Got cherry blossom fever?
If you're looking for an adventure to see the stunning cherry blossoms, look no further than a road trip to Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea! Not only will you witness some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world, but you'll also get to experience the unique cultures of these three countries.
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene gardens of Seoul, this road trip is packed with adventure, tons of cherry blossom trees, and unforgettable memories. We'll guide you through the ideal time to visit these locations and the most photogenic cherry blossom spots in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. So buckle up, hit the open road, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
How to book a car rental with Klook
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First things first: your chariot awaits! You won’t need to ship out your car to get on the road because Klook’s got you covered! If you’re wondering where to book a car rental in Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea, just head over to our car rental portal.
Need help on how to rent a car on Klook? Check out our handy guide on driving abroad and car booking!
Simply follow these steps to book a car rental on Klook!
Step 1: Once on the Klook homepage, click or tap "Car rentals."
Step 2: Click on "International" to indicate the city and specific location where you'll pick up and return the car rental. For example, you may choose Seoul or Busan if you plan to rent a car in Korea. If you want to return the vehicle to a different location, click "Return car to a different location."
Step 3: Input your pick-up and drop-off locations. If you're not returning the car to another site, the drop-off location will be the same as your pick-up location. Remember to select your age range!
Step 4: Select the number of days you'll rent the car, then click "Search" to see available vehicles. Then, you'll see which cars are up for rent. You may also filter your preferences, like seat capacity, features, and payment options.
Step 5: Once you've chosen your car and other details, you'll see a summary of your rental information, like the total price, how many days you're booking it for, and your add-ons.
Step 6: Once you've confirmed your selection is accurate, the next step is to fill out your Driver Information, your Contact Information, and even your flight number (just in case there are any delays with your flight).
Step 7: Now, all you have to do is pay for your rental, and you're done!
Klook Tip: You need an International Driving Permit to go on a road trip to see the cherry blossoms. Find out whether you're eligible to drive abroad here.
Now, where to see those cherry blossoms? Read through to find out!
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Japan?
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Where else should you look for cherry blossoms but in Japan, right? The arrival of the cherry blossoms, or sakura, is such a huge deal there that festivals are even held in their honor. A legit meteorological office even forecasts the first blooms. Once the cherry blossoms bloom, locals immediately gather for picnics and sake drinking sessions under the trees. They call this pastime hanami!
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
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Picking the best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo could be quite the dilemma, as there are plenty of these pink flowers all over the capital. Most would flock to Ueno Park, where the Cherry Blossom Festival is held. From late March to mid-April, you can see the 4 km central pathway lined up with about 1,000 cherry blossom trees and tons of families and friends gathering underneath.
If you want to escape the crowds but still see cherry blossoms in full bloom, head to the English Garden in Shinjuku Gyoen or the banks of Naka-Meguro canals. If you're driving along the Imperial Palace, why not take a pit stop for a serene boat ride along the Chidorigafuchi Moat?
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Okinawa?
Visiting Japan early in the year? Okinawa is the best place to be if you want to see cherry blossoms as early as January, most especially in the Naha area. Sakura in Okinawa is also different from those on the main island because they have a large population of Hikanzakura trees with a darker pink shade and bloom facing downwards compared to the typical Yoshino cherry trees.
Some sakura festivals you can visit in Okinawa include the Naha Sakura Festival in Yogi Park, the Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival in Nakijin Castle, and the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival in Nago Central Park.
Where can I see cherry blossoms near Mount Fuji?
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During the sakura season, Japan's picturesque peak also blooms in pink and white. When you visit Mount Fuji and want to do hanami, the eight ponds of Oshino Hakkai at the base of the mountain all get lined up with pretty cherry blossom trees. Early April is the best time to visit Mount Fuji. The best way to enjoy the sakura season is to spend a day in an onsen and watch the blooms!
Klook Tip: Want to get the iconic shot of Mount Fuji framed with cherry blossom flowers? Drive to the Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko to snap these pics!
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Kyoto?
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If you plan a trip to Japan's ancient capital during sakura season, you’ll want to drive to these best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto!
You can join locals for hanami under the blooming trees in Maruyama Park, where you can also see the famous weeping cherry trees or shidarezakura, and in the Philosopher's Path, a peaceful canal-side walkway lined with cherry trees. If you're looking for a less crowded spot in Kyoto, you should head southeast to Yamashina, with fewer tourists. Or you can ride the Sagano Scenic Railway in the Arashiyama district. The best thing about this ride? It runs through a tunnel of sakura trees!
