Imagine starting your journey through Japan’s modern history in Kyushu. It isn’t where cherry blossom viewing originated. During the Meiji Restoration, intellectuals found solace beneath its cherry blossom trees, seeing them as the embodiment of the Japanese spirit. As you wander through Kyushu’s landscapes, you’ll find yourself greeted by a warmth unique to this southern haven, making cherry blossom season here even more inviting.
This week we set out cherry blossom watch in Kyushu region (九州, Kyūshū, literally “nine provinces”).
With Join The Bloom – our comprehensive guide by Brady from TripPlus and Maria from Maria Points The Way, we’ll turn your cherry blossom dream into a reality across Japan using award travel. From leveraging miles and points to utilizing travel credit, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning a solo journey, a romantic escape, or a family adventure, you’ll learn how to make the most of your hanami experience with us!
What is the forecast for cherry blossom across Japan in 2024?
The Japan Meteorological Corporation recently updated the flowering map on April 4, 2024. This map displays the dates of flowering but doesn’t include dates for full bloom. In Fukuoka the first blossoms was on March 28, with full bloom hitting around April 3-11. The best time would be between late March and early April.
Where is Kyushu in Japan?
Kyushu (九州, Kyūshū, literally “nine provinces”) comprises seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. Nestled at the southwest edge of the Japanese archipelago, It is Japan’s third-largest island. Majestic caldera volcanoes dot the landscape, earning Kyushu the nickname, “Land of Fire.” Alongside it is hot springs, picturesque coastlines and an array of secluded islands.
Where can you see the cherry blossom in Kyushu Region?
What are our top spots for the cherry blossom from award travel perspective?
Our mission is to help you make the most of your cherry blossom holiday by leveraging credit card offers, points, and miles. We consider various factors, such as whether there are hotels available for redemption and if you can take advantage of credit card benefits. Additionally, we look at their proximity to the landmarks you plan to visit together.
Fukuoka – Maiduru Park（舞鶴公園）
- Near Tenjin district
- Enjoy the evening light-up
- Join the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival
First up, we’ve got Maizuru Park in Fukuoka.
It is a renowned cherry blossom destination in Fukuoka City, comes alive with the breathtaking beauty of approximately 1,000 cherry trees, showcasing varieties such as Somei Yoshino and Shidarezakura. It’s just a short 15-minute stroll from the lively Tenjin district and inside the Fukuora Castle Ruins. The Fukuoka Castle was the residence of Fukuoka’s ruling nobility until 1868, the start of the Meiji era. By the time the inner castle was designated a National Historical Site in 1957, most of the original structures had decayed, been demolished, or burned down.
Even though the historic castle ruined, the park is still a stunning sight with its lush cherry blossoms. We suggest checking out the cherry blossom light show and Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival: 3/27 ~ 4/7/2024.
Throughout the festival, you join the locals and the visitors who come to admire the flowers, complemented by food stalls and kitchen cars set up in the plaza from dawn till dusk. A special feature of this year’s festival is the “Illusive Tenshukaku” illumination, where a temporary structure, evoking the image of the castle’s tower, is installed atop the castle tower base. We are sure you would be amazed at the mesmerizing vision of the castle tower floating against the night sky.
Additionally, the park is transformed into a magical night time scene in the evening where you can stroll under the beautifully lit up cherry blossoms trees and along the historical landmarks .🌸
Kumamoto – Suizenji Jojuen（熊本－水前寺成趣園）
- Garden on the southeast side of Kumamoto Castle
- Visit Noh Theater and watch evening performance by Torchlight
- Enjoy traditional sweets with matcha at Kokindenju no Ma
Suizenji Jojuen Garden in Kumamoto Prefecture is a Japanese-style garden that was completed in 1671. As the residence and garden of the Hosokawa family (Kumamoto Domain), the successive heads of the family have inherited the elegance of the clan’s founder, Hosokawa Tadatoyo.
You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a quiet garden surrounded by greenery between late March and early April, with a pond where underground water from Aso springs out. Countless cherry blossom trees are planted along the paths, making it perfect for your picnics during the cherry blossom season.
There are four groves of cherry trees leading to a Noh theater at the southern end of the garden. The original Noh theater here, which was built in 1878, burned down in 1965. The present theater is an 1878 structure that was moved here in 1986. Evening Noh performances are held here by torchlight in the summer months.
After a stroll, we strongly recommend you enjoy matcha tea and sweets at “Kokindenju no Ma,” an elegant and refined teahouse with a thatched roof. Hosokawa clan’s traditional confection called “kaseita,” made with quince, has a subtle sweet and sour taste that goes well with the bitterness of the matcha. Kokindenju no Ma is considered the best place to have a beautiful view of the garden. 😊🌸
Kurume – Asai no Ippon Zakura（浅井の一本桜）
- 110 year-old cherry tree with a touching story
- Worth a visit for “Sakaza-sakura”
- Late to fully bloom compared to other species
- Evening light-up from Mar 30 and Apr 5, 2024
What makes Asai no Ippon Zakura a special and popular spot? Imagine a huge cherry blossom tree standing tall in the mountains for 110 years. This Yamazakura tree has won the hearts of both locals and people from far and wide. Its trunk is massive, measuring 4.3 meters around, and it stands proudly at 18 meters tall. It grows right by a pond. So if you’re lucky, you might catch its perfect reflection, known as “Sakaza-sakura” or the Upside-down Cherry Blossom Tree!
