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Japan is “The Land of Cherry Blossoms”, and Fukuoka City is the best place to experience Sakura (Cherry Blossom) during the first phase of spring. There are different spots to enjoy Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in this city, and each offers exact timing to witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
From Ohori Koen station, there is the Fukuoaka Castle or the Maisuru Park. The park has approximately thousands of cherry trees that are scattered along the Fukuoka Castle ruins. The best time to come here is late March to April when the cherry trees are in bloom. Admission is free and families have a lot of space for their Hanami parties. The best spot for viewing is in the observation deck in the castle's citadel.
Taking the JR train and stopping at Uminonakamichi Station, the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park welcomes every cherry blossom viewers with almost 2,000 cherry trees which are in full bloom during late March and early April. However, because of the enormous size of the park, it's best to get around in bikes. Bike rental for 3 hours cost around 400 yen. The park charges a 400 yen admission fee.
Going north from Ohori Koen Station, MIshi Park offers a good spot for Cherry blossom viewing. Thousands of Cherry trees were planted in the hillside park as if standing as guard to the Terumo Shrine. The centuries old shrine stands as family shrine of old Fukuoka feudal lords. Admission is free and the park offers spots for family picnics.
Ten minutes walk from the east of Meinohama Station, Atago Shrine offers visitors its spectacular view of the cherry blossoms planted along the steep hillside of the Shrine. It is best to come here early evening when the cherry trees are lighted up providing spectacular glowing cherry blossoms. The park does not charge any admission fee.
Going to the different cherry blossom spots will have you traveling much in trains. It is best to have a suica card to avoid getting lost or confusion in buying train tickets. No need to line up for your tickets and your fare is automatically deducted whenever you board a train. You can save time and money as suica card automatically credits any discount due to you. You can hop on and hop off from the different train station anytime you want and enjoy your Hanami without interruptions or distractions.