A Spring Guide to the Best of Kitakyushu: Leap into Spring with the Flowers of Kitakyushu City
Spring is the best time to travel with ease, surrounded by the pure bliss of towns awash in flowering green. Here in Kitakyushu, the city streets are hugged with remarkable nature and famed flower spots to bring you the joy you can only find with flowers. From cherry blossoms peeking over historic buildings to trestling trails at wisteria gardens, there are plenty of must-see flower spots to unpack on your next trip to Kitakyushu.
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Getting to the city of Kitakyushu
From Kitakyushu Airport, the airport bus connecting to JR Kokura Station and The Outlet Kitakyushu is especially convenient.
For other options, it takes about 15 minutes by JR Sanyo Shinkansen and about 40 minutes by JR Express from Hakata Station in Fukuoka City to Kokura Station in Kitakyushu City.
Luxe and Glam! Cherry Blossoms to Catch in Kitakyushu City
When it comes to Japanese spring, most minds jump to "cherry blossoms".
Typically, from late March to early April, cherry blossoms reach their peak no matter where you go. Below is a curated list you’ll only find in Kitakyushu, with cherry blossom spots near castles, retro townscapes, and parks all awash in soft blooms.
To make it even better, Kitakyushu is even home to a famed and exclusive wisteria garden that only opens from late April to early May to the eager visitors from around the world.
If you’ve got an extra bit of time, this is one destination that’s more than worth the visit.
Castles × Cherry Blossoms for all-Authentic Japan! Top Ways to Unwind after Catching the Cherry Blossoms.
In the heart of Kitakyushu sits Kokura, the spot to visit for true-blue Japanese vibes, complete with castles, cherry blossoms and everything you’d ever need to feel transported back into the samurai days. Kokura Castle's tower has one of the largest floor areas in Japan and a sprawling grounds and outer fortress surrounding the castle town area that spans an 8 km area, similar in size to Osaka Castle.
For all the best of up close, authentic samurai vibes, step into Kokura Castle for unique exhibits and dress-up experiences that offer a chance to pose in kimono or try horseback archery games.
If you're lucky, you might bump into the "Kokura Castle Busho-tai (Samurai Greeters)," who entertain visitors at the main keep and the surroundings.
During the cherry blossom season, the "Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival" (in 2024, from March 23 to April 7) is held, and it's open until 9:00pm.
The nighttime illumination is also a must-see.
After visiting the castle, head to "Kokura Castle Garden" onsite.
The garden sits today as a restoration of the residence of the Kokura Domain's Ogasawara family, and a samurai house still open to the public.
The garden is remarkably beautiful. The interior is completed in ryureiseki style, complete with tearoom table and chairs for guests to sit over matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets while watching a tea ceremony (※There may be times when the tea ceremony is not available).
After recharging over a break take a moment to browse the souvenirs over at Shiro Terrace still located on the Kokura Castle grounds.
Retro Architecture Stroll & Cherry Blossoms
About a 15-minute train ride from JR Kokura Station takes you to JR Mojiko Station.
Mojiko has served as an international trading port for over 130 years, boasting sites like historic buildings from the Meiji to early Showa periods, including the nationally important cultural property, Mojiko Station.
Cherry blossoms blooming here and there among the historical buildings add a touch of irrefutable glam.
The historic district is a compact destination set just within a 15-minute walk from the station, allowing you an easy way to get out and enjoy the town.
Be sure to try the local specialty, grilled curry and banana sweets along the way.
For extra thrills jump on a bus from Mojiko Station to Shiranoe Botanical Garden.
The 8-hectare park features a cherry blossom square, bamboo grove, and grass plaza, serving as a relaxation spot for the locals.
This destination is known for a colorful play of flora across the year, but the spring cherry blossoms are especially famous, celebrated at the Sakura Festival held during the season each year.
Starting with early-blooming cherry blossoms such as Kawazu cherry blossoms in February, about 60 types of cherry blossoms bloom one after another until late April.
From early April, peonies, rhododendrons, and azaleas also bloom, filling the park with the full wash of spring colors.
In May, peonies bloom, in June, hydrangeas, and in July to August, lotuses bloom, making it a famous spot for flowers.
Open for a Limited Period. The World-Renowned Wisteria Spot
Kawachi Wisteria Garden, a wisteria mecca in Japan has drawn travelers from around the world after being featured in CNN America's "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan," shuttling the spot into social media fame.
The best time to visit is from late April to early May, with over 20 types of wisteria flowers, including white, purple, and pink, blooming across approximately 10,000 square meters.
The tunnels of purple wisteria flowers, creating a beautiful gradient, are breathtaking and enchanting. Be soothed by the sight and scent of wisteria!
The opening period and hours vary each year, so please check the official website.
To ease traffic congestion, entry is ticketed (with a limit on the number of visitors), so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.
Wrap-Up
Kitakyushu City is where the seasons come to greet you, even in the city center. Just steps from the station and you’re in for compact, easy strolling through the sights. If time allows, there’s plenty worth seeing if you can make it out a little further, too. See the authentic, beautiful Japan you were promised in picture-perfect moments to last a lifetime.