🌸 Don’t be a Sakura refugee! A guide to cherry blossom viewing in Japan

This year I decided to take a different route and gave up on the super popular cherry blossom viewing spots like Kyoto and Tokyo, and chose the lesser-known Kitakyushu as my cherry blossom viewing destination. You don’t have to be a “special forces soldier” to say byebye to the cherry blossom refugees! This is the 6-day 5-night cherry blossom viewing guide in Kitakyushu that I spent 3 days and 3 nights to compile. My dears, please read it carefully~

🌸 Trip Highlights

• A selection of cherry blossom viewing spots of various styles in Kitakyushu, whether it is a Japanese castle, riverside, or mountain, all your fantasies about cherry blossom viewing can be satisfied at once.

• In addition to cherry blossom viewing, you can also experience Kyushu’s unique characteristics, such as soaking in hot springs, tasting Wagyu beef, and experiencing railway culture. It’s so rich!

🗓 Itinerary
Day 1: Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Arrive at Fukuoka Airport → Take the JR Express to Kokura Station (approximately 2 hours)
🔹 Kokura Castle (100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots): You can take photos of the castle tower and 600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Climb up to the observation deck and overlook the sea of pink flowers. It’s so stunning!
🔹 Katsuyama Park: Enjoy the cherry blossoms at night when the lights are on, and experience the Japanese Lantern Festival, which is full of romance!
🍱Food: When you go to the seafood bowl at the University Hall in Danguo Market, you must try the freshly grilled puffer fish roe.
🏠Accommodation: Hotels near Kokura Station

Day 2: Mojiko Nostalgic Railway and Riverside Cherry Blossoms
🔹 Wafukari Park: Stroll along the cherry blossom trail along the Kanmon Strait and overlook the Honshu Island, the scenery is picturesque.
🔹 Mojiko Retro Area: Take photos of the Blue Wing Bridge and the retro warehouses, and take the nostalgic sightseeing train "Shiokaze" to feel like you're traveling back in time.
🔹Donghaiwan, Wakamatsu District: A small cherry blossom tunnel with railway tracks and cherry blossoms intertwined, full of industrial style.
🍱Food: Mojiko’s specialty “grilled curry”, paired with lemon beer, superb!

Day 3: Yufuin Hanami Onsen Village
🔹 Kinrin Lake: The reflection of the mountain cherry blossoms by the lake, photographed in the morning mist, is simply full of fairyland spirit.
🔹 Tangzhiping Street: Visit the cherry blossom-themed grocery store and buy some small souvenirs.
🔹 Yufudake hiking trail: Enjoy the mountain cherry blossoms on foot, and overlook the flower fields and volcanoes in the distance, which is super pleasant.
🏠Accommodation: Yufuin Hot Spring Hotel

Day 4: Beppu Hell Hot Springs and Sakura Park
🔹Haiyu: Capture the contrasting beauty of the azure hot spring pool and the weeping cherry blossoms, very photogenic!
🔹 Beppu Park: 2,000 cherry trees are in full bloom along the trail. You can also rent kimonos to take photos. It's a great atmosphere.
🔹 Takewa Hot Spring: Experience the century-old sand bath and eliminate travel fatigue.
🍱Food: Jigoku Steam Workshop, using hot spring steam to cook seafood, which is extremely delicious.

Day 5: Kumamoto Castle Cherry Blossoms and Culture
🔹 Kumamoto Castle: One of the three famous castles in Japan surrounded by cherry blossoms. Climb the castle tower to capture the pink panorama of the castle town.
🔹 Suizenji Jojuen Garden: The weeping cherry trees in the strolling garden complement the landscape imitating Mount Fuji, full of Japanese charm.
🍱Delicious food: Katretei deep-fried pork cutlet, paired with cherry blossom season limited plum wine, enjoy the spring on your tongue.

Day 6: Return to Saga Sakura Secret Hot Spring
🔹Yoshinogari Historical Park: The remains of the Yayoi period and the Thousand Cherry Blossoms perform together, and feel the fusion of history and nature.
🔹 Yutoku Inari Shrine: The vermilion torii gate passes through the cherry blossom tunnel, so beautiful.
🔹 Yobuko Morning Market: Taste the sakura squid sashimi, which is fresh and delicious.
Return trip: Saga Airport → Return to Japan

📸 Tips for creating graphic designs

1. Outfit suggestions: Wear a light-colored dress + a straw bag, which is fresh and stylish; or rent a light pink furisode kimono for a more atmospheric feel.

2. Shooting time: 7-9 am in the morning when there are few people and you can take pictures of the quiet beauty; at 16-17 pm in the evening, the golden light penetrates the petals, which is super beautiful.

ℹ Useful Information
Cherry blossom season: late March - early April (pay attention to the forecast of the Japan Meteorological Association)

#日本旅游#樱花赏#日本樱花#日本ニ旅遊#日本旅游攻略#This season belongs to cherry blossoms#Fukuoka itinerary