Now, while walking about in your regular clothes is fine, we recommend coming to the castle wearing a kimono to match the atmosphere. For this reason we recommend stopping by at Mayu no Yakata at Sannomaru Square, conveniently located in the park where you can try on and rent kimonos hassle free. For those seeking to commemorate their trip or some other special occasion why not pay them a visit? It almost goes without saying that when you go out traipsing about composed in such a memorable outfit that you’ll want to be able to show others, and by having your photo taken as you wander the old castle grounds you’ll have the perfect means of doing so.

When having your photo taken against a floral backdrop, it is important to select the right kimono for the occasion. Our advice is to choose a kimono with colors that will contrast with those of the flowers behind you, the reason being that it will help make the wearer stand out. Of course, when selecting your kimono there is no need to follow any sort of rigid rule; if there is a kimono you like feel free to select it. Taking a small accessory such as a parasol could also be a nifty way to add even more pizazz to your look, and your photo will benefit similarly. The staff at Mayu no Yakata are well staffed to help you with any and all concerns and queries, so even if you’re a kimono beginner rest assured, they have your back.

Location: Ni no Maru Plum Orchard

With the grand and stately walls of Fukuoka Castle as a backdrop, the lovely white, red, and pink flowers of roughly 270 plum trees bloom in late winter/early spring. Among these trees there are even some that feature both white and red flowers so keep an eye out for them! Every year in the middle of February there is a plum festival where you can partake of tea and sweets as you are surrounded by the gentle fragrance of the flowers at the height of their bloom. The fruits of these trees are also not wasted, as they are processed into a plum syrup that is used to make the summertime only treat, “The Fukuoka Castle Plum Squash” (a non-alcoholic beverage) which is then sold in the Kuroda Tea House found in the Fukuoka Castle Visitor Center nearby.  

Location: Honmaru Sakura Grove, Sannomaru Square, Tamon Yagura Square, Kaminohashi Gate

Throughout Fukuoka Castle there are 1,000 or so Sakura, or cherry blossom trees and it is during their bloom that the area sees most of its visitors. From late march to early april the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival is held there. During this festival the sakura are illuminated by bright lights at night, and there are food stalls and even stamp rallies to add to the fun.

The Honmaru Sakura Grove is filled with somei yoshino trees, leading to a vista of pale, pink flowers. You simply cannot miss the view from the nearby tower platform, where the flowers and city scenery blend to create unforgettable scenery. In front of the nearby nationally designated important cultural property, the Tamon Yagura (or turret), sakura and castle form an eye-catching and elegant contrast. By the Kaminohashi Gate the flowery boughs of the trees are reflected in the river, calling to mind the most tasteful Japanese views. Then, the arrayed sakura near Ninomaru are of the weeping sakura variety, and their deep color offsets the bloom of the somei yoshino for slightly different mood and atmosphere.

Also recommended is the Fukuoka Castle Drone Commemorative Photo. Standing on the tower platforms thronged in pink flowers, the drone ascends to create a dynamic angle for your photo. With a cost of 3,300 yen per group (3 people per group), one can have a unique and memorable photo taken at a reasonable price.

Location: Honmaru Sakura Grove, the Fuji Grove

There are two wisteria trellises on the Fukuoka Castle grounds. The first of them is located in a corner of the Honmaru sakura grove that you can find upon passing through the castle’s front gates. The larger trellis is located near the Najima gate leading to Oohori park, boasting a 1,300 square meter area. Of the 30 individual wisteria plants in the garden, 10 of them were taken from the Hakata ward’s Higashi Koen, their age upwards of 100 years old. The Fuji festival takes place during their peak bloom at the end of April. This event will allow you to enjoy a variety of activities amidst the soothing aroma of the wisteria flowers.

Location: The Peony Gardens

Next to the Najima gate close to the wisteria trellises you will find the retirement home of former feudal lord Josui Kuroda, the Takayashiki residence. The premises are now a florid peony garden. From April the roughly 400 botan or tree peonies bloom in a variety of colors, followed by the May bloom of the shakuyaku or Chinese peonies which come primarily in an elegant pink and white. A flower viewing podium is installed for the duration of the bloom, allowing you to take a photo from a slightly higher vantage point if you so desire.

Location: The Iris Gardens, Castle Moat (On the side of Gokoku Shrine)

Starting from the end of May, in the shoubu garden next to the Tamon yagura the sweet purple and white iris flowers begin to bloom. With trees framing the path in the garden, it’s easy to find yourself lulled into taking a leisurely walk as you enjoy the cute irises. Don’t forget your camera either- the scenery of the turret and garden mingling together behind you is an excellent photo opportunity. Near Gokoku shrine’s moat there is also a garden where irises bloom together with the water lilies.

Location: Shimanohashi Gate, The Entrance to the Peony Garden

Within the gate of Fukuoka Castle, the Shimanohashi gate, unmoved since being built, is thronged with azaleas that bloom during the rainy season. The water lilies in the moat next to the gate bloom concurrently, creating a mild and gentle backdrop for your investigations into the history of the castle. There is also a patch of hydrangeas located near the entrance to the peony garden.

Location: Shimanohashi Gate Moat

When autumn comes around, the bundles of pampas grass in the Shimanohashi moat sprout silver tufts, glittering in the mild light of the season. Since the coloring is light and unobtrusive, it will serve as the perfect backdrop to your kimono photograph! By this time of year vegetation that would have normally covered the moat will have disappeared, meaning that you can take a photo with the nearby turret and castle walls reflected in the water. If you’re up for a little search, there is a prefecturally designated natural monument in the form of the Tsukushi-oo-gayatsuri grass, unique to the area.

Location: All throughout Fukuoka Castle

Within Fukuoka Castle the deciduous gingko, trident maple, and Japanese maple trees are all in abundance, and they correspondingly begin to change color as autumn comes around. As they accept the gentle autumnal sunlight, the rich reds and yellows of the trees burst into dazzling golden hues, making this an ideal time for you to have your picture taken. Additionally, with the excellent weather of the fall season this is the perfect season for a spot of horseback riding with the team from Fukuoka Castle Samurai Riding. The team from Oita prefecture’s Kuju plateau horse riding facility “Kokoperi Western Riding” generously lend their expertise and support to riders, so even those with no experience on horseback can try it out with peace of mind. You can even ride while wearing a kimono, allowing you to have your photo taken as if it were the distant past.

When winter comes to Fukuoka the trees lose their leaves, and the roughly 3 kilometers of stone walls come clearly into view. Different portions of the wall feature different rock compositions, and winter is the best time to capture these edifices. With the gray color of the winter as a contrast, this is the best time to come decked out in a colorful kimono (and perhaps even a colorful parasol) for photo taking purposes.