As we go through another mundane month actively using social media 90% of the time, I came across this article where Japan cancelled most of their major cherry blossom festivals due to the covid situation.

It’s the last few days of Spring as we welcome summer, and….. we’re midway through 2020 (what?! yes, i know). I can’t help but reminisce pre-covid travel days during the Cherry Blossom Season. If you’re not an avid fan of flowers like me, visit Kyushu - after experiencing Hanami , no surprises who’s a complete cherry blossom enthusiast now.

In Japan, the appearance of cherry blossoms, known as sakura, calls for the start of spring. The arrival of these flowers is an annual event so significant, that there are forecasts pinpointing exactly when and where the flowers are expected to bloom.  According to this article, "People pay more attention to the cherry blossom season than any other flower in Japan," Ryo Dojo, an official of the statistics unit at the Japan Meteorological Agency, told AFP. It’s no wonder why the country is influx with tourists during this season every year.

Forgo the big cities in Japan for this island because the blooms in Kyushu are one of a kind! After-all, you know what they say about the hidden beauty of less-popular destinations (also, it was my first sight of cherry blossoms - it has to be the best).

There were blooms everywhere during the one week in Kyushu, but these top 3 sites left a deep impression till today. If you’re heading to Kyushu for Hanami in the near future, be sure to include these in your list!

#1 Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

• Address: 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 811-0321, Japan
  

Away from the heart of Fukuoka, a trip to this seaside park is a must during the Cherry Blossom season. Not sure if I was being biased as this was my first destination, but it left the best impression and memory in Kyushu. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park measures nearly four kilometers from end to end. I’ll suggest to start your day early with this park, when it’s not flooded with much people, giving you ample time to soak in. I spent 5 hours discovering the beauty, and shamelessly spamming selfies and ootds.

Apart from the hundreds and thousands of Cherry Blossom trees planted across this park, this place is the home to million of flowers like narcissus, tulips, nemophila, roses, hydrangeas, sunflowers and cosmos during Spring.

Access:

Take the JR Kagoshima Line from Hakata Station to Kashii Station (10 minutes) and transfer to the JR Kashii Line to Uminonakamichi Station (20 minutes) just outside the entrance to the park. The entire one way journey takes about 40 minutes and costs 480 yen.

#2 Fukuoka Castle Ruins

• Located in: Maizuru Park

• Address: 1 Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043, Japan

Fukuoka Castle is a Japanese castle nestled in Chūō-ku region, Fukuoka, Japan. It is located in central (From Tenjin Station, it is only a 20-minute walk to the castle area. ) - you can’t miss this accessible spot! Fukuoka Castle used to be the largest castle on Kyushu, but it was almost completely torn down after the Meiji Restoration. Although only ruined walls and a few turrets remain, the castle is home to more than 1,000 cherry blossoms during Spring!

Located inside Maizuru Park, all that remains of the fortress are ancient stone walls, which, thankfully, look beautiful in contrast with the white and pink flowers. I heard that this spot is famous for illuminated night viewing as well - let me know your experience if you’ve tried it personally!

Access:

The Fukuoka Castle Ruins can be reached in a 10-15 minute walk from Ohori Koen Subway Station.

#3 Kumamoto Castle

• Located in: Kumamotojo Park

• Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002, Japan

Considered one of the three great Japanese castles, Kumamoto Castle is also known for the approximately 800 cherry trees on its grounds, which make it a prime blossom-viewing site in spring. Although crowded, there’s no trouble finding a spot in this spacious castle. Hanami practically involves anything from a daytime picnic in the park to a sake fueled party beneath the trees.  Spend half a day just unwinding with some ice-cream and this picturesque view. It cleared my mind instantly - so beautiful.

Access:

A 15 minute, 170 yen tram ride from JR Kumamoto Station. Get off at Kumamotojo-mae tram stop.

For many of us, we missed hanami in Japan this year. I’m keeping my fingers crossed to catch this view in Spring 2021 when traveling resumes again - in a different city/prefecture. What about you?