But we are going to tell you the touching part: back in 1991, a big storm came and broke the tree’s trunk, drying up its leaves. It was a sad sight, but the locals didn’t give up. They worked together to fix it up, and thanks to them, the tree bounced back!
Asai no Ippon Zakura blooms a bit later than other cherry blossom trees, usually around April 4th. It is located 30 minutes by train and less than an hour by car from Fukuoka City. Even though it’s a bit off the beaten path, trust us, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Tips: Input “Asai no Ippon Zakura” on search engine maps.🌸
Kagoshima- Tadamoto Park（忠元公園）
- Stunning view of two kilometers long cherry blossom
- Enjoy various activities from picnic, golf to a game of ball
- Join the cherry blossom festival evenings
Springtime at Tadamoto Park is a must-see, officially recognized as one of Japan’s top hundred cherry blossom-viewing spots. We highly recommend planning a day there because it’s like stepping into a green paradise where you can enjoy a picnic, a game of ball, or a leisurely stroll. You can spend some time at the golf driving range, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player.
Make sure not to miss their cherry blossom festival from late March to early April. The park undergoes a magical transformation into a pink flowers wonderland, with a 2km tunnel of sakura trees bursting in shades of pink and white. During the day, locals gather for cherry blossom viewing parties, and as the sun sets, they come together to witness the flowers shimmer under lantern light. It’s an experience you won’t want to pass up!🌸
Where to stay in Kyushu Region?
Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk (Hilton)
Great sea view from most of the rooms. Located far from the down town of Fukuoka, keep in mind on the transportation.
- Recommended credit card pairing: Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- Approximately 50,000 points per night and eligible for triggering resort spending refunds. It makes using FN is not the most cost-effective.
- Holding the card gets you Hilton Diamond status, entitling free breakfast and access to the executive lounge.
- Based on the estimated value of Hilton points at 0.5 cpp, 50,000 points per night is equivalent to $250. Compared to a direct cash booking including taxes of about $170, it is more cost-effective to pay with cash, especially when combined with promotional activities available each quarter.
Grand Hyatt Fukuoka (Hyatt)
Features: Adjacent to Fukuoka’s major shopping center, “Canal City,” where you can experience Nakasu’s yatai street just by crossing the bridge, and it’s within walking distance of Tenjin. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Hakata Station (although not recommended if you have large luggage).🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Chase Ink Business Preferred (Please Click)
- 12,000 – 18,000 points per night, signup bonus offers can make your stay for up to 5-8 nights
- Based on the estimated value of Hyatt points at 1.7 cpp, 15,000 points per night is equivalent to $255, Compared to a direct cash booking including taxes of about $250. Using cash is better and earn you points – which may be more cost-effective
- If you’re a Globalist, you can consider using points plus a suite upgrade certificate in order to maximize the value.
Crowne Plaza – ANA Kumamoto New Sky (IHG)
Features: Near Kumamoto Streetcar Station, just a few minutes away from Kumamoto city center and the station.🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Chase IHG One Reward Premier (Please Click)
- Starting from 27,000 points per night, equivalent to staying for free for a week upon meeting the signup requirement
- The card gives you IHG Platinum status. However the status would not cover any free breakfast.
- Based on the estimated value of IHG points at 0.5 cpp, 27,000 points per night is equivalent to $135, compared to a direct cash booking including taxes of about $160. Using points is more cost-effective.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka (Marriott)
Features: Located in the heart of downtown “Tenjin,” all shopping spots are just steps away. You can experience Fukuoka’s unique “yatai” culture. There is a direct subway from Fukuoka Airport.🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (Please Click)
- Starting from 70,000 Marriott points per night. Currently the card offers 185,000 points as sign up bonus. Combined with the points after completing the required spending, it is similar to three-night stay for free.
- Based on the estimated value of Marriott points at 0.85 cpp, 70,000 points per night equal around $600, compared to a direct cash booking including taxes of about $730. Using points still saves you 21%.
Hoshino Resorts Kai Kirishima (A good case for travel credit)
Why: Located halfway up the mountain, staying at Kirishima allows you to enjoy hot springs while admiring Sakurajima (volcano and bay) in the distance. Hoshino Resorts is known for its unique blend of local features, you can indulge in Satsuma’s famous shochu and Kurobuta pork during your stay.🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Capital One Venture X (Please Click)
- Booking through the Capital One travel portal earns you 10x points back.
- Accommodation expenses can be directly offset by the annual $300 travel credit, effectively making hotel stays free upon signup
What are the best credit cards paired with your cherry blossom travel?
Amex® Hilton Honors Aspire (Please Click)
Chase Ink Business Preferred® (Please Click)
Chase IHG One Reward Premier (Please Click)
Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ (Please Click)
Capital One Venture X (Please Click)
Our Thoughts
There are plenty of amazing spots to catch the stunning cherry blossoms in Kyushu. Here are just the four we believe the best of Kyushu representation. According to the forecast by Japan Meteorological Corporation, Kyushu will be in full bloom by early April. However, you can still catch glimpses of these beautiful blooms from early April to middle of the month. Kyushu is perfect for nature lovers and hot spring enthusiasts. The cities within Kyushu showcase authentic local landscapes and Japanese culture.
This is our first attempt at crafting such a guide from an award travel and seasonal travel perspective. Check out our award travel guide for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka (+Nara) cherry blossom viewing. We eagerly anticipate all your feedback, which will fuel our enthusiasm to continue sharing more insights in the weeks ahead until the end of cherry blossom season.
And as for next week? Well, Hokuriku Region, here we come!
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