Hello,

I'm 제이메르, a Nexon Picker.

Spring has finally arrived, and plenty of people are heading out to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Did you know that MapleStory has a cherry blossom map too?

It's Kaede Castle, also known as Cherry Blossom Castle.

This map is available on some overseas servers.
In Korea, it was released as a theme dungeon called “Cherry Blossom Castle,”
but sadly, it was removed after the You & I update in 2013.

For a while, this map lived on only in our memories,

but its return in Mapleland means we can enjoy it in Korean again.
Today, I'd like to share my experience going cherry blossom viewing in Mapleland!

How to Get to Kaede Castle in Mapleland

To reach Kaede Castle, you'll first need to travel to the Japan map.

Speak to Spinel, the World Tour guide NPC, in town

and pay 3,000 mesos to travel to Mushroom Shrine (Japan).

Once you arrive at Mushroom Shrine, enter the well to the left of the NPC Hanako.

You'll find yourself in a distinctive map called the “Forest of Oblivion.”

It had a wonderfully mysterious atmosphere. From here, head inside the large tree.

This takes you to a map called “Kamuna.”

Head down to the lower left to find a crystal.

Interact with it and choose “Past - Kaede Castle” from the dialogue options.

And here we are at Kaede Castle, our destination!

The cherry blossoms are in full bloom. You don't have to visit during blossom season, either—you can admire them here 365 days a year.

From here, head right to go through the castle gates.

This area is also a popular low-level training spot.

I remember leveling up quite efficiently at Kaede Castle during levels 20–30 myself.

The monsters have low HP but award a generous amount of EXP.

You can enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom inside the castle, too.

Since the monsters are low-level, even lower-level players can visit without worry!

The cherry blossoms fit naturally into the scenery throughout Kaede Castle,

giving you lovely views to enjoy as you explore.
I especially loved the blossoms stretching along the castle walls and over the rooftops!

It was a wonderful place to take screenshots, too :D

That wraps up my cherry blossom viewing trip in Mapleland, just in time for blossom season!
Since this area is no longer accessible in the main MapleStory game,
returning to the nostalgic Kaede Castle to see the blossoms brought back a curious mix of feelings ㅎㅎ

If you love cherry blossoms, visit Kaede Castle and take a few screenshots of your own!