Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Ritsurin Koen 栗林公園, Kikugetsu-tei 菊月亭

Visited 13.11.2014 (Thu)

North entrance of Ritsurin Garden - where our exploration begun!

History. Ritsurin Garden has been around for more than four centuries. Strategically located with Mount Shiun (紫雲山) in the backdrop, it was constructed as a feudal lord garden during 1620s by Takatoshi Ikoma who ruled Sanuki (the former name of Kagawa) at that time. Matsudaira family inherited the garden in 1642 and expanded the garden by successive generations to its current state in 1754. Ritsurin Garden became open to public on March 16, 1875 and was designated as a "National Place of Special Scenic Beauty" in 1953. Ritsurin Garden was also ranked three stars (the highest possible) alongside Dogo Onsen in Michelin Green Guide Japan in 2009. 

Michelin Green Guide Japan: http://travelguide.michelin.com/asia/japan/shikoku

Ritsurin Garden itself is an artistic masterpiece originated from the past. One will exclaim at meticulous and well thought out landscaping features while strolling in the garden. More than a thousand resilient pine trees, some have been around for more than a century, are carefully tended by the gardeners here. And it was because of Ritsurin Garden, I developed a liking for parks/gardens and from then onward, started to plan visits to parks/gardens on subsequent trips to Japan (such as Kourakoen in Okayama and Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane). May sound a bit exaggerated here but seeing is believing and I will sincerely recommend all to pay here a visit to fully appreciate the beauty of such garden for yourselves. 

======

Highlights:

Tsurukame-matsu (鶴亀松).

Started our exploration of this 16 hectares sized garden from the north gate. Ritsurin Garden is divided into two areas - North and South, and it takes at least an hour and a half to complete both routes. Tsurukame-matsu (鶴亀松), otherwise known as the crane and turtle pine tree, is one of the most precious pine tree in the garden, made up of a black pine with 110 stones. The combination resembled a fluttering crane standing on the back of a turtle, which explained how its name came about. As there are numerous maple trees planted here, the garden is also beautifully decorated by shades of red during the autumn season.

Autumn foliage; though not at its best state yet.

Hokko (北湖).

Hokko (北湖), or North Pond, has a surface area of 7000 m2 and is located in the South Garden. Photo was taken while standing on Bairin-kyo bridge (梅林橋). The largest pond in the South Garden in Nanko (南湖), or South Pond, with a surface area of 7,900 m2 and a 30 minutes traditional boat ride known as wasen can be enjoyed in this pond. Boat ride cost 610 yen for an adult and tickets can be purchased from ticket counter at the east gate. Gave the boat ride a miss due to time constraint.

Leisure boat ride in Nanko (南湖).

Best view of Ritsurin Garden from Hiraiho.

Climbed up Hiraiho (飛来峰), a landscaped hill which commands the best view of Ritsurin Garden, overlooking the South Pond with Mount Shiun in the background. From here, capture the view of a symmetrical reflection of Engetsukyo (偃月橋), otherwise known as the crescent moon bridge, in the waters and a love shaped azalea bush on one of the small islands in the pond. Was totally blown away by this picturesque scenery at the very first sight and even waited for the overcast to move away in order to capture a well illuminated picture of the view! Though it was already the autumn season, we were still one week early before the leaves turned completely red; could imagine in my mind how mesmersing the scenery would have been... 

Can you spot a heart shaped bush?

Experience tea ceremony at Kikugetsu-tei.

Stopped by at Kikugetsu-tei (菊月亭), a traditional Japanese sukiya style tea house to rest our legs. Sat down to enjoy a bowl of matcha accompanied with a biscuit filled with chestnut paste (set cost 700 yen) and indulge into a laidback moment, soaking into the tranquility and admiring the refined landscaping right in front of the tea house. Ended our exploration at the east gate. There is a local souvenir shop named Ritsurin-an (栗林庵), located just outside the east gate, stocked up with a wide range of products (agricultural items, wine, sweets, handicrafts, etc) originated from Kagawa Prefecture.

Nothing beats having a bowl of hot matcha in this cold weather.

