Where to see cherry blossoms in Asia (that are not just Japan)

Cherry blossom season in Japan is right around the corner (and has, in fact, already kicked off in some regions). Tokyo and Kyoto are some of the most popular destinations to view these gorgeous blooms, but as you may well know, these cities are becoming a tad overcrowded. 

Happily, there are many countries across Asia where you can view cherry blossoms sans the crowds. From Japan's close neighbour, South Korea, to cooler Southeast Asian regions, these alternative destinations will get you your dream sakura shot. 

1. Changwon, South Korea

Travel booking platform Booking.com recommends Changwon, South Korea for some prime cherry blossom viewing. More specifically, head to Jinhae district, famous for the annual Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. Time your visit in late March or early April to see thousands of cherry blossom trees in full bloom. You can take a romantic stroll down Yeojwacheon Stream or get a picture-perfect shot at Gyeonghwa Station, where cherry blossom trees line the railway track. Want a panorama filled with blush-pink trees? Take a little hike up Anmingogae Hill or to the Jehwangsan Park observatory to see the city spread out before you. 

Best time to go Late March to early April

2. Taichung, Taiwan

We're casting a vote for Tai'an Police Station as the prettiest in the world – during cherry blossom season, at least. This unusual landmark is just one of many cherry blossom viewing spots in Taichung, which includes Wele Cherry Blossom Park and Wuling Farm. Wuling Farm is relatively remote, but worth the trip to see more than 20,000 cherry blossom trees along an easy 3km trail. The city is also home to Sun Moon Lake and Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village – fantastic attractions in their own right, but all the more appealing during spring thanks to the abundance of cherry blossom trees. 

Best time to go February and March 

3. Shizuoka, Japan

Take a break from the sakura-chasing crowds in Tokyo and Kyoto and head to Shizuoka Prefecture instead. Just an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, this region boasts kawazu-zakura, an early-blooming variety of cherry blossom trees first discovered in 1972 in Kawazu, a small town on the Izu Peninsula. One of the best spots to capture the flowers is along the Kawazu River, where approximately 850 trees line the river. While you're there, why not head south to catch roughly 800 sakura trees blooming along the banks of the Aono River at Shimogamo Onsen?

Best time to go Mid-February to mid-March

4. Da Lat, Vietnam

It's easy to see why the French developed Da Lat as a resort town in the early 1900s. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring", this city in Vietnam's Central Highlands has a beautifully temperate climate, rolling hills, and mirror-like lakes. At the start of every year, the town also bursts into romantic shades of pink as cherry blossom trees come into full bloom. Enjoy the spectacle in the city centre along Tran Hung Dao Street, famously lined with cherry blossom trees. Or book a stay at Lake House Dalat for a postcard-perfect scene of cherry blossom trees around the calm waters of Tuyem Nam Lake.   

Best time to go January to February 

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Far from the sun-drenched beaches in the south, Northern Thailand's Chiang Mai enjoys chillier temperatures ideal for cherry blossoms. From January to February, head to the Khun Wang Royal Agricultural Research Centre in Doi Inthanon National Park to see flourishing Wild Himalayan cherry blossom trees. It bears flowers that are a deeper and richer pink – they really pop against the lush green landscape of the national park. While you're there, visit the Wachirathan waterfall, check out the Hmong Market, or even visit the peak point of Doi Inthanon, Thailand's tallest mountain. 

Best time to go Mid-January 

Set on seeing sakura in Japan? Here's the official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2025. 

Plus: book your next trip on one of these airlines in Asia – named among the best in the world.