Klook Tip: For the best experience, visit the sites early in the morning or late in the evening when the crowds are thinner. Bring your own bento box and drinks to enjoy during your hanami picnic!
Be connected during sakura season with this Unlimited Data 4G SIM Card for Japan from Sakura Mobile! Pick-ups for this sim can be at Kansai International Airport if you plan to see cherry blossoms in Osaka, or at Narita International Airport Terminals 1 and 2 and Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Taiwan?
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If you're planning a road trip to see cherry blossoms, Taiwan is a destination you shouldn't miss. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, Taiwan's cherry blossom wonderland is the perfect place to experience the beauty of spring. What are you waiting for? Go book that car rental in Taiwan!
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Taipei?
Start your journey in the capital city of Taipei and head to Yangmingshan National Park, where you can hike through forests of cherry trees and soak in the hot springs. Next, go to Wuling Farm in the Central Mountain Range and see the stunning pink and white blooms against lush green hills. Don't forget to visit the Alishan National Scenic Area, where you can witness the famous "sea of clouds" and breathtaking views of cherry blossoms!
Other places to see cherry blossoms in Taipei include Lohas Park, where the annual Lohas Cherry Blossom Festival is held. This three-kilometer stretch is home to nine varieties of cherry blossom trees illuminated by evening lights. You can also opt for a day trip from Taipei to Jiufen, where Yoshino cherries bloom from March to April!
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Kaohsiung?
Spring in Kaohsiung is an explosion of pink as cherry blossom trees bloom all over the city. A road trip to the city's best cherry blossom spots is a must-do for any nature lover. Driving around Kaohsiung? Make sure to add these spots to your itinerary!
Start your journey at the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, where the walkway is lined with cherry blossoms. You may head to the Lotus Pond afterward, where the serene lake and cherry blossoms will leave you in awe.
Klook Tip: Take a two-hour car ride from Kaohsiung to the rural Taoyuan District. Here sits Baoshan Cherry Blossom Park, a cloud-breaching garden with lovely mountain views and an explosion of pink cherry blossoms. Trust us—the drive is worth it!
Never get lost while in Taiwan, and stay connected on Google Maps with 4G eSIM for Taiwan! You can easily place an order anytime; there's no need to wait for delivery. Just follow the installation guide as soon as you land, and you can start browsing as soon as you activate it.
Where can I see cherry blossoms in South Korea?
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Can't wait for your K-drama moment when you walk through the streets of South Korea while cherry blossom petals fall all over you? Buckle up ‘cause we're taking you to places where you can see cherry blossoms in South Korea! From the vibrant streets of Seoul to the charming countryside of Jeju Island, you won't want to miss a single petal – so rent that car and let's get going!
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Seoul?
Fly to Seoul in April, and you'll land in the city covered in cherry blossoms! When it comes to the best cherry blossom spots in Seoul, Yeouido, an island off Han River, takes the crown as it is the most accessible, and it is where the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is. Here, expect to see more than 1,400 cherry blossom trees, street performances, food vendors, and countless exhibits!
If you’re up for it, you can also do a day trip from Seoul to Gangwon-do to visit alpacas! Alpaca World is the zoo that lets you interact with and feed adorable alpacas. Also in Gangwon-do are Nami Island, Rail Bike, Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France Village, and Legoland Day Trip – all of which you can visit on one adventure-packed day!
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Jeju?
In Jeju, Seogwipo's downtown area is the place to drive to. Here you can find the unique Jeju-exclusive king cherry trees, which have special, more luxurious petals than the usual cherry blossoms in South Korea. Check out cherry blossom forecasts before you visit, as these elusive flowers only stay in full bloom for three days! Locals celebrate these three days with a festival where music and performances fill the streets of Jeju.
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Busan?
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You'll find cherry blossom trees in the city by major attractions in Busan like Lotte World, Namsan Park, and Gyeongbokgung Palace. But, if you're here to chase cherry blossoms, head over to the Yeojwacheon Romance Bridge, a one-hour car ride away from Busan, for the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival. It's the largest cherry blossom festival in the country. The drive to Jinhae is just as beautiful – you'll get to drive past blossoms that line up the highway. Once you're there, expect tons of street food stalls, parades, and so much more!
Can’t wait to see all these cherry blossom spots all over Asia? Book your car rental and visit these places at your own pace!