======

Ritsurin Koen 栗林公園
1-20-16,Ritsurin-cho,Takamatsu-city,Kagawa Prefecture 760-0073

http://ritsuringarden.jp/jp/
Opening hours differs from month to month, please check the schedule on their website: http://ritsuringarden.jp/jp/?page_id=80
Admission fee: 410 yen

How to get there?

(1) Train
- 10 mins walk from Ritsurin Koen Kotoden Station.
- 3 mins walk from Ritsurin Koen Kitaguchi JR Station.

(2) Bus
Take the Shopping Rainbow Bus ショッピングレインポー  (Anticlockwise route 反時計廻り or Nishi Mawari 西廻り) from the bus terminal at Takamatsu JR Station and alight at the bus stop in front of Ritsurin Koen.
Bus schedule: http://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/bus/rosen/community/shopping.html

======

Video: Scroll to 2:00 for feature on Ritsurin Garden.

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Chikusei 竹清, Matsushita Seimencho 松下製麺所

Visited 13.11.2014 (Thu)

Udon map - a useful tool to explore the land of udon.

Sanuki Udon. Sanuki is actually the former name of Kagawa in the olden days. Udon is so popular in Kagawa and this is statement is supported by numbers. Statistics has shown that consumption of udon here is the highest among all prefectures in Japan. I am a fan of udon, therefore being able try this soul food of Kagawa made me look forward to this trip. After dropping our luggage at the hotel, we headed for the tourist information counter in Takamatsu JR Station. Requested for a useful map with an exhaustive list of shops/restaurants serving udon in Takamatsu city; seek advice from the staff on the recommended shops/restaurants to visit and begun on a half day udon feast!

Udon taxi? This is a unique taxi service only available in Takamatsu. Instead of conventional lamps, lookout for taxis which have a food replica of udon with standout characters "うどん", placed on the roof of the cars instead. Based on the duration of hire, the taxi driver will craft out a route to cover udon hideouts which are less accessible by buses/trains. Please note that reservation is required and this can be done either online (in Japanese) or through phone (can get the help from tourist information center or hotel upon arrival). This is an ideal option to try out more shops especially when you only have a limited amount of time to spare.
http://www.udon-taxi.com/

Sanuki Udon featured in Posta Collect regional postcard collection.

Unfulfilled dream. Was quite ambitious to visit as many shops/restaurants as possible in Takamatsu city within one afternoon. As small eaters to start off with, we were already bloated after our second bowl of udon and could not proceed further! In fact, the shop which I wanted to try most was Hinode Seimensho (日の出製麺所) located about 15 minutes walk away from Sakata JR Station. This shop is frequently featured in books and programs; first started out as a noodle manufacturer in 1930 and later served freshly made udon to a long queue of waiting customers during the lunch hour (literally an hour since it is only opened from 1130 to 1230 hrs). Sad to say, we could not make it to this shop because we reached Takamatsu city way past the lunch hour.

Video: Scroll to 21:30 for the feature on Hinode Seimensho. 

How to order? If you have been to Tamoya Udon before in Singapore, you will be familiar with their self service concept. Similar concept is employed in most shops here. First decide on the serving size and type - hot or cold. With your bowl with noodles, proceed to warm the noodles with the strainers and hot water provided at one corner (pour the noodles into the strainers, warm them briefly in the hot water, drain the water away and put the noodles back into the bowl). Choose from a variety of toppings (from fried tofu to tempura items), add condiments such as green onions and tempura bits, and finally add the broth which is normally contained in a dispenser (if you are having the hot version).  

======

A group photo taken with the help of a kind staff! 

(1) Chikusei 竹清
〒760-0006 香川県高松市亀岡町2-23
Opening hrs: 1100 - 1430 hrs, Closed on Mondays.
http://chikuseiudon.com/

First meal we had in Shikoku. Reached there before 2 pm and the shop was still packed with diners. Placed our order - requested for the half serving and added two toppings (tempura fish cake stick and tempura soft boiled egg) and followed what the rest did to warm the noodles, add the condiments and broth. The tempura fish cake stick and soft boiled egg were cooked upon order and were served to our tables. Noodles was firm and springy; broth looked light yet surprisingly flavourful. What left me the deepest impression were actually the unexpectedly delicious tempura fish cake stick and tempura soft boiled egg. This is my first time eating a soft boiled egg in tempura style; revealing the runny egg yolk after biting into the crispy coating! Enjoyed this simple bowl of udon at an affordable price of 320 yen only (120 yen for the noodle and 100 yen each for the topping). I can still remember vividly one kind gesture which occurred when I was taking a picture of the shop exterior after the meal. The staff came out from the shop and offered to help us take a group photo. In fact, such warm hospitality from locals were encountered very often throughout our trip in Shikoku - something that I am particularly appreciative of and will associate with whenever I speak about this island.  

