Kokura-jo Castle, located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka, was built in 1602. The castle that can be seen today is a reconstruction; the original was destroyed by fire, but it was fully restored over the course of over 30 years, finally reaching completion in 1990. Spreading out over the castle grounds is Katsuyama Koen Park, which is a popular spot to view cherry blossoms in spring, and every year it hosts the Kokura Castle Sakura Festival. While the flowers are in bloom, there are also nighttime illuminations of the blossoms with the castle in the background for visitors to enjoy.