Maizuru Park in Fukuoka: Cherry Blossoms and Nearby Attractions

Get to know Maizuru Park

Maizuru Park used to be the site of the Korokan, a guesthouse for diplomats between the 6th and the 12th centuries. It was then transformed into the site of Fukuoka Castle built by warlord Kanbei Kuroda during the Edo period (1603-1868).

Now, parts of the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, along with the Korokan have been restored and are designated Cultural Properties of Fukuoka Prefecture.

View flowers in the spring

Maizuru Park is renowned for its array of plants and flowers, with crowds of visitors flocking to the park between February and April to admire pastel-pink cherry blossoms, and other blooms.The park also hosts its annual Plum Blossom Festival in February and its Wisteria Festival in late April.

Marvel at 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom

Maizuru Park is home to over 1,000 cherry trees, including different types such as someiyoshino and yamazakura. During the day, the park is dotted with food stalls for visitors to purchase snacks while viewing the pink blossoms. In the evening, the trees are lit up, creating a picturesque view.

Plum blossom festival in February

In February, the park hosts its annual Plum Blossom Festival, featuring red, white, and pink blooms that signify the arrival of spring.

You’ll find stalls selling sweets, as well as hot beverages like hojicha (roasted green tea) and coffee. You shouldn’t miss the flute concerts and other entertaining events held throughout the festival period. It's an ideal spot for relaxing amidst the beautiful plum blossoms.

Wisteria festival in late April

The Wisteria Festival takes place in late April, following the bloom of cherry blossoms. Benches are arranged under wisteria trellises, so that visitors can admire the flowers from below. During the festival, you can join a guided castle tour or enjoy a koto (Japanese harp) concert, which is only held once a year during this event.

Maizuru Park: Details and access information

Maizuru Park
Address: 1-4 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuokai, Fukuoka Prefecture
Official website: https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/

Access information

• 8-min walk from Fukuoka City Subway Akasaka or Ohorikoen stations (Kuko Line)
• 5 to 8-min walk from Fukuoka Castle/Korokan-mae bus stop, Fukuoka Art Museum East Exit bus stop, and Otemon Heiwadai Rikujo Kyogijo Iriguchi bus stop
• 10-min walk from Akasaka 3-chome bus stop

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Best sightseeing spots around Maizuru Park

Near Maizuru Park, you'll find Ohori Park, popular for water activities, the family-friendly Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical Garden, and the shopping mall Fukuoka Parco. If you're visiting Maizuru Park, be sure to check out these nearby attractions.

Go paddle boating at Ohori Park

Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical Garden features around 140 animal species, while the Botanical Garden showcases approximately 2,400 plant and animal species. The petting corner at the children's zoo is home to guinea pigs and rabbits, allowing visitors to get up close with the animals.

Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical Garden
Address: 1-1 Minamikoen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 10-min bus ride on No. 58 from the South Exit of Yakuin Station (Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line); 15-min walk from the Zoo Exit of Fukuoka City Subway Yakuin Odori Station (Nanakuma Line)
Official website: http://zoo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp (in Japanese only)

Shop at Fukuoka Parco

Ohori Park offers boat rental, including paddle boats, rowboats, and inflatable boats. After cruising the park’s central large pond, unwind at the on-site restaurant and enjoy a hearty meal.

Boathouse Ohori Park
Address: 1-3 Ohorikoen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: Short walk from Exit 3 of Fukuoka City Subway Ohorikoen Station (Kuko Line)
Official website: https://www.oohoriboathouse.jp (in Japanese only)

Family fun at Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical Garden

Fukuoka Parco is an ideal shopping destination for trendy items, women's and men's fashion, and cosmetics. With a variety of restaurants and cafes, it's a perfect spot to take a break during your shopping spree.

Fukuoka Parco
Address: 2-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: Short walk from Exit 7 of Fukuoka City Subway Tenjin Station (Kuko Line); short walk from North Exit of Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station (Tenjin Omuta Line)
Official website: https://fukuoka.parco.jp/en/

Best restaurants around Maizuru Park

Read on for the best eateries around Maizuru Park.

Taste crab hot pot at Kanitsu Hakata

Kanitsu Hakata offers crab dishes available à la carte or as a part of course meals. The crab sukinabe hot pot course is especially popular, featuring an array of crab-meat dishes, including a rice porridge at the end. The restaurant provides private rooms with hori–gotatsu, low tables placed over a hole in the floor, for a relaxing dining experience.

Kanitsu Hakata
Address: 1-8-22 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 5-min walk from Akasaka Station (Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line)
; 10-min walk from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station (Tenjin Omuta Line)
Official website: https://www.kanitsu.co.jp/hakata/ (in Japanese only)

Savor charcoal-grilled Akasaki beef at Sumiyaki Dining Bouquet

Sumiyaki Dining Bouquet is famous for its charcoal-grilled Akasaki beef, a premium brand from Fukuoka known for its lean and flavorful qualities. Low-fat with a hint of sweetness, Akasaki beef pairs perfectly with the wine selected by the in-house sommelier.

Sumiyaki Dining Bouquet
Address: Casa Marumasu Building 1F, 2-5-9 Ropponmatsu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: Short walk from Fukuoka City Subway Ropponmatsu Station (Nanakuma Line)

Try shabu-shabu at Kurobuta Ajito

Sourced from the Kyushu region, Roppaku Kurobuta pork is said to contain ten times more vitamin B1 than beef, so consider trying the restaurant's shabu-shabu (hotpot dish with thinly-sliced meat and vegetables) course. It includes a secret broth, where you can dip the accompanying vegetables for a refreshing combination.

Kurobuta Ajito, Fukuoka Akasaka Store
Address: Akasaka Seven Building 1F, 2-12-15 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: Short walk from Fukuoka City Subway Akasaka Station (Kuko Line)
Official website: http://www.kurobuta-ajito.jp (in Japanese only)

Discover Maizuru Park

Explore the vicinity of Maizuru Park, with nearby attractions such as Ohori Park, Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical Garden, and Fukuoka Parco. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the many dining options near the park during your sightseeing adventure.

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*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

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