Completed the meal with two toppings: tempura fish cake stick and soft boiled egg.

Forgot to take a photo of how the runny egg yolk looked like after biting into the egg. Found this picture placed outside the shop. 

How to get there?

(1) By bus
Take Shopping Rainbow Bus ショッピングレインポー (Anticlockwise direction 反時計廻り) from bus terminal at Takamatsu JR Station and alight at Hachihonmatsu 八本松.

(2) By train. About 10 mins walk from Ritsurin Koen Kitaguchi JR Station 栗林公園北口駅.

======

(2) Matsushita Seimencho 松下製麺所
〒760-0008 香川県高松市中野町2-2
Opening hrs: 0700 - 1730 hrs; Closed on Sundays.
http://www.matsushita-seimen.jp/

Made our way to the next shop which is not too far away from Chikusei, Took some time to find this shop which was hidden in one of the small alleys. Dinning area in Matsushita Seimencho was much smaller compared to Chikusei, with only counter tables. Ordered only one bowl to share as we were still quite full from the first meal. Firm characteristic of noodles is also evident in Matsushita; felt that the broth could be a bit more flavourful (was a bit too mild for my liking). Overall, taste was ok but not mind blowing.

How to get there? 
(1) By train. About 7 mins walk from Ritsurin Koen Kitaguchi JR Station 栗林公園北口駅.

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Takamatsu Terminal Hotel 高松ターミナルホテル

Stayed 13.11.2014 (Thu) - 14.11.2014 (Fri)
Booked thru' Jalan.net
- Triple room = 16,200 yen/night

Highlights

First leg of this trip was to explore Kagawa Prefecture - spent one day in Takamatsu and the remaining two days in Naoshima and Shodoshima. Was searching for a hotel near the train station - the closet hotel is JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu (owned by JR Group), which is also the most expensive among all options. The established hotel chain brands such as Super Hotel and Dormy Inn are located nearer to Kawaramachi train station, about two stations away from Takamatsu Chikko (via Kotohira Electric Railroad). Found Takamatsu Terminal Hotel eventually, a reasonably priced mid scale hotel, which is located about 2 minutes walk away from the train station. Unfortunately, I could not find any rooms available in multiple hotel booking portals (including the main hotel website). Tried my luck every now and then, hoping someone would change his/her plan and give up the rooms. Just about one month before the departure date, I chanced upon the availability of a triple room in Jalan.net! Reserved the last room without further ado. 

Booked the triple room for two days. Lobby area is small and a restaurant, where we had our breakfast in, is located opposite the front desk. Front desk was manned by an mid aged lady who greeted us with smile. Hotel was willing to safe-keep our luggage during check out as we decided to travel light for an overnight stay in Shodoshima and would return to retrieve our luggage on the following day. Size of room is 18 m2, occupied by three super single beds and a small round table. All basic amenities were also well taken care of here - a common trait of most business hotels in Japan. Simple breakfast was served in the in house restaurant - salad, fruit, bread and hard boiled egg. Overall, the convenient location and reasonably priced accommodation will make this hotel a popular choice of stay in Takamatsu. 

======

What's nearby?

(1) Takamatsu JR Station 高松駅, about 2 minutes walk
After exiting from Takamatsu JR Station, turn right. At the first traffic junction, the hotel can be spotted diagonally opposite. 

(2) Takamatsu Chikko Station 高松築港駅, about 2 minutes walk.
Operated by Kotoden, the terminus train station is located behind the hotel.
From Takamatsu Chikko Station (K00/S00),
- take the Kotohira line 琴平線 to Ritsurin Koen Station 栗林公園駅 (K03), to visit Ritsurin Koen.
- take the Kotohira line 琴平線 to Kawaramachi 瓦町駅 (K02/S02), the interchange station to change to Nagano line 長野線 or Shido line 志度線. The 10 storey tall building which houses the train station is also a shopping mall named Karamachi Flag, where Starbucks, ABC Mart and Daiso can be found here.

