The fleeting annual cherry blossom displays brighten up the spring with their clouds of delicate pink petals. Synonymous with Japan, where a cherry blossom frenzy takes over, with locals and tourists flocking to experience their blooming beauty, it is certainly not the only destination in Asia that you can experience this spectacular.
So where are the best places to see the cherry blossoms outside of Japan? Read on to discover our favourites!
South Korea
South Korea is the main alternative place to see cherry blossoms outside of Japan. Called ‘beot-kkot’ here, you’ll find the same joyful air, plenty of flower-themed drinks and lots of local festivals. Here, the blossoms first appear in southern Jeju, the tropical island off South Korea’s southern coast, in mid-March, travelling up the country to linger in the mountains of the north into late April. You’ll find cherry blossoms all across the Korean peninsula, but the easiest and most atmospheric places to enjoy them will be in big cities, like Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan.
In late March to early April, Seoul, South Korea’s capital, has plenty of excellent spots to see the cherry blossoms in all their glory. Namsan Park, in the heart of the city, has a cherry blossom trail for a dreamy stroll, or for a bird’s eye view, ascend the N Seoul Tower and look on them from above. Cherry blossom trees line the banks of the Han River, another lovely strolling opportunity, while for picnics under laden boughs, try Yeouido Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Changdeokgung Palace is another breathtaking place to admire the cherry blossom, the traditional architecture the perfect backdrop for the delicate blooms. For those after something more festival, try the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. With 1,886 cherry trees in bloom, along with azaleas and forsythias, you can enjoy the sights and smells of the flowers before popping to a sister festival to see traditional Korean music and dance.
For those really looking to soak up South Korean culture along with the cherry blossom, Gyeongju will give you the best of both. South Korea’s living museum, you can admire the bloom around the city’s countless temples, tombs and pagodas, including the magnificent (and UNESCO-listed) Bulguksa Temple and around the Anapji Pond, once the centre of a 10th-century pleasure garden.
On Jeju Island, as well as getting some well-earned beach time, you can see South Korea’s rare, native ‘king’ cherry trees in bloom. The locals even festoon the trees in lanterns to celebrate the cherry blossoms arrival, so make sure you visit during the day and after dark.
Taiwan
Another great place to see the cherry blossoms outside of Japan is Taiwan, where the blossom season starts in mid-January and lasts to early April, though the best months are February and March.
A city set in some spectacular nature, Taipei has plenty of good spots to gaze at the cherry blossoms, and one of the best is Yangmingshan National Park. In February into March, you’ll find the Yangmingshan Flower Festival in full swing as the park’s numerous cherry trees burst into bloom against an already magnificent natural background. Try the ‘Flower Clock’ for the best views of the bunch. For more historic grandeur, try Wuji Tianyaun Temple, gorgeous for the sheer number of cherry trees.
The centre of Taiwan, unsurprisingly named ‘Ilha Formosa’ by the wandering Portuguese, is full of breathtaking nature, and two of the most popular scenic spots are enhanced every spring by the blossoms. In the spring, Sun Moon Lake has clouds of pink on its shores. For the best display, the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village has over 5,000 trees in a beautiful dark pink variety. The mountain resort of Alishan is another popular place to see the cherry blossoms and, because of its higher altitude, they bloom later here than around the rest of the island. The best display happens to be along the tracks of the Alishan Forest Railway, but they can still be admired on foot, not far from the Alishan Police Lodge.
Beijing, China
Beijing’s number one spot to enjoy the cherry blossoms is Yuyuantan Park, in the west of the city. Here, in late March to early April, among 3,000 trees of about 40 varieties, there is an annual cherry blossom festival. Head to the lake at the centre of the park, where you’ll find its banks edged with pink blossoms.
For something even more spectacular with a little added history, head to the huge gardens of the magnificent Summer Palace. In the springtime here, you not only get different varieties of blossom sprinkled around the lake and on the hilltops, but a sea of fragrant magnolia blossoms too.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
In the very north of Thailand where the mountain climes are much cooler, a visit to Chiang Mai in January or February can bring you a glimpse of gorgeous cherry blossoms. In these deeply picturesque landscapes, perfect for hiking and learning about traditional Thai hill tribes, if you make your way to Doi Inthanon National Park, famous for its waterfalls, viewpoints and remote villages, the Khun Wang Royal Agricultural Research Centre is home to a cluster of glorious wild Himalayan cherry trees, with petals of a dark, rich pink.
Singapore
At Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, you can enjoy an annual celebration of the cherry blossoms with the sensational Sakura display at the Flower Dome. Here, you’ll find real cherry trees alongside Japanese-inspired displays and replicas of the country’s iconic landmarks in a magical homage. To make sure you get your pink flower fix, as you explore the city you can also keep an eye out for a native pink blossom, trumpet flowers, that bloom all over Singapore from March to May.
