The Kokura Castle located in Fukuoka, Japan, set against a backdrop of cherry blossoms, is stunning to say the least.

Finally, the long awaited Spring season is here and and there are not too many places that can beat Japan in terms of beauty at this time of year.

With the fragrance and beauty of cherry blossoms filling the air, a visit to architectural wonder, Kokura Castle in Fukuoka Prefecture, makes for an awe-inspiring day.

Believed to have been built in the late 1500’s, the structure had a tumultuous history, having undergone serious repairs in the early 1600’s. It was later destroyed in 1865, but rebuilt again in the 1950’s with several features enhanced to the appealing condition seen today.

The four tiered, six-storied donjon or castle tower rises above a pond and Japanese garden. The only thing that amplifies that beauty is the addition of cherry blossoms in Spring.

The light colored flowers that delicately hang from the trees look white in some lighting and also soft pink. They effortlessly add a hint of serenity to the surroundings.

The Japanese tradition of hanami, or cherry bloom viewing, kicks off every single year. While parks serve as the most crowded hotspots to catch a glimpse of the blooms, both tourists and locals can get an equally perfect view from lesser known places, like the Kokura Castle.