Kotoden: http://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/kotoden/time/index.htm
Karamachi Flag: http://www.k-flag.jp/



(3) Takamatsu Central Shopping Mall, about 10 minutes walk.
Came to this area to search for dinner for two consecutive nights. Roads here have been converted into sheltered pedestrian walkways, lined up with shops on both sides.
- Hyogomachi 兵庫町, where you can shop for luxury goods in Mitsukoshi Departmental Store.
- Marugamemachi 丸亀町: MUJI, Daiso and Starbucks


======

Takamatsu Terminal Hotel 高松ターミナルホテル
〒760-0021　香川県高松市西の丸10-17
http://www.webterminal.jp/

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Takamatsu JR Station 高松駅, Takamatsu Port 高松港

Bus terminal in the foreground. 

Takamatsu JR Station (Y00/T28) is the terminus station on both the Yosan and Kotoku lines.

Some of the limited express and themed trains that serve Takamatsu JR Station:

(1) to Honshu

- Limited Express Sleeper Sunrise Seto, commutes between Tokyo, Osaka, Okayama and Takamatsu.

- To Okayama Prefecture: Rapid Marine Liner, commutes between Okayama and Takamatsu via the Great Seto Bridge.

(2) to other parts of Shikoku

- To Tokushima Prefecture: Limited Express Uzushio, commutes between Takamatsu and Tokushima.
- To Kochi Prefecture: Limited Express Shimanto, commutes between Takamatsu and Kochi, Nakamura and Sukumo.

- To Ehime Prefecture: Limited Express Ishizushi, commutes between Takamatsu and Matsuyama, Uwajima.

- Yu Yu Anpanman train departs from Takamatsu for Tokushima on specific dates, once per day, typically on weekends and public holidays.
Yu Yu Anpanman train: http://www.jr-eki.com/aptrain/index.html

======

What's nearby?

Takamatsu Port

(1) Takamatsu Port 高松港

Take the ferry or speed craft from here to nearby islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

- To Shodoshima 小豆島

• Kusakabe Port 草壁港: 1 hr 15 mins by ferry; 45 mins by speed craft. http://www.uchinomi-ferry.co.jp/
• Tonosho Port 土庄港: 1 hr by ferry; 35 mins by speed craft. http://www.kokusai-ferry.co.jp/02faretbl.html
• Ikeda Port 池田港: 1 hr by ferry. http://www.kokusai-ferry.co.jp/02faretbl_e.html

- To Naoshima Miyanoura Port 直島宮浦港: 50 mins by ferry; 25 mins by speed craft. http://www1a.biglobe.ne.jp/shikoku/

- To Teshima 豊島: 35 mins by ferry. http://www.t-ferry.com/schedule_for_teshima/
- To Megijima 女木島 & Ogijima 男木島: 20 mins to Megijima and 40 mins to Ogijima by ferry.
https://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/2104.html

Followed the map to search for Sanuki Udon!

(2) Tourist Information Desk

Requested for a Sanuki Udon Map and inquired directions to attractions/restaurants from the helpful staff at the information desk. Despite all the research done beforehand, I still make it a point to drop by to seek advice from local on my planned itinerary.

(3) Bus Terminal バスターミナル

- Bus Stop #3 for Airport Limousine Bus to Takamatsu Airport
Took the domestic flight from Haneda to Takamatsu and utilitsed this bus to transfer from the airport to train station. Entire journey took approx 45 mins. Fee = 760 yen
Website: http://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/bus/limousine/index-en.html

- Bus Stop #4 for Shopping Rainbow Bus ショッピングレインポー
This is a local community bus which serves the town center. Do take note that there are two routes - anticlockwise (反時計回り) and clockwise (時計回り) and both buses will wait at the same bus stop.
Took this bus after heeding the advice of the staff from the tourist information desk to visit a couple of Udon restaurant. This bus also stops at Mitsukoshi Departmental Store, Ritsurin Koen and Kawaramachi train station. Fee = 150 yen/210 yen (depends on the number of stops travelled)

http://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/bus/rosen/community/shopping_info.html

At Takamatsu Chikko Station: Kotochan, the dolphin captain mascot of Kotoden!

