Visited 15.03.2014, 26.03.2014
Luck. The ultimate aim of this trip to Kyushu was to experience cherry blossom season. From late Dec and early Jan onwards, the meteorological center in Japan issues a forecast on the bloom of cherry blossoms and updates the information progressively. Despite efforts to plan this trip based on past years' data, we were still about 1 - 2 weeks earlier than the full bloom period. Visited Maizuru Park on the very first day when we arrived in Kyushu but could only see flower buds. No luck in Ureshino Onsen as well. Nearer to the end of this trip, we finally witnessed the beauty of these flowers in Sakurajima and Ibusuki. On the day before we flew back to Singapore, we made our way to Maizuru Park again and was amazed by the transformation one week later. Was extremely delighted to see the entire park decorated by beautiful blooming cherry blossom trees.
Maizuru Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Fukuoka. There is a symbol assigned to every station in Fukuoka subway and the nearest subway station, Ohori Park, is represented by Sakura! There are about 1000 cherry blossom trees planted in Maizuru Park and the blooming period falls between late March to mid April. Maizuru Park is also where the ruins of Fukuoka Castle can be found. Series of activities are kicked off during the cherry blossom festival which typically last over a week or so. This is the time whereby people start to flock in with their picnic mats, enjoy their food and drinks while admiring these pink flowers which appear only once a year.
During the festival week, the stage for these flowers are lighted up brightly at night till 2200 hrs. The contrast against the dark skies makes these delicate flowers look exceptionally mesmerizing and endearing. Therefore, do not forget to pay a visit to the park at night to participate in "夜桜" (sakura viewing at night) during the short cherry blossom period.
Contented to catch a glimpse of these blooming flowers in Maizuru Park just before going home!
Other Sakura viewing spot? Nishi Park (西公園), located about 7 minutes walk from Ohori Park subway station, is also a well known hanami location in Fukuoka city.
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How to get there?
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| Fukuoka Castle ruins in Maizuru Park. |
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| Day 1: No flowers at all! |
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| Day 12: In time to catch the blooming flowers. |
During the festival week, the stage for these flowers are lighted up brightly at night till 2200 hrs. The contrast against the dark skies makes these delicate flowers look exceptionally mesmerizing and endearing. Therefore, do not forget to pay a visit to the park at night to participate in "夜桜" (sakura viewing at night) during the short cherry blossom period.
Contented to catch a glimpse of these blooming flowers in Maizuru Park just before going home!
Other Sakura viewing spot? Nishi Park (西公園), located about 7 minutes walk from Ohori Park subway station, is also a well known hanami location in Fukuoka city.
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How to get there?
By Fukuoka city subway, via Kuko line (orange line) towards Meinohama and alight at Ohori Park (K06).
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