Nishi Park Sakura Festival | Fukuoka Now

Nishi Park—the only site in Fukuoka Prefecture selected among Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots”—hosts this annual spring festival. When around 1,300 cherry trees come into bloom, illuminated night sakura draw large crowds. Food stalls line the hillside park overlooking Hakata Bay, creating a lively atmosphere for hanami. The festival opens with a traditional mountain-opening ceremony, followed by the Kuroda Hikyaku Cup, a short uphill race (approx. 200 m) run to the sound of taiko drums. Participants sprint up the grand staircase—named after the Kuroda domain’s 523,000 goku—toward the large torii of Terumo Shrine. Cultural events include a Sohen-ryu tea ceremony sakura gathering (Mar 28), a Yagyu Shinkage-ryu Aratsu-kai martial arts demonstration (Apr 5), and a performance by Japanese cultural troupe Ichigo Ichie, led by taiko performer Shinsuke Ikewaki (Apr 5). Visitors can enjoy hanami by day and illuminated cherry blossoms at night throughout the festival. • Mar. 27, 2026 (Fri.) ~ Apr. 10, 2026 (Fri.) • 10:00~22:00 (Light up: 18:00~22:00) • Free entry (some experiences are charged) • Nishi Park • 13 Nishi Park, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka • https://www.instagram.com/nishikoen.sakuramatsuri/ Fukuoka Now Reader Special! Show this screen (the Fukuoka Now event page) on the day of the event to receive a discount on the tea ceremony. Foreign nationals only: ¥1,000 → ¥500. Category Culture Festival Chuo-ku Published Mar 17, 2026 Last Updated Mar 19, 2026