(4) Takamatsu Chikko Station 高松築港駅

Operated by Kotoden, the terminus train station is about 3 mins walk away from Takamatsu JR Station.
From Takamatsu Chikko Station (K00/S00),
- take the Kotohira line 琴平線 to Ritsurin Koen Station 栗林公園駅 (K03), to visit Ritsurin Koen.
- take the Kotohira line 琴平線 to Kawaramachi 瓦町駅 (K02/S02), the interchange station to change to Nagano line 長野線 or Shido line 志度線. 

Bought a Udon Nou badge pin (from Shikoku Shop 88) and a postcard.

(5) Maritime Plaza マリタイムプラザ
Maritime Plaza is part of Sunport Takamatsu and manages shops and restaurant in the facility. Visited Shikoku Shop 88 (四国ショップ88), located on the 1st floor, a one-stop shop which sells a wide range of merchandises, both food and souvenirs, originated from all four prefectures of Shikoku. Bought a badge pin of Udon Nou うどん脳 (otherwise known as Udon brain), one of the many mascots of Kagawa Prefecture. This mascot is associated with Sanuki Udon, a specialty food of Kagawa.
Website: http://shikokushop88.com/

======

Commemorative stamps:

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Takamatsu Airport 高松空港, All Shikoku Rail Pass

Takamatsu Airport (TAK), is located about 30 minutes away by bus from Takamatsu JR Station.

There are about 13 round trips per day, operated by ANA and JAL, commuting between Haneda Airport and Takamatsu Airport. Duration of flight is approx 1 hr 10 mins to 1 hr 20 mins. For my trip, I took the night flight from Singapore and arrived at Haneda Airport early next morning at 0615 hrs. Unfortunately, this is my second encounter (first was in Hokkaido) with long transit duration (about 3 hours) at Haneda Airport because I was not able to secure the tickets for the earlier flight departing for Takamatsu Airport.at 0725 hrs. Did not spend much time to explore Takamatsu Airport upon arrival as we had to rush to catch the connecting airport limousine bus heading for Takamatsu city.

Takamatsu Airport currently serves both international and domestic flights:
- Regular international flights from Taipei Taoyuan Airport (operated by China Airlines), Incheon Airport (operated by Air Seoul), Shanghai Pudong Airport (operated by Spring Airlines) and Hong Kong (operated by HK Express).
- Domestic flights from Haneda Airport, Narita Airport (operated by Jetstar) and Naha Airport (operated by ANA) in Okinawa.

How to get there?

(1) Airport Limousine Bus 空港リムジンバス
Bus schedule has been drawn in such a way to enable seamless connection between flights and buses.
- From Takamatsu Airport to Takamatsu JR Station: board the bus at platform 2 located just outside the airport. Bus ride takes approx 30 minutes and cost 760 yen. Tickets can be purchased from the vending machine located in the airport.
- From Takamatsu JR Station to Takamatsu Airport: board the bus at platform 3. The bus can also be boarded at JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu, the busier district of Hyogomachi (兵庫町) and Kawaramachi (瓦町).
Website: http://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/bus/limousine/index-en.html

======

All Shikoku Rail Pass
Website: https://shikoku-railwaytrip.com/railpass.html

If you decide to explore the island of Shikoku by rail, All Shikoku Rail Pass will surely come in handy. One perk I like most about this rail pass is its extensive coverage on all the railways and even streetcar/electric tram network in Shikoku! This eliminates the hassle of having multiple passes and greatly enhances accessibility. Apart from being exclusive to foreigners, passengers holding on to this rail pass are also entitled to reserved seats without additional charges for limited express trains (except for Iyonada Monogatari which only has Green seats). Pass can be purchased both outside and in Japan; the only difference being discount given for overseas purchase of rail passes.

Extensive coverage!

