【2026】Major April Tourism Events and Festivals in Fukuoka Prefecture

Cherry Blossoms in Fukuoka

流川桜並木（うきは市）

The cherry blossoms in 2026 are expected to begin blooming around March 20. Since it is said that they reach full bloom about one week after flowering, the peak bloom is likely to occur around March 27.

Famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Fukuoka Prefecture include Maizuru Park (Fukuoka City), Nishi Park (Fukuoka City), and Akizuki (Asakura City), but various cherry blossom events are also scheduled to be held in other areas.

2026 Cherry Blossom Blooming Status (Japan Meteorological Agency Website)

Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots & Sakura Festivals

Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Kitakyushu City)

The Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival features a wide variety of cherry blossoms blooming throughout the period, along with plenty of attractions such as gourmet food and greetings with the Kokura Samurai Squad. After sunset, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical nighttime stroll under the blossoms.

Dates: March 20 (Fri, Holiday) – April 12 (Sun), 2026

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Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Fukuoka City)

At the Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, both the cherry blossoms and historic ruins are beautifully illuminated. The castle tower base is used as a temporary main keep, and the magical lighting enhances the contrast between the historic structures and the stunning cherry blossoms. In addition, various events are held in the event area.

Dates: March 25 (Wed) – April 8 (WEd), 2026

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Nishi Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Fukuoka City)

About 1,300 cherry trees—selected as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots”—burst into full bloom, attracting many visitors for hanami. During the period, the cherry blossoms are also illuminated at night.

Dates: March 27 (Fri) – April 10 (Fri), 2026
Please check the blooming information here.

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Shiranoe Botanical Garden Cherry Blossom Festival (Kitakyushu City)

Featuring the 450-year-old “Shiranoe no Satozakura,” a designated natural monument of the prefecture, as well as Kawazu-zakura and Somei Yoshino, this site boasts a collection of approximately 700 cherry trees across about 60 varieties. In addition, various activities are planned, including puzzle-solving events, sales of garden trees and flower seedlings, concerts, and night tours to enjoy illuminated cherry blossoms.

Dates: March 28 (Sat) – April 5 (Sun), 2026

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Soeda Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Soeda Town)

Soeda Park, one of the prefecture’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, is home to approximately 1,500 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and double-flowered cherry varieties. At night, bamboo lanterns are set up and the trees are illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms after dark.

Dates: Scheduled from late March to early April 2026 (illumination available)

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Akizuki Spring Festival (Asakura City)

Sugino Baba Street, which leads to the Akizuki Castle Ruins, becomes a 500-meter tunnel of cherry blossoms (Somei Yoshino) from mid-March to early April each year, attracting many visitors. During the Spring Festival, there will be performances such as Kozuki-style taiko drumming and Hayashi-style large handheld cannon demonstrations, as well as food stalls.

Date: April 5 (Sun), 2026
Please note that Sugino Baba Street is not a pedestrian-only road and is also used by vehicles.

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Cherry Blossom Spots in Fukuoka Prefecture

Purple Niagara — Come See the Wisteria in Bloom!

Kawachi Wisteria Garden (Kitakyushu City)

Selected by CNN as one of “Japan’s 31 Most Beautiful Places,” this famous wisteria spot attracts visitors from around the world. About 22 varieties of wisteria bloom in abundance, and the breathtaking 3,300㎡ (approx. 1,000 tsubo) Great Wisteria Trellis covered with Noda Fuji is a must-see. Highlights include two wisteria tunnels measuring 80 meters and 110 meters in length.

Opening Period: Scheduled from April 18 (Sat) to May 6 (Wed, substitute holiday), 2026
Advance reservation required
For details, please check the official website or Instagram.

Wisteria Flower Viewing Spots & Festivals

Yame Kurogi Great Wisteria Festival

Held near National Route 442 in Kurogi Town, Yame City, at Susanoo Shrine. The festival takes place every year from mid-April to early May, timed to coincide with the blooming of the Great Wisteria in the shrine grounds.

Dates: April 10 (Fri) – April 26 (Sun), 2026

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Nakayama Great Wisteria Festival (Yanagawa City)

The “Nakayama Great Wisteria,” located at Kumano Shrine in Nakayama, is a famous tree estimated to be over 300 years old. It is also designated as a Natural Monument of the prefecture. Carefully preserved and nurtured by a local preservation society and related members, the area is enveloped in a sweet fragrance when the wisteria is in full bloom.

