Cherry blossoms and autumn colours in Kyushu, Japan (pics and info)

Cherry blossoms in spring and the beautiful hues of red and brown in Autumn. Japan is famous worldwide for the beauty of its seasons. A visit to Kyushu during these months offers the very best of nature’s gifts.

Cherry Blossom viewing in Kyushu

Sakura, sakura
they fall in the dreams
of sleeping beauty

Yosa Buson (与謝蕪村)
1716 – 1784

Cherry blossom viewing (sakura) in Japan is both an art and a science.

The art lies in the fleeting beauty

For the Japanese, cherry blossoms represent both the beauty and the fragility of life. It reminds us that life is not only overwhelmingly glorious but that it is also tragically short.

The science lies in predicting the sakura dates each year

The cherry blossoms bloom wildly but briefly. The Japanese use the most high-tech methods to assist us cherry blossom seekers. You can see here the intricate detail of the cherry blossom forecasts.

Dependent mainly on temperature (and to some extent on the rain and the wind) the cherry blossoms bloom first in the south and then move gradually up north. The infographic above shows that there is more than a month between the sakura blooms in sunny Kyushu in the south and icy Hokkaido in the north.

The cherry blossom forecast dates haven’t been released for 2018 yet. Subscribe to our newsletter (bottom of page) to be the first to know. Generally in Fukuoka, the capital city of Kyushu, the blossoms start around March 25 getting better and better up to start of April then continue until around April 07. This means if you target your stay over the last week of March and the first week of April you’ll give yourself the best chance of a great hanami experience.

What’s hanami?

The word hanami (花見) refers to cherry blossom viewing. It’s a national pastime and a very enjoyable obsession. You can’t miss the daytime picnics under the trees and sometimes (a bit chilly) under the stars too. Groups of friends, colleagues and families hanami together. Many reserve the best spots hours in advance. A great time is had by all and it often gets quite boozy. We’ll be happy to share the location of our very favourite hanami spots with you.

Remember, nature bestows her gifts whimsically.

Go cherry blossom hunting with hope but not expectation

The dates are predicted but never guaranteed.

Autumn Colours in Kyushu

None is travelling
Here along this way but I,
This autumn evening.

Matsuo Basho (松尾芭蕉,)
1644–1694

Spring is for cherry blossoms. Fall is for Autumn colours. Life is conducted to a backdrop of reds and golden browns. With the heat of summer gone, and as the chills of winter await, November bestows her glory.

Find the beauty of Japan in Kyushu

Head to Dazaifu

A city that has seen a 1,000 years of turning seasons.

Appreciate the age-old charm as autumn colours turn from green to reds to browns.

Take 2½ minutes out as Dazaifu autumn transforms into winter

Raizan Sennyoji Temple

Autumn colours in Kyushu means a visit to Sennyoji-ji. Stood for more than a thousand years guarded by an ancient forest.

Where history and nature merge

Botanists agree there are few places in the world to rival the autumn foliage of this magnificent display. Lie under a 400 year-old maple in an age-old temple. It’s the perfect antidote to our transient modern world.

An experience not soon forgotten

To catch the tree in its full glory timing is critical. Let’s plan your trip carefully.

Ancient Japanese maple at Sennyoji Temple Kyushu — The most ancient maple tree at Sennyoji Temple. Photo thanks to Botany Boy

From the mountain temple head to the beach. Take a break …

Gorge yourself at the Oyster Huts and hunt down the artisan charcuterie.

Finally, in our journey of colours …

Mifuneyama Rakuen

As you head to Kyushu’s pottery villages take time to stop at the magnificent park of Mifuneyama Rakuen. With 5,000 cherry blossom trees and 50,000 azaleas you’ll be dazzled with colour. The spectacular light festival that takes place in November is the highlight of the season.

Forest where Gods live. Photo thanks to Team Lab.

Visit Kyushu for a journey into the natural world. A kaleidoscope of colours with a Japanese twist. Contact us now and take the first step towards a unique and memorable island.