- All JR Shikoku railway lines.
Note 1: All Shikoku Rail Pass is valid for travel on Seto Ohashi line south of Kojima JR Station (児島駅). If you travel south towards Shikoku from Okayama Station via Kojima Station or if you travel north towards Okayama Station from Shikoku via Kojima Station, you will need to top up additional fare for the distance travelled between Okayama and Kojima.
Note 2: Sunrise Seto trains and JR Buses are not included.
http://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/
- Kotoden (ことでん) in Takamatsu city.
http://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/kotoden/time/index.htm
- Iyotetsu/Iyo Railway Streetcar (伊予鉄道電車) in Matsuyama city. Botchan Train (坊ちゃん列車) can be utilised without additional charge with the rail pass.
http://www.iyotetsu.co.jp/rosen/
- Tosaden Streetcar (どさでん電車) in Kochi city.
http://www.tosaden.co.jp/train/
- Tosa Kuroshio Railway (土佐くろしお鉄道) operates Nakamura-Sukumo line (between Kubokawa and Sukumo) and Gomen-Nahari line (between Gomen and Nahari).
http://www.tosakuro.com/
- Asa Kaigan Railway (阿佐海岸鉄道) operates a 8.5 km line which crosses the prefecture boundary between Tokushima and Kochi. There are only three train station on this line; Kaifu 海部駅 and Shishikui 宍喰駅 are in Tokushima Prefecture while Kannoura 甲浦駅 is in Kochi Prefecture.
http://www.asatetu.com/

Bang for the buck! For my 11 days stay in Shikoku, I utilised the 5-day and 3-day rail passes from Day 4 onwards. While consolidating information for this late post, I realised that the price of the rail passes have been revised (became more expensive) over the last two years [5-day: 9,700 yen vs 10,000 yen; 3-day: 7,200 vs 8,500 yen]. Having said that, the rail passes are still extremely worthwhile especially if you are travelling long distances with reserved seats. Re-calculated the train fares incurred for my trip if I did not purchase the rail passes (based on the latest data available in Hyperdia) and the saving was extremely significant.

5-day + 3-day rail passes = 10,000 yen + 8,500 yen = 18,500 yen
Total train fares = 49,250 yen
Savings = 30,750 yen (62% discount)

======

Takamatsu Airport 高松空港
http://www.takamatsu-airport.com/en/

======

Commemorative stamps:

 

 

Shikoku Autumn 2014 四国秋季之旅 - Day 1 Itinerary: Takamatsu 高松

Day 1: 13.11.2014 (Thu)

Takamatsu City

Takamatsu Airport 高松空港 (1100 hrs) > Takamatsu JR 高松駅
by Kotoden Airport Limousine Bus 高松空港リムジンバス. [760 yen, 45 mins]
http://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/bus/limousine/index-en.html

Check in: Takamatsu Terminal Hotel 高松ターミナルホテル
http://www.webterminal.jp/

Purchased All Shikoku Rail Pass and made seats reservation at Takamatsu JR Station.
- 5 days (16.11.2014 - 20.11.2014): 9,700 yen
- 3 days (21.11.2014 - 23.11.2014): 7,200 yen
http://shikoku-railwaytrip.com/railpass.html

Takamatsu JR Station Bus Stop #4 高松駅前バスターミナル > Kencho Nisseki-mae 県庁日赤前
by Shopping Rainbow Bus ショッピングレインポー, anticlockwise direction. [150 yen]

Lunch:
(1) Chikusei 竹清
(2) Matsushita Seimencho 松下製麺所

Visited Ritsurin Koen 栗林公園.
Tea break: Kikugetsu-tei 掬月亭.

http://ritsuringarden.jp/

Kotoden Ritsurin Koen 琴電栗林公園駅 > Takamatsu Chikko 高松築港駅

by Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railroad, via Kotohira line. [190 yen]

Dinner: Yoridori Midori 寄鳥味鳥

Shopping: Marugame-machi 丸亀町

- End of Day 1 -

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Maizuru Park 舞鶴公園

Visited 15.03.2014, 26.03.2014

Fukuoka Castle ruins in Maizuru Park.

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. 

Day 1: No flowers at all!

Day 12: In time to catch the blooming flowers.

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.


======

Maizuru Park 舞鶴公園
〒810-0043　中央区城内1
http://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=302001

How to get there?

By Fukuoka city subway, via Kuko line (orange line) towards Meinohama and alight at Ohori Park (K06).