As March draws to a close and the famous cherry blossoms are newly blooming, Japan’s festive mood is infectious. With a local host leading you down sakura-lined paths, shop for savory snacks and pastel pink mochi – Japanese confections – at the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival in Maizuru Park, or head to a konbini supermarket and grab snacks for your makeshift picnic.

Head to one of Fukuoka’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots like Nishi Park, where hundreds of families gather for hanami picnics under 1,300 trees, or, for an extra-memorable experience, take a 30-minute train ride to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park for a stroll under cherry blossom tunnels, views of multi-colored spring flower gardens, and a fresh ocean breeze.

In the center of Fukuoka, you can easily explore several of the city’s top cherry blossom spots during the most festive time of the year. In Tenjin Central Park, walk the path along Yakuin Shinkawa River, craning your neck not for the impressive skyscrapers but for the blooming sakura boughs.

You could squeeze in some sightseeing a mile west at the famous Fukuoka castle ruins in Maizuru Park, where, at dusk, the castle walls and over 1,000 trees are magically illuminated, or visit Fukuoka’s most impressive cherry blossom location a mile north – Nishi Park. Here, shop for yatai food stall snacks and a cold drink from a convenience store for your very own celebratory hanami picnic with your host and thousands of excited locals.