Where to see cherry blossoms in Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam: 14 spots across Asia to add to your post-pandemic travel bucket list
- Hotspots to view the spring flower include Jeju island in South Korea, near Yamanashi prefecture’s Mount Fuji in Japan and Wuling Farm in central Taiwan
- Further south, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines have their own pink blooms on tecoma, trumpet and Palawan cherry trees
The blooming of cherry blossom heralds the arrival of spring and perhaps brings a cause for guarded optimism too, despite continued social-distancing measures.
Cherry blossom generally sprouts in mid-April, but an earlier warming this year has caused the flowers to appear sooner than usual.
The annual blossom season gives families, friends and lovers a chance to enjoy leisurely strolls and take pictures amid the blooming white-and-pink cherry trees.
This year, people may continue to be asked to refrain from visiting cherry blossom sites to stem the spread of Covid-19, but digital travel platform Agoda shared ideas of where to experience them in Asia to fit into your future travel plans.
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Korea: Seoul and Jeju
Agoda mentioned Walkerhill Hotel Seoul’s Douglas House as a possible base, with its wooded surrounds offering a relaxing ambience for guests.
On Jeju Island, one of the top travel destinations in South Korea, king cherry blossoms, which have the largest petals of all cherry tree varieties, can be seen all round downtown Seogwipo, the island’s second city.
Hotel Seogwipean is a stylish minimalist hotel close to the downtown area for people wishing to see catch the king cherries in blossom.
Japan: Tokyo and Yamanashi
Springtime sees Tokyo’s famous Yoyogi Park and Meguro River come alive with colour, but tourists should not miss out on an alternative site to see these blossoms at Yanaka Cemetery.
In April, it is recommended to head up north as visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the blooming blossoms against the picturesque Mount Fuji in southeastern Yamanashi.
Nagasaki Park is a popular spot for many locals to enjoy walks under canopies of white and pink flowers.
Taiwan: Taichung and Nantou