Dates: April 15 (Wed) – April 28 (Tue), 2026

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Musashi-dera Wisteria Festival (Chikushino City)

Musashi-dera, the oldest temple in Kyushu, is also known as the “Wisteria Temple.” The “Choja no Fuji,” said to be around 1,300 years old, is designated as a Natural Monument of Chikushino City. The wisteria trellis measures approximately 20 meters wide and 10 meters deep, with elegant light-purple blossoms hanging in clusters over 1 meter long in full bloom.

Date: April 19 (Sun), 2026

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Kichijoji Wisteria Festival (Kitakyushu City)

Within the grounds of Kichijoji Temple, about 1,000 square meters are filled with wisteria in bloom, including three Noda wisteria trees approximately 160 years old, as well as purple Noda wisteria, white wisteria, pink wisteria, and edged-pink wisteria, all releasing a sweet fragrance. In late April, when the flowers reach their peak, the wisteria spreads like a canopy over the temple grounds, creating a breathtaking scene dyed in shades of white and purple.

Dates: April 27 (Sun) – April 29 (Tue, Holiday), 2025
Dates for 2026 have not yet been announced.

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A Beautiful Blue Carpet! Spots to See Nemophila Fields

Uminonakamichi Flower Picnic 2026 (Fukuoka City)

If you want to see nemophila in Fukuoka, head to “Uminaka”! The vivid blue blossoms spread across the fields like a delicate carpet, blending beautifully into the blue sky.

In addition to nemophila, tulips and other spring flowers brighten the park grounds. During the season, visitors can enjoy craft workshops, animal interaction events, gourmet festivals, and many other fun activities.

Event Period: March 20 (Fri, National Holiday) – May 17 (Sun), 2026

Uminonakamichi Flower Picnic

Uminaka Kite Flying Festival(Fukuoka City)

At the spacious lawn area covered with blooming blue nemophila flowers, the “Uminaka Kite Flying Festival” features a variety of balloon kites soaring through the sky, including a giant whale kite up to 50 meters long. A kite-making workshop will also be held. Don’t miss the spectacular sight of colorful original kites flying alongside the giant whale.

Dates: April 11 (Sat) & 12 (Sun), 2026
Canceled in case of rain or strong winds

Admission: Free (Kite-making workshop: 500 yen per kite)
Limited to the first 80 participants each day

Other Flower Events

Rhododendron Festival (Yame City)

Held at two locations in Hoshino Village: “Hoshino Flower Park” and “Miyashino Rhododendron Garden.” Around 10,000 rhododendrons, including Tsukushi rhododendrons and Western varieties, bloom across the mountain slopes. With well-maintained walking paths and rest pavilions, visitors can enjoy a მშვიდ and relaxing stroll.

Dates: April 10 (Fri) – April 29 (Wed, Holiday), 2026
Miyashino Rhododendron Garden remains open even after the festival period

Hakozaki Shrine Peony & Shakuyaku (Peony) Flower Festival

At the Hakozaki Shrine Flower Garden along the approach to the shrine, approximately 2,000 peony plants of about 100 varieties and around 500 herbaceous peonies of about 30 varieties bloom in magnificent display.

Event Period: April 1 (Wed) – April 30 (Thu), 2026

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Chinkokuji Temple Flower Festival

Chinkokuji Temple, known as the “Temple of Flowers and Prayers,” offers beautiful blossoms throughout the year. In spring, stunning cherry blossoms bloom in abundance, from Somei Yoshino to Gosho-zakura, including single and double-petaled varieties in white, deep pink, and even green hues.

The Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival) held on April 8 celebrates the birth of Buddha. Visitors pour sweet tea over a statue of Shakyamuni enshrined in a flower-decorated pavilion to commemorate the occasion.

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026

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Botanical Peony Garden Festival (Miyama City)

Located halfway up Mt. Kiyomizu, this is one of the largest peony gardens in Kyushu. It was established through the joint efforts of the town and local residents, aiming to create a tourist destination befitting Setaka Town, known as the “Land of Himiko.” In the strolling-style garden of about 3,000 square meters, around 2,500 peony plants of 80 varieties bloom in abundance, offering a truly stunning दृश्य.

