Asahigaoka Park

The park, renowned as one of the three major cherry blossom sites in Saga Prefecture, boasts an astonishing number of cherry trees, described as "five thousand trees at a glance." The landscape becomes spectacular when they are in full bloom. The cherry blossom avenue leading to the park, dubbed the "flower tunnel," created along a path with white walls, is particularly breathtaking. The "Cherry Blossom Festival" is held annually from late March to early April, during the blooming season, attracting many visitors from within the prefecture for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). The nighttime illumination of the blossoms is also a beautiful sight.

The park area was once the site of the former Kashima Clan's castle. Although the main keep and most other structures were destroyed by fire during the Saga Rebellion in 1874, the stone walls and gates such as the Otemon and Akamon remain to this day. Its historical and cultural significance has earned it a spot among Japan's top 100 historical parks. The transformation into a cherry blossom landmark is attributed to the last lord of the Kashima Clan, Nabeshima Naohiro, who planted Yoshino cherry saplings and opened the castle to the public for festivities. Next to the park is the Shoin Shrine, where Naohiro and other Kashima Clan lords are enshrined.