Spring in Fukuoka is a time of mild weather and beautiful flowers in full bloom. The cherry blossoms, the most representative flower of spring in Japan, attract many tourists, both domestic and international, to the most spectacular spots. Please enjoy the scenery that can be seen only in Fukuoka, which is rich in nature.
This article details the highlights of spring travel, from a description of the weather and best clothing for spring travel to the best places to visit in Fukuoka in spring.
To learn more about Fukuoka, check here.
Spring in Fukuoka
Weather
Spring in Fukuoka is a time of gradual warming up, with many days still chilly in March, but temperatures begin to rise in April, and by May it is warm enough to wear short sleeves during the day. Although there is relatively little rain during this season and many days are mild, you need to be careful of sudden rain and changes in weather conditions.
Things to Do
In spring, Fukuoka is famous for its cherry blossoms. Especially in Ohori Park and Maizuru Park, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully and attract many people. This is also the time of year when various other spring flowers are at their best, and a stroll amidst the fresh greenery is recommended. Also at this time of year, Fukuoka’s famous strawberries are in season. Visitors can experience strawberry picking at farms, and enjoy sweets made from strawberries at cafes and cake shops.
Spring Fashion
When visiting Fukuoka in spring, a layered style is recommended due to the temperature difference between day and night. A light jacket or cardigan is often worn during the day, while a slightly thicker outer layer is necessary in the morning and evening. It is also helpful to carry a folding umbrella in case of sudden rain. By choosing shoes that are comfortable to walk in, you can comfortably enjoy strolling in parks and around the city.
Things to do in Fukuoka in Spring
Let’s go see the cherry blossoms in Fukuoka!
Cherry blossoms symbolize spring in Japan. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots throughout Japan, but in Fukuoka, the cherry blossoms are usually at their best from late March to early April every year. To obtain real-time information on the blooming season and cherry blossoms, it is recommended to use official websites and SNS.
The festival is filled with locals and tourists alike, who enjoy eating and drinking under the cherry blossoms in full bloom for “hanami” (cherry blossom viewing). The “Fukuokajyo Sakura Festival” is usually held at Maizuru Park in Fukuoka City, where food stalls and a barbecue plaza are prepared.
In addition, various cherry blossom spots are lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere that differs from that of the daytime.
Lively Fukuoka Festivals
The most famous festival in Fukuoka in spring is the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival. It is held every year on May 3 and 4 in Hakata, the center of Fukuoka Prefecture. The festival is characterized by dancers dressed up in costumes and holding and clapping shamojis. It is one of the largest festivals in Japan, attracting more than 2 million people from Japan and abroad.
During Golden Week (a long vacation period from the end of April to the beginning of May), family-oriented events are held for children and adults to enjoy together. The number of domestic travelers also increases during this period, making reservations for accommodations, transportation, restaurants, etc. more difficult and creating traffic jams for cars. Make advance preparations as early as possible.
Fukuoka’s specialty! Let’s enjoy strawberries!
Fukuoka is famous for its various delicious gourmet foods, and strawberries are one of Fukuoka’s specialties. The amount of strawberries shipped is one of the highest in Japan, and Fukuoka’s brand of strawberries, “Amaou,” is a very famous variety.
The production area of “Amaou” is limited to Fukuoka. Characterized by its large size and good balance of sweetness and acidity, it is in season from mid-January to the end of March.
Fukuoka, a strawberry-producing region, has many strawberry farms where you can experience strawberry picking. Strawberry picking can be enjoyed from December to May, but advance reservations are generally required, so please check the official website of each farm before your experience.
For those who want to casually enjoy seasonal strawberries, it is recommended to eat sweets at cafes and cake shops. During the spring season, parfaits and cakes using seasonal strawberries are on the menu at various stores. Also, souvenir stores at airports and train stations sell sweets made with Amaou. They look lovely and taste delicious, so they are sure to please.
Advice for those who want to pick strawberries.
- Strawberry picking season is usually from December to May.
- Basically, reservations are required before the strawberry picking experience, so checking the official website is a must.
- If strawberry picking is not an option, we recommend enjoying limited time strawberry sweets at cafes.
Let’s go out to see spring flowers
Cherry blossoms are not the only flowers that are at their best in spring. As the weather gradually warms up, various flowers begin to bloom. Fukuoka has many flower garden spots with spectacular views that take advantage of its rich nature, making it a popular tourist destination.
Below we introduce flowers that are at their best in spring in Fukuoka, so be sure to visit to see the spectacular scenery that is only available during this time of year.
Rapeseed Blossom
The rape blossoms at “Nokonoshima Island Park” on Nokonoshima Island are at their best from late February to mid-April. The blue of Hakata Bay and the yellow of the rape blossoms can be seen at the same time, making it a spectacular spot.
Wisteria Flowers
The purple tunnels of the Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Kitakyushu City are so beautiful that it was selected as one of the “31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan” by CNN in the United States. From late April to mid-May, the garden is filled with the fragrance of wisteria.
Nemophila Flowers
At the Hill of Flowers in Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka City, about one million nemophila trees are in full bloom from early to late April.
Fukuoka in March
March is the time of year in Fukuoka when you can often feel the warmth of spring during the daytime. Average temperatures range from about 7 to 16 degrees Celsius, gradually warming up as the month progresses. Cherry blossoms begin to bloom at this time of year. As for clothing, a light jacket or cardigan is a good idea to prepare for sudden cold weather.
Check here for more details in March.
Fukuoka in April
The average temperature in Fukuoka in April is about 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, with mild weather during the day. This is the time of year when cherry blossoms and other seasonal flowers are at their best, and you can enjoy the rich natural scenery of Fukuoka. Since most of the sightseeing is done outside, outerwear and cardigans are useful for adjusting your body temperature.
Check here for more details in April.
Fukuoka in May
May is the time of year when Fukuoka is warm throughout the day, with average temperatures ranging from about 14 to 25 degrees Celsius. This is also the time of year when many events, such as the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, are held, and you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of Fukuoka. When doing outdoor activities, it is recommended to bring a folding umbrella as there may be sudden rain.
Check here for more details in May.
