Tatsuda-yama Park Cherry Blossoms

**Bloom prediction:** Kumamoto's cherry bloom date is correlated to Fukuoka's bloom +3 days. The Japan Meteorological Agency posts bloom forecasts 10 days in advance. For optimal timing, visit on day 3 or 4 of 'full bloom' status (満開) when 80–90% of flowers are open but petals haven't started falling. **Hanami setup:** Japanese hanami culture includes sitting under the trees on plastic tarps with food and drinks. The Tatsuta-yama upper meadow allows this (bring your own supplies, no vendors on-site). Alternatively, walk-through viewing requires no setup and takes 45 minutes at a slow pace. **Combined castle view:** From the park's summit (5-minute climb past cherry area), Kumamoto Castle is visible 2km away. The combined view — pink cherry foreground, reconstructed castle in the distance — is the cover image for many Kumamoto tourism materials. Zoom lens (70mm+) recommended.