Cherry blossom season is right around the corner!
We've got you covered if you plan on seeing this very dazzling spring event. Get all the deets to make the most of the season, from where to see cherry blossoms, when to expect their full bloom, the best spots, and even bucket list items for each destination!
Cherry blossoms only bloom for about a week a year, so pre-planning is a must to make sure you don’t miss out! Here’s everything you need to know about cherry blossom season:
Where to see cherry blossoms
Japan
Photo Credit: Akira Deng on Unsplash
Many cherry blossom enthusiasts have Japan as their top-of-mind destination. Fun fact: in Japan, cherry blossoms are called sakura. Here, sakura season is so beloved that the locals have a traditional practice called hanami, or flower viewing.
Learn more about the art of hanami and how you can experience it yourself with this guide:
When is sakura season in Japan?
With Japan being a long archipelago, the climate differs from north to south, affecting when cherry blossoms bloom in each area. Cherry blossoms bloom in Japan typically from late March to early April but may last up to May in the northern regions.
To know more about when to expect spring’s shower of pink, check out this forecast guide to when cherry blossoms bloom in Japan:
What to do during cherry blossom season in Japan?
Have a picnic at a flower-viewing festival
Photo Credit: Jean-Claude Dumont on Unsplash
Of course, cherry blossom festivals are extremely popular in Japan. Since cherry blossoms don’t bloom for long, it’s definitely a special occasion both locals and tourists look forward to.
Many people practice hanami at local parks and top sakura viewing spots. To enjoy the sakura season like the locals, you can bring a picnic mat in parks and disposable utensils for food since there will be plenty of barbecues and food stalls! Fur parents can also bring their fur babies to enjoy the outdoors showered in pink.
Go on a Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour
Hit two birds with one stone in Kyoto: explore Japan's ancient capital's historical temples and shrines while you witness the sea of pink all around! Around mid-March, cherry blossom season is in full swing in this area. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the gold leaf zen temple of Kinkaku-ji, the wooded forests of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and more!
See a sea of cherry blossoms from the sky at the SHIBUYA SKY Observation Deck
A great way to view a sea of cherry blossoms in Tokyo is on the SHIBUYA SKY Observation Deck. After all, you'll have a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from 229 meters above Shibuya during cherry blossom season in Japan! You’ll see iconic landmarks like Mt. Fuji, the national stadium, Tokyo Skytree, and the scramble crossing. You can even rest on the Cloud Hammocks and watch the clouds float by!
Explore Mt. Fuji and pick strawberries in Yamanashi
On this Mt. Fuji day tour, you can take a 90-minute free walk at Oshino Hakkai, a scenic spot in Yamanashi Prefecture. Here you’ll have fantastic views of Mt. Fuji and all the Japanese cherry blossoms adorning the surroundings! Since Yamanashi is called the fruit kingdom, it’s also an excellent spot for strawberry picking (indulge in all-you-can-eat strawberries!).
South Korea
South Korea is another popular destination to see cherry blossoms. Like Japan, South Korea also has cherry blossom festivals where they can enjoy delicious street food and watch cultural performances.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Korea?
Cherry blossoms in South Korea typically bloom late or end of March to early April, similar to Japan. For Southern regions such as Jeju Island and Busan, cherry blossom season may start mid-March and end in late March.
To make sure you plan your visit when the flowers are in full bloom, find out more when cherry blossoms bloom in South Korea:
What to do during cherry blossom season in South Korea?
Munch on cherry blossom-themed snacks!
The sea of pink extends from the trees to the snacks! You’ll find an abundance of cherry blossom-themed snacks in South Korea — from lattes, pink Choco Pies, strawberry bingsu (Korean milk-based shaved ice dessert), pink sodas, and more! You’ll also find stores selling cherry blossom-themed mugs, tumblers, chopsticks, bowls, and other kitchenware to go with your food.
Check out more awesome treats with our 10 picks of the best cherry blossom foods in South Korea:
Go on a Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour
The town of Jinhae holds the famous Cherry Blossom Festival! You’ll stop by two famed cherry blossom spots: Yeojwacheon Stream, home to the famous Romance Bridge (the meeting place of two characters in the 2002 TV series "Romance,” and Gyeonghwa Station, which has cherry blossoms lining its 800-meter railway. Plus, you can explore the town, check out its traditional architecture, and grab sweet snacks and drinks.
Visit Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Bike, Garden of Morning Calm, and more!
Stop by South Korea’s top tourist destinations, all of which are perfect spots to see nature’s beauty. Head over to Nami Island, the mesmerizing nature spot famous for being the filming location of the drama “Winter Sonata,” where cherry blossom trees sprawl the vicinity. You can also go on a scenic nature ride on the Gangchon Rail Bike,check out the intricate landscapes of Garden of Morning Calm, and visit other tourist attractions such as Alpaca Pasture, Petite France, Italian village, and more.
Taiwan
Last but definitely not least is the birthplace of boba: Taiwan, a rising star when it comes to cherry blossoms! The season also lasts very long here — enjoy the cherry blossoms blooming as early as January all the way to April.
When is cherry blossom season in Taiwan?
Relish in the natural beauty of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Get some much-needed reprieve from your busy, fast-paced life and find serenity in the lush forests and mountains of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Witness its “Five Wonders” firsthand: the sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset, forest, and forest railway. All the while, the cherry blossoms will be in full view during spring!
Go on a day trip to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
Discover Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage at Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, where there’s plenty to see and do, such as watching cultural performances during cherry blossom season. Check out Cherry Blossom Pond, which is especially beautiful during spring! You can also visit the Stone Carving Forest, Sun Moon Lake, the stereo cinema, and more!
Visit Heping Island, Shifen, and Jiufen
On the Heping Island, Shifen, and Jiufen Day Tour, you’ll discover the beauty of Northern Taiwan. Marvel at the fascinating rock formations at Heping Island, check out the sky lanterns of Shifen, and walk the old town alleys of Jiufen, where you can buy souvenirs. Fun fact: Jiufen is a former mining town that inspired Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away!
You’re finally ready to see cherry blossoms during spring! Now, it’s time to plan your visit to Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan to experience the stunning sea of pink.
Want to know what else to do during cherry blossom season? Here are 23 essential activities for your cherry blossom chase:
