A Guide to Major Tourist Events and Festivals in Fukuoka Prefecture in March

A Spring in Full Bloom: A Floral Journey

Kawazu Cherry Blossoms at Seihoen (Buzen City)

Seihoen, a mandarin orange orchard in Buzen City, is a hidden gem known for its early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms. The owner planted these trees, originally from his hometown of Shizuoka, and today nearly 300 cherry trees color the orchard in soft pink each spring. The orchard is specially opened to the public only during the blooming season. Visitors can also check the latest flowering conditions via live online streaming.

Dates: Open now – Sunday, March 8

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park – Early Spring Happy Festa 2026 (Fukuoka City)

At Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, yellow daffodils and plum blossoms are in full bloom, welcoming the arrival of early spring. The park features photo spots inspired by the theme of “Happy Yellow,” symbolizing happiness, along with special limited-time food and drinks in cheerful yellow colors. In collaboration with Shikaumi Shrine, a giant ema (traditional wooden wishing plaque) is on display. Visitors can write their happy memories or wishes on original yellow message cards and dedicate them at the shrine.

Dates: Now open – Sunday, March 8

Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine Shiida Plum Festival (Chikujo Town)

Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine, associated with the scholar and poet Sugawara no Michizane, is famous for its beautiful plum blossoms. Around 1,000 plum trees planted within the shrine grounds bloom in charming shades of red and white during the festival season. Throughout the event period, a special “Tenjin Market” is held, offering local specialties from Chikujo Town. Visitors can also enjoy traditional performances such as kagura (sacred Shinto music and dance), lion dances, and the Dondoyaki fire festival.

Dates: Now open – Tuesday, March 10

Taga Shrine Peach Blossom Festival (Nogata City)

Around 400 flowering peach trees burst into full bloom during the festival season, creating a stunning spring landscape. Don’t miss the colorful sagemon hanging decorations and traditional hina dolls displayed in front of the shrine office and along the covered corridors. The beautifully arranged hanachozu—a purification basin filled with vibrant seasonal flowers—is also a highlight. On March 20 (Fri, public holiday), the “Peach Blossom Shofuku Inari Festival” will be held, and from April 10 (Fri) to 12 (Sun), the Spring Grand Festival takes place.

Dates: March 1 (Sun) – April 12 (Sun), 2026

Kurume Camellia Fair (Kurume City)

Kurume City, one of Japan’s leading producers of camellia seedlings, hosts the Kurume Camellia Fair at three main venues: Kurume Camellia Garden, Ishibashi Cultural Center Camellia Garden, and the Kurume City World Camellia Museum. This event offers visitors the chance to fully experience the beauty and charm of camellias in bloom. During the fair, the Kusano district of Kurume City presents the “Kusano History and Camellia Flower Walk,” while the Ishibashi Cultural Center holds the “Ishibashi Cultural Center Camellia Festival.” Collect stamps from all three fair venues and enter a drawing for a chance to win camellia-themed prizes.

Dates: March 14 (Sat) – March 22 (Sun), 2026

Nogata Tulip Fair 2026 (Nogata City)

Held annually from late March to early April at the Ongagawa Riverside Park, the Nogata Tulip Fair is one of the city’s largest spring events. With the help of more than 1,000 local volunteers, approximately 200,000 tulip and muscari bulbs are planted each year, transforming the riverside into a vibrant sea of color.If you visit at just the right time, you may even see a rare and beautiful combination of tulips blooming alongside cherry blossoms and canola flowers. On April 4 (Sat), a special tulip illumination will be held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the fair.

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

Best Spots to See Canola Blossoms

Roadside Station “Harazuru” Canola Flower Festival

In a field of about 1.6 ha, approximately 800,000 canola flowers bloom wildly. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that looks like a yellow carpet.

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Fukufuku no Sato (Itoshima City)

Right beside Fukufuku no Sato, along National Route 202, runs the JR Chikuhi Line with its distinctive red trains. Here, you can capture stunning photos of the bright red train traveling through a sea of yellow canola flowers — a perfect springtime scene for photography lovers.

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Nokonoshima (islands)

This eggplant-shaped island is only a 10-minute ferry ride from Fukuoka City's Meinohama ferry terminal. The nature-rich island offers fishing, swimming, hiking, insect collecting and walking.

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Sweets & Gourmet Festival

Fukuchi Find Festival 2026 – Fukuchi Grand Sweets Tea Gathering (Fukuchi Town)

In Fukuchi, home to Agano-yaki pottery once prized for tea ceramics, a large-scale sweets-themed event returns for the first time in six years! More than 40 renowned confectionery shops from inside and outside the prefecture will gather to showcase their signature desserts. Visitors can enjoy tea ceremonies featuring Agano-yaki pottery, pottery-making workshops, and a music stage inspired by Fukuchi-born children’s songwriter Koyo Kawamura. A wide variety of programs make this festival a delightful experience for all ages.

