along the 10ri Cherry Blossom Road also known as the Wedding Road. People believe that "if a couple walking down this road together hand in hand, they live happily together forever".

In spring, many visitors come all the way to Hwagae to enjoy a walk down the stunning Cherry Blossom Road, which is one of the main attractions of the Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival. This scenic road with an endless view of cherry blossom stretch over 6 km from Hwagae Market to Ssanggyesa Temple.

Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival 2016, Japan

Sakura (桜) is charming, irresistible and beautiful but short-lived; it takes one week to reach full bloom after the first opening of the blossoms and it lasts for a week before the blossoms start falling. During spring, visitors from around the world visit Japan for the ephemeral nature of life, Sakura (Cherry Blossoms).

The last time I enjoyed Sakura viewing (Hanami) in Japan was 10 years ago at Ueno Park, Tokyo. And 10 years later, I am glad that I came back to Japan for Hanami again; this time was at Maizuru Park, Fukuoka for the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival 2016.

Travel Journal: A Spring Day in Tokyo (2006 Tokyo . 東京)

Japan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. What I love about this unique place is their language, culture, food and nature scenery. Furthermore, with their 4 distinct seasons, you can visit this amazing place any time of the year.

In 2006, I visited Japan in spring season to witness the sights of cherry blossoms, also known as Sakura. In order to view the cherry blossoms blooming, you need some planning and luck especially if your trip is short. The best time to enjoy Hanami in Tokyo is around late March to Mid April.