Cherry Blossom Report: Fukuoka
by Scott, staff writer of japan-guide.com
This journal is a log of my travels within Japan. Here you'll find my personal opinions on the places I've been and the things I've seen. Also expect to see the occasional review and editorial. Thanks for reading.
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2009/03/23 - Cherry Blossom Report: Fukuoka
Fukuoka Castle Ruins (Maizuru Park)
March 23, 2009 - approaching full bloom (50-80%)
All that remains today of Fukuoka Castle is the Tamon Turret, Otemon Gate, and the maze-like remains of the castle's walls. Nearly 1000 cherry trees can be found throughout the ruins, and when in bloom they make it an ideal spot for a cherry blossom viewing party (hanami).
Most trees around the park are approaching full bloom with their lower branches nearly fully open, but their upper branches in a less developed state. Full bloom should be reached within a couple of days. There are also some weeping cherry trees (shidare-zakura) in the park, most of which are only just about to open.
Nishi Park (Nishi Koen)
March 23, 2009 - approaching full bloom (50-80%)
Nishi Park, one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots, is on a hill surrounding the family shrine of Fukuoka's former feudal lords. There are many paths through the park leading to groves of cherry trees as well as observation points with views over the surrounding city and Hakata Bay. The park's nearly 2500 cherry trees are spread out throughout the park rather than in one main area.
Nishi Koen's trees are approaching full bloom with the lower branches of most trees nearly fully open. The top branches, however, still have many unopened buds. The trees should reach full bloom over the next few days.
Nishi Koen is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing parties. There are many open spaces among the larger stands of trees, as well as more secluded spots throughout the park.
Atago Shrine
March 23, 2009 - approaching full bloom (50-80%)
Atago Shrine is located in western Fukuoka City at the top of a hill. The stairs up to the shrine are flanked in hundreds of cherry trees. The viewing deck next to the shrine at the top of the hill offers good views over Fukuoka City and Hakata Bay.
Many of the trees along the stairs are rapidly approaching full bloom. The blossoms on their lower branches are nearly fully open, however the upper branches still have a number of unopened buds. The trees should reach full bloom in the next few days.
This cherry blossom spot is best viewed when walking through it as most of the cherry trees line the stairs up to the shrine, and there is no space for viewing parties. Additionally, the trees along the stairs are illuminated in the evenings.
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