Dates: March 28 (Sat) & March 29 (Sun), 2026

Path of Light Lucky Sweets Fair (Fukutsu City)

Inspired by the breathtaking “Path of Light” phenomenon at Miyajidake Shrine — a spectacular sight visible only twice a year — this popular event celebrates good fortune through sweets. A total of 25 confectionery shops, Japanese sweets stores, and cafés across Fukutsu City offer original “lucky sweets” specially created for the fair. In 2026, the theme is seasonal strawberries, featuring a delightful lineup of limited-edition treats unique to Fukutsu. After enjoying strawberry-themed desserts, don’t miss the chance to experience strawberry picking in the area as well.

Dates: Now ongoing – Sunday, March 22

2nd Tachiara i Lettuce Festa (Tachiarai Town)

A unique event celebrating Tachiarai’s local specialty — fresh lettuce! In addition to the sale of various lettuce varieties, visitors can enjoy stage performances and a selection of gourmet food booths. The first 300 visitors will receive a special gift set including JA Mii Sunny Lettuce & Green Leaf lettuce, along with a single-serving Pietro dressing.

Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Hirokawa Strawberry Festival (Hirokawa Town)

A must-visit event for strawberry lovers! Enjoy a delicious lineup featuring locally grown Amaou strawberries and the rare variety “Ayamihime,” often called a “phantom strawberry.” In addition to tasting and purchasing fresh strawberries, visitors can enjoy lively stage performances and prize raffles. This festival is a perfect opportunity to see, taste, and fully experience the sweet flavors of Hirokawa’s finest strawberries.

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Munakata Strawberry Festival (Munakata City)

Enjoy the peak strawberry season in Munakata, known as the “Hometown of Strawberries”! Sixteen restaurants, cafés, and cake shops mainly in Munakata City offer original strawberry-themed menu items. The festival also features a variety of special events, including a strawberry picking tour, a strawberry sticker campaign, and a LINE digital stamp rally.

Dates: March 14 (Sat) – April 15 (Wed), 2026
Kitakyushu Ramen Festival 2026 (Kitakyushu City)

A total of 18 ramen shops gather at Mojiko — including 12 popular restaurants from Northern Kyushu and Shimonoseki, as well as 6 renowned shops from across Japan. Why not compare and savor carefully crafted bowls prepared by skilled ramen masters? Discounted advance tickets are available at the 12 participating local restaurants.

Dates: March 21 (Sat) & March 22 (Sun), 2026
Kasuya & Sakura Bread Marche (Kasuya Town)

Surrounded by fully blooming cherry blossoms, this first-ever bread marché brings together around 20 bakeries from Kasuya and beyond. In addition to a wide variety of freshly baked bread, visitors can enjoy coffee and sweets that pair perfectly with bread. The event also features special stage performances in collaboration with a popular TV program, making it a full day of fun for everyone.

Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026

Spring Sake Brewery Open House Events Continue!

With around 70 sake breweries, Fukuoka Prefecture is actually one of Japan’s leading sake-producing regions. During this season, many breweries hold special spring “Sakagura Open House” events to unveil newly brewed sake made from late autumn to early spring. Enjoy tasting and comparing different varieties while listening to stories from the master brewers and brewery staff.

March 3 is Girls’ Day! Hina Doll Festivals in Fukuoka

With its cityscape of white mortar walls constructed in the “dozo dzukuri”style, Yoshii Town in Ukiha City has a retro feel to it. Features of the tour of dolls held in this traditional town include the “hakobina” (dolls in display cases) and “okiage” (dolls made by covering thick paper cut into the shape of people with cotton and wrapping it all in beautiful fabric).

Chikugo Matsuzaki Aburaya Hina Doll Festival (Ogori City)

Organized by the NPO Cultural Heritage Conservation Engineering Laboratory, the “Chikugo Matsuzaki Aburaya Hina Doll Festival” showcases precious hina dolls dating from the Taisho era to the early Showa period, generously donated by local citizens. Visitors can admire these beautifully preserved historical dolls and experience the elegance of Japan’s traditional Girls’ Day celebration.

Dates: Now ongoing – Saturday, March 7, 2026
Akizuki Castle Town Hina Doll Festival (Asakura City)

Hina dolls are displayed throughout the historic castle town of Akizuki to celebrate Girls’ Day. On Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays during the festival period, and on March 3, around 600 hina dolls are exhibited outdoors on the stone steps in front of the Nagayamon Gate at the Akizuki Castle Ruins (canceled in case of rain).

