Like many other castles in Japan, Fukuoka Castle Ruins is one of the most popular sites to view sakura during from late March to early April. 

Fukuoka Castle was once the largest castle in Kyushu during the Edo Era. Most of the buildings and structures including the main castle tower were destroyed during Meiji Restoration. Today, only some stone walls, watch towers, a section of the moat remained.

From late March to early April, round 1,000 cherry trees in 19 varieties, including somei-yoshino and weeping cherry, bloom across the grounds surrounding the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and Maizuru Park, offering a beautiful place for the public to enjoy spring scenery.

A celebratory spring festive is held every year. There are food stalls that sell all kinds of food and drinks, and an illumination at night in the park. Between 18:00 and 22:00, there is a paid illuminated areas with special light displays at three venues—Sakura Garden, Tamon Yagura, and Otaka Yashiki (¥600 for one venue, ¥1,500 for all three).

I didn’t see the illumination. Next time.