Things to Do in Fukuoka in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Fukuoka
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Cherry blossom season peaks early April - Maizuru Park and Nishi Park offer spectacular hanami viewing with fewer crowds than Tokyo or Kyoto
- Perfect walking weather with comfortable 15-19°C (59-67°F) afternoons, ideal for exploring Fukuoka's compact city center and canal-side paths
- Spring vegetable season brings incredible local produce - bamboo shoots, spring onions, and fresh seafood create seasonal ramen variations unavailable other times
- Golden Week hasn't started yet, meaning 30-40% lower accommodation prices compared to late April/early May and easier restaurant reservations
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain patterns - while only 10 rainy days total, sudden afternoon showers can last 1-3 hours and disrupt outdoor plans
- Temperature swings of 8°C (14°F) between morning and afternoon require layered clothing and frequent outfit adjustments
- Cherry blossom timing varies by 5-7 days yearly - you might miss peak bloom or encounter bare trees if visiting early April
Best Activities in April
Canal City Hakata and Nakasu District Walking Tours
April's mild temperatures make extended walking sessions comfortable, and the spring air circulation helps with the humidity. The iconic Canal City fountains and Nakasu yatai food stalls are perfect for evening exploration when temperatures drop to 13-15°C (55-59°F). Cherry blossoms line parts of the Hakata River walk.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Cherry Blossom Visits
Peak hanami season aligns perfectly with April visits. The 6,000 plum and cherry trees create layers of pink and white blossoms. April's clear mornings (before afternoon humidity builds) offer the best photography conditions and comfortable 25-minute train rides from central Fukuoka.
Yatai Food Cart Experiences
April evenings are perfect for Fukuoka's famous outdoor food carts - warm enough to sit comfortably outside but not too hot. Spring ingredients like bamboo shoots and fresh prawns create seasonal menu items. The 17 official yatai along Nakasu and Tenjin operate best in April's stable evening weather.
Kyushu National Museum and Surrounding Gardens
April's mild weather makes the museum's outdoor architecture installations and surrounding Dazaifu gardens extremely pleasant. The seasonal exhibitions often feature spring themes, and the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) walking paths through the cultural landscape are comfortable in April's temperatures.
Hakata Bay Island Day Trips
April marks the beginning of comfortable ferry weather to Shikanoshima and Nokonoshima islands. Cherry blossoms on Nokonoshima peak in mid-April, and the 30-minute ferry rides are pleasant in mild spring conditions. Island walking trails are ideal in 19°C (67°F) afternoon temperatures.
Ohori Park and Traditional Garden Cycling
April's comfortable temperatures and lower humidity make cycling ideal. The 2 km (1.2 mile) park loop and connections to nearby Maizuru Park create perfect hanami cycling routes. Cherry blossoms reflect in Ohori's lake, and the Japanese Garden is spectacular in spring light.
April Events & Festivals
Fukuoka Cherry Blossom Festival
Hanami celebrations throughout the city's parks with temporary food stalls, traditional performances, and nighttime illuminations at Maizuru Park and Nishi Park. Peak viewing typically coincides with the first two weeks of April.
Hakata Dontaku Port Festival Preparation Events
Preview events and rehearsals for Fukuoka's biggest festival begin in late April. Traditional dance groups practice in parks, and some preliminary parades occur in shopping districts, building excitement for the main May celebration.