Dates: From April 13 (Mon), 2026 (scheduled)

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Sake Event

April is also packed with sake-related events! We have compiled events ranging from a gathering of umeshu (plum wine) from across Japan to joint events hosted by breweries. In addition, each brewery also holds its own kura-biraki (open brewery) events. Be sure to check out our special feature on sake events and discover nearby breweries and the sake that interests you.

Japan Umeshu Festival in Hakata Station 2026 (Fukuoka City)

Over 120 varieties of umeshu from all over Japan gather at Hakata Station! In addition to tasting and comparing different types, you can also enjoy paid tastings and a lottery sale of the rare “Dassai Umeshu,” as well as umeshu beer, dishes, and desserts.

Dates: April 2 (Thu) – April 5 (Sun), 2026
Event hours vary by day.

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Chikugo Nanakuni Sake Culture Expo (Chikugo City)

Eight breweries that use the underground water of the Yabe River basin in southern Chikugo come together! You can enjoy tasting and comparing 3–5 types of sake from each brewery. Delicious local snacks from the Chikugo Nanakuni region are also gathered in one place.

Date: April 4 (Sat), 2026, 11:00–17:00

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CHIKUHO Sake Festival (Iizuka City)

Sake from three breweries in the Chikuho region gathers at Kahoterasu, where you can enjoy tasting each brewery’s proud new sake. Many other events will also be held on the same days.

Dates: April 4 (Sat) & 5 (Sun), 2026
Hita-Hiko Line Sake Brewery Tour – A Relaxing Sake Journey by BRT (Soeda Town, Toho Village, Hita City, Oita Prefecture)

A joint sake brewery opening event is held along the JR Hita-Hikosan Line BRT connecting Fukuoka and Oita, featuring four breweries and roadside stations. A stamp rally will also be held.

Dates:
April 5 (Sun): Oimatsu Sake Brewery (Hita City, Oita)
April 12 (Sun): Inoue Sake Brewery (Hita City, Oita)
April 19 (Sun): Kuncho Sake Brewery (Hita City, Oita)
April 26 (Sun): Kataoka Sake Brewery (Toho Village, Fukuoka)

Products from Todowari Sake Brewery (Soeda Town) are available at the “Michi-no-Eki Kanyusha Hikosan” during the period.

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OKAGAKI BREWERY BUS TOUR (Okagaki Town)

A relaxing bus tour perfect for sake lovers. Visit three breweries in Okagaki Town and the scenic Naritasan, with a lunch course paired with sake. Solo participants are welcome!

Dates: April 9 (Thu) & 10 (Fri), 2026
Kurano Hosomichi Ticket (Kurume City, Tachiarai Town)

A special Nishitetsu “Kurano Hosomichi Ticket” that allows free boarding and alighting at Kita-no, Oogi, and Ozeki stations on the Nishitetsu Amagi Line. Enjoy sake at participating breweries along the route.

Dates: April 18 (Sat) & 19 (Sun), 2026

April Sake Events in Japan

Festivals & Events

Fukuoka Higashi Ward Fireworks Festival

One of the largest fireworks festivals in Fukuoka City, featuring 7,000 fireworks lighting up the spring night sky. Held over the waters of Kashii-hama, you can enjoy powerful, panoramic views of the fireworks from virtually any angle. Paid seating areas are available near the launch site for a more आरामで快適な観覧体験.
Approximately 260 food stalls will be set up across Kashiihama Kita Park, Kashiihama Chuo Park, and the Island perimeter green space.

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Held in rain; canceled in severe weather

Fukutsu Strawberry Walk (Fukutsu City)

Fukutsu City, known for its many strawberry farmers and delicious Amaou strawberries, is a popular strawberry destination. This event lets you enjoy a walking tour along the Karatsu Kaido road and experience strawberry harvesting at a popular farm.

Dates: April 5 (Sun) & 19 (Sun), 2026
Advance reservation required up to 3 days before the event.
17th Spring Okawa Woodworking Festival (Okawa City)

A two-day event where you can see, touch, and purchase furniture from Okawa, the “city of furniture,” at great prices. In addition to exhibitions of 10,000 latest items from 200 companies and domestically produced wood furniture, local specialties and products from Okawa will also be featured.

Dates: April 11 (Sat) & 12 (Sun), 2026
Usubuki Hachiman Shrine Shinkō Festival (Buzen City)

Three portable shrines (mikoshi) and kasaboko floats parade through the local area over two days. The “Yudate Kagura” performed during stops is a traditional ritual dance, representing the essence of Iwato Kagura and is a must-see.

