Addicted to cherry blossoms: Spring in Kyushu
Last updated 2026-09-26 — Visiting Japan’s Kyushu during cherry blossom season, I strolled through the city in the afternoon and noticed that under every cherry tree in the park, there stood a sharply dressed young man guarding his own little spot—seeming a bit solitary amidst the bustling crowd...
By TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Huang Junyi
Visiting Japan’s Kyushu during cherry blossom season, I strolled through the city in the afternoon and noticed that under every cherry tree in the park, there stood a sharply dressed young man guarding his own little spot—seeming a bit lonely amidst the bustling crowd. A friend said they were probably newbies at their companies, sent to “reserve spots”! Sure enough, when I passed the park again in the evening, the cherry trees were already crowded with office workers from various companies, shedding the pressure of formality and drinking, eating bento, and playing games with wild abandon. The lights cast on the cherry blossoms made the scene even more dreamy. Regardless of how many were truly there to appreciate the delicate beauty of the night blooms, it seemed that this annual ritual was essential to confirm: yes, spring has arrived.
Even before entering Kumamoto Castle, we were captivated by the surrounding beauty of fully bloomed cherry blossoms. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
Head to Kagoshima for sweet potato treats
In the afternoon, we visited Jigenji Temple Park on the outskirts of Kagoshima, where the pink hues of cherry blossoms and the fresh green of maple trees bloomed side by side. Quite a few people had already gathered in small groups under the cherry trees to enjoy an afternoon tea. We strolled slowly along the path by the stream, breathing in the fresh phytoncides, as if walking through a forest. At the end of the path stood a simple shelter selling flowing cold noodles. Unlike the usual method of hanging halved bamboo poles high and letting the noodles flow down from above, the serving method here was quite unique—using a round plate. The water flowed from the center, with the raised middle symbolizing Sakurajima. When you place the cold noodles in the plate, they circle around with the water flow. Once you put your chopsticks in, the noodles will soon flow onto them. No need to worry about missing out on the delicious noodles or having them all taken by those “upstream.” In addition to the flowing cold noodles, jyanbo mochi (じゃんぼ餅) is also a signature dessert here. The soft and fragrant mochi paired wonderfully with sweet red bean paste, drawing frequent visits from locals. It was simply irresistible.
When in Kagoshima, you must try a black pork shabu-shabu hot pot. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
ROCKWELLS Izakaya offers the most authentic Kagoshima sweet potato shochu. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
When it comes to Kagoshima cuisine, sweet potatoes are a must. The fame of Kagoshima black pork is widespread, and its richly marbled, flavorful shabu-shabu hot pot is especially memorable. What nourishes such premium black pork? Sweet potatoes. Kagoshima, a major producer of sweet potatoes, not only raises delicious black pork with them but also features sweet potatoes in a variety of exquisite desserts—even in ice cream. But the most intriguing is “imo shochu.” Imo shochu is a distilled spirit made from sweet potatoes, with an alcohol content of about 25%. Whether served warm or on the rocks, you can taste the subtle sweetness of the sweet potato. There’s a local Kagoshima phrase: “dareyame” (だれやめ), where “dare” means tired and “yame” means to dispel—essentially meaning that a hard day’s fatigue can be washed away with a glass of shochu at night. ROCKWELLS is a popular shochu bar where Kagoshima’s young professionals go for drinks after work. The atmosphere is elegant and tranquil, offering hundreds of shochu varieties and beautifully skilled bartenders who can craft unique shochu cocktails.
Framed by cherry blossoms, Kumamoto Castle looks even more charming. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
Nourishing the soul with Kumamoto’s culture
While sipping on a specially mixed shochu at ROCKWELLS and chatting with the owner about the history of Satsuma, the evening felt quite refined. The next day, we took the shinkansen to Kumamoto. Speaking of Kumamoto, one cannot miss the historic Kumamoto Castle. With cherry blossoms in full bloom around it, the over 500-year-old majestic fortress takes on a softer, more approachable charm.
Under the cherry blossoms at Fukuoka’s Maizuru Park, the crowds admiring the blooms have become a beautiful sight themselves. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
- 1
- 2
Share
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-38596
Related Articles
- Shaoxing's "Grandpa Gourd" hangs the gourds back up: "If there are too many people, we'll interact less — just take a quick look from afar"
- Chinese authorities announce "reciprocal adjustment" to Japan visa fees — single-entry visa jumps from 2,250 to 16,750 yen!
- The "health stones" carried by a traveler were found to have radiation levels exceeding safety limits by a thousand times, potentially endangering fellow passengers on the same flight. Customs issues warning!
- Shenzhen Airport Issues Late-Night Notice: Unidentified Aerial Object Detected, Causing Widespread Flight Delays!
- “They only said it cost money after I opened the box and washed it!” 200g of grapes sold for 60 yuan on a high-speed train—12306 responds!
- Can't buy an airline ticket? Denied exit? Blocked from boarding? A large number of Chinese tourists have mysteriously become "discredited individuals"
- Adverse weather and economic fluctuations impact Colombia's coffee market
- Beach bathing area responds to 2 yuan/30 seconds fee for freshwater foot rinsing: Clearly priced!
- Taking off with an improperly closed cabin door? Wing malfunction? Multiple flights made emergency returns mid-journey!
- Experience the gifts of nature！ A countdown of the world’s ten most stunning coastlines