Pink Skies from Sunrise to Sunset: Best Ways to Get the Full Cherry Blossom Experience in Japan, Korea & Taiwan this 2023!

Cherry blossom season is finally here! With the arrival of the season, we can once again enjoy fun adventures out in the sun with the blossoming pink trees coloring our way as we travel. The spring’s cherry blossoms are most especially enjoyed in destinations like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, where endless amounts of pink trees cover the area. As the ultimate symbol of spring, the cherry blossoms bring a time of renewal and a reminder that life goes on and passes by in an instant. This is the sign that you should be booking a trip to these top cherry blossom destinations ASAP! 

We’ve cherry-picked the best cherry blossom experiences just for you! From sunrise to sunset, we’ve created a list of where to go, what to eat, and how to best enjoy the colors and beauty of the cherry blossom season!

Peak season: Late March to early April

Cherry blossom viewing has been a national tradition in Japan for centuries, also known as hanami. Tourists and locals alike head over to parks, shrines, and historic sites to picnic and savor the cherry blossom petals in peak bloom. It can get crowded during this season, so it's always recommended to plan out what viewing spots and experiences you want to head to or try during before your trip! 

When planning out your spring itinerary, the best way to see the beauty of the season is by stepping outside of the big city's buildings! Tourists often visit landmarks like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, Kumamoto and Mount Aso in Fukuoka, Takayama and Shirakawa-go in Nagoya, or even Miyajima in Hiroshima to enjoy colorful natural sceneries that serve as the backdrop of these preserved these traditional sights. We definitely were able to enjoy all the shades of pink as we hopped from one famous landmark to another on our trip!

Even if the sun sets, there are still countless things to see, do, and enjoy when in Japan! Late afternoon to evening activities allows you to simply enjoy the energy and culture of the city at a slow and comfortable pace. Cultural activities like kimono-wearing experiences have you donning the national costume of Japan while walking around its historic streets. You can also just sit and relax and enjoy the ride and sights with tours like the Churashima SKY View Open-Top Bus Tour that show you a glimpse of the city at dusk – an awe-inspiring sight especially when the city lights guide your way! If you have a bit more energy after a day of exploring Tokyo, consider ending the day at teamLAB Planets TOKYO for the digital art museum’s captivating spaces or artwork exhibition room and gardens. We don’t want to spoil too much since it’s better to experience it than read about it, but the museum allows you to experience art like never before with their exhibitions that explore the concept of “body immersive”. You’ll get to experience artworks change once it interacts with your presence– and that’s where the real fun begins! 

Peak season: End of March to early April

Color your Seoul pink! South Korea is another popular destination to visit if you’re looking to soak up a pink-toned spring sunshine! Marvel at Jeju Island’s King Cherry Trees and don’t forget to bag some cherry blossom souvenirs during your trip! 

A day escape from the busy streets of Seoul is always a good idea – especially during spring! To those traveling during the colorful season, consider heading to the scenic countryside of Gangwon-do, a province filled with attractions where you can enjoy the fresh air and bloom of the pink blossoms. Iconic attractions like The Garden of the Morning Calm and Gangchon Bike Rail are some of the great spots to visit in the area. Visiting K-drama fans won’t want to miss a stop at Nami Island, the filming spot of series like Winter Sonata (which has a spot dedicated to the hit drama on-site!)

To make the most out of your time away from the city, we recommend hopping on tours of the area’s most famous sights. You not only get to travel with ease to and from Seoul but also get to stop already at these popular cherry blossom viewing spots. 

Peak season: Mid-February to early April

Here’s a hidden gem to visit before the rest of the world flocks to see blossoms in March. With a peak season starting in mid-February, it’s time to spruce up your IG for spring in Taiwan – with dreamy national parks and brightly lit temples as your backdrop!

When the sun is up, Taiwan’s breathtaking pastel-pink landscapes are ready to show you the best of the country’s sights and attractions. If you’re still building up your itinerary, we recommended selecting a tour that takes you to the Zhongshe Flower Market to enjoy the blooming flowers. The flower attraction is designed to look like a European-style Garden and is home to a variety of flora that you can get a closer look at – a spring day must-do!

You may have also spotted the popular railroad and the flying sky lantern on social media from friends that have traveled to Taipei in the past. Well, this is your sign to make your way there! Travelers often go on trips outside of the city for countryside adventures to destinations like Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village, Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Oldstreet, and Golden Waterfall, to name a few. Our favorite experience during our trip was seeing our sky lantern fly high above the Shiiufen Old Street’s railroad tracks, with the pink blooming flowers of the season in the background. Both the cool breezy weather and sights made the spring adventure more magical!

After a long day of exploring and touring Taipei’s attractions, doesn’t winding down at the spa sound like a dream? While yes, we loved seeing the glowing red-orange sunset at places like Gaomei Wetlands, capping off the day with relaxing experiences made our trips even more fulfilling. If you have extra time on your trip, check out the local spas within Taipei to give yourself the reward and rejuvenation you greatly deserve after exploring the city! 

Cherry blossom season is fleeting, so skip the long lines and pre-book your cherry blossom experience bucket list on Klook for a worthwhile trip! We also recommend bookmarking this article and to check it out periodically for more exciting and fresh Klook deals for this pink season. Only the best experiences for the pink skies of spring!