Dates: April 11 (Sat) & 12 (Sun), 2026
Sumiyoshi Gakusai Festival (Fukuoka City)

A spring festival jointly held by Sumiyoshi Shrine and Rakusuien Garden. At the Noh stage of Sumiyoshi Shrine, visitors can experience Gagaku (ancient court music) and Noh, while at Rakusuien, a tea ceremony experience is available (advance reservation required). Food stalls from local restaurants, stage events, and rickshaw rides will also be offered.

Date: April 12 (Sun), 2026
Ainoshima Spring Festa (Shingu Town)

An event full of the island’s charm, featuring stalls offering local dishes made with fresh seafood, an outdoor concert by amateur bands, and “island guides” where local children guide visitors to historical sites and scenic spots on the island.

Date: April 18 (Sat), 2026
Agano Ware Spring Pottery Festival (Fukuchi Town)

Discount sales will be held at participating kilns and the Agano Ware Ceramics Museum. Local gourmet food and food trucks will also be present, and a stamp rally with a lottery prize for visiting the kilns is popular. In addition, matcha (with sweets) served in Agano ware vessels will be available.

Dates: April 24 (Fri) – 26 (Sun), 2026
Itoshima Handmade Carnival 2026 (Itoshima City)

Handmade artists from all over Japan gather in Itoshima. Unique, one-of-a-kind items available only here will be on display, and workshops will also be held. A gourmet area featuring local Itoshima restaurants will also be available.

Dates: April 24 (Fri) – 26 (Sun), 2026
[Photo Exhibition] Michio Hoshino: Traveling Through Eternal Time (Ōnojō City)

A photo exhibition of photographer Michio Hoshino held at Ōnojō City Kokoro no Furusato Museum. The exhibition traces Hoshino’s journey—from his first visit at age 20 to an Alaskan village, to photographs taken in the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia shortly before his sudden passing—revealing the life and work of an artist who passed away while still traveling.

Dates: April 25 (Sat) – June 28 (Sun), 2026
Hanano Oka Outdoor Garden Festival (Kitakyushu City)

A wide selection of special outdoor-themed menu items will be available, including premium game meat barbecue and melt-in-your-mouth roasted marshmallows. Outdoor gear, garden supplies, and flower seedlings will also be on sale. A great-value “all-you-can-fill firewood” offer will be available, making it a must-see for camping enthusiasts! Workshops will also be held.

Date: April 29 (Wed, holiday), 2026

Sports & Cycling Events

Cycle Stamp Rally (Ogori City)

A digital cycling stamp rally with 18 checkpoints at “Fukuoka Cycle Stations,” which are spots where cyclists can easily stop by. Taking advantage of Ogori City’s gentle, low-elevation terrain, the event is designed so that beginners and families can enjoy cycling comfortably.

Dates: April 4 (Sat) & 5 (Sun), 2026
Kurume Azalea March (Kurume City)

A walking festival where participants can enjoy the natural beauty of the Mino Mountains, the Chikugo River, and the colorful Kurume azaleas. Enjoy a relaxing and fulfilling walking experience.

Dates: April 18 (Sat) & 19 (Sun), 2026
Japan Open Iizuka International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament (Iizuka City)

The tournament is held at the tennis courts of Iizuka Sports Resort and the Prefectural Chikuho Ryokuchi Park. This event is the only International Tennis Federation (ITF)-sanctioned wheelchair tennis “Super Series” tournament in Asia, where top players from around the world compete at a high level every year.

Dates: April 21 (Tue) – 26 (Sun), 2026

Spring Koinobori (Carp Streamers)

May 5 is “Tango no Sekku (Children’s Day).” When thinking of Children’s Day, koinobori (carp streamers) come to mind, and many places begin displaying them as early as early April. April offers excellent weather for outings, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

・Aburayama River Koinobori: April 5 (Sun) – May 9 (Sat), 2026
・Murasakigawa Koinobori Festival: April 12 (Sun) – May 9 (Sat), 2026

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This year’s Dontaku will be held on May 3 and 4!

The 博多どんたく港まつり is said to have originated from the traditional folk event “Hakata Matsubayashi,” which began 845 years ago in 1179. In 1962, it became a “Fukuoka Citizens’ Festival” with wide public participation, and today it is one of Japan’s largest festivals, attracting over 2 million visitors from Japan and abroad.