Dates: Now ongoing – Sunday, March 8, 2026
Home of Hina Dolls / Yame Bonbori (Paper Lantern) Festival

Yame City is the birthplace of boxed hina dolls and has a long tradition of crafting hina dolls. Centered around the white-walled streets of Yame Fukushima, hina dolls are displayed in shops and homes, filling the entire town with festive Hina decorations. On weekends, events such as markets and wedding ceremonies are held.

Dates: Now ongoing – Sunday, March 8, 2026

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Chikugo Yoshii Ohinasama Meguri (Tour of Dolls)

With its cityscape of white mortar walls constructed in the “dozo dzukuri”style, Yoshii Town in Ukiha City has a retro feel to it. Features of the tour of dolls held in this traditional town include the “hakobina” (dolls in display cases) and “okiage” (dolls made by covering thick paper cut into the shape of people with cotton and wrapping it all in beautiful fabric).

Dates: Now ongoing – March 20 (Fri, National Holiday), 2026

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Iizuka Hina Doll Festival

At 15 venues, including the Former Ito Denemon Residence and shopping streets around the city, creatively arranged Hina dolls and decorations are displayed to celebrate Hinamatsuri (the Peach Festival). At the main venue, the Former Ito Denemon Residence, the site opens at night on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays during the event period, with special illuminations creating a magical atmosphere.

Dates: Now ongoing – Sunday, March 22

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Yanagawa Doll Festival – Sagemon Decoration Tour

The “Sagemon” decorations, displayed beside the hina doll tier to celebrate a girl’s first Girls’ Day, are part of a traditional Yanagawa Hinamatsuri custom that dates back to the Edo period. During the festival period, a variety of vibrant events unique to the water town of Yanagawa — including the “Floating Hina Doll Ceremony” — are held over 52 festive days.

Dates: Now ongoing – April 3 (Fri), 2026

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Cycling & Walking Events

Chari Around KURUME (Kurume City)

An outdoor cycling sport event where participants ride around Kurume City visiting 45 designated checkpoints — including historic sites and local shops — to earn points. With flexible routes and the freedom to ride at your own pace, it’s suitable for families and those who prefer a relaxed cycling experience.

Dates: Now ongoing – Sunday, March 8, 2026
Asakura Cycle Festival (Asakura City)

A community event designed to help visitors “enjoy the town” through cycling and hands-on activities. The program features the “Tour de Asakura” cycling event, a Strider balance bike experience for children, and exhibitions of police cars and Japan Self-Defense Forces vehicles. With a wide variety of activities, both adults and children can enjoy a full day of fun.

Event Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Application Deadlines:
Tour de Asakura: March 1, 2026 (Sat)
Strider Experience: March 15, 2026 (Sat)
Cycle Stamp Rally – Feel the Breeze of Ogori (Ogori City)

A digital stamp rally featuring 18 checkpoints selected from 21 “Fukuoka Cycle Stations” located throughout Ogori City. With mostly flat terrain and minimal elevation changes, the course is beginner-friendly and ideal for families. Participants can enter a prize drawing based on the number of stamps collected.

Event Dates: March 21 (Sat) & 22 (Sun), March 28 (Sat) & 29 (Sun), April 4 (Sat) & 5 (Sun), 2026
Kama Sakura Walk 2026 (Kama City)

A first-time walking event where participants can enjoy light exercise while experiencing the arrival of spring and the natural beauty of the region. Participants will walk approximately 6 km, with health check points along the route offering vascular age measurements and vegetable intake checks. Food trucks and stalls serving healthy menu options will also be available.

Event Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Application Deadline: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Kyushu Olle “Chikuho–Kawara Course” Spring Collaboration Walk (Kawara Town)

Starting from JR Saido-sho Station and finishing at JR Kawara Station, this special spring edition of the Kyushu Olle follows a scenic route alongside the Hitahikosan Line. Participants can fully enjoy Kawara Town’s spring beauty, including cherry blossoms and fields of rapeseed flowers.

Event Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Sakura Walk in Yukuhashi (Yukuhashi City)

Starting from JR Yukuhashi Station, this walking event takes participants around some of Yukuhashi’s most beautiful cherry blossom spots. A highlight is the breathtaking “Senbonzakura” (thousand cherry trees) lining the banks of the Imagawa River. At the station-front marche, visitors can enjoy local specialties and delicious regional cuisine.

Event Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026

When Is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms This Year!? Top Sakura Spots

The timing of cherry blossom blooms varies each year, and in early seasons, they may start blooming as early as March. Get a head start and check out the best cherry blossom spots before they reach full bloom!