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THE cherry blossoms begin to bloom, marking the arrival of spring. However, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy it. The changing seasons, as well as the lockdowns, create more and more reasons to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Japan is usually a very popular destination to enjoy “Sakura Zensen”, or to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom, but there are actually various places to enjoy pink flowers, quoted from the official Agoda broadcast.
Indonesia
West Java
The cherry trees at Cibodas Botanical Garden bloom twice a year. First in February to March, second bloom in July to August.
East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara
No need to worry because you miss the cherry blossom season in March or April because you can see these flowers blooming in October in Waingapu. For those who are passionate about cultural tourism, visit the ikat shops and workshops, and watch traders bearing cloth around the city.
Japan
Tokyo
An area that is very popular with locals is Yanaka, Tokyo. This place offers travelers the opportunity to experience authentic Japanese culture, where traditional lifestyles are still part of their daily routine. When spring comes, Yoyogi Park and Meguro River come alive with colors. However, there is another way to see the cherry blossoms, namely at the Yanaka Cemetery, which is lined with many cherry trees.
Yamanashi
In April, be sure to visit the northern region. Walk through the low labyrinth for a dazzling view of the cherry blossoms blooming against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. During the daytime, Nagasaki Park is a bustling spot for locals to enjoy the cherry blossom or hanami season under its white and pink flowers.
Korea
Seoul
You don’t need to go far from the capital city of South Korea to enjoy cherry blossoms. Take a walk along the lake in Seoul Grand Park, or visit Seoul palace, which is a great place to admire and take photos of Sakura blossoms while learning about the rich history of Korea and palace architecture.
Jeju
Jeju is the number one tourist destination in Korea. The island is the number one travel destination for Chinese New Year 2021 and the second most popular travel destination to spend the 2020 New Year holidays, according to Agoda booking data. Near the city center you can see the Sakura King flower which has the largest petals of all kinds of cherry blossoms.
Malaysia
Kedah
Malaysians can enjoy their own “cherry season”. Every year from February to April, the streets of Alor Setar are decorated with the pink and white hues of a tree known as the Tecoma tree. This tree whose flowers are similar to cherry blossoms changes the view of the city. Although this flower can be found in most cities, the most popular spots are along Jalan Kuala Kedah and Jalan Langgar.
Penang
Explore the southern region which is also known as a destination with Tecoma flowers, and enjoy a culinary, cultural and historical tour of Penang. Known as the “tissue paper tree” or “trumpet tree” these beautiful flowers usually bloom in the summer, between February and April. Fallen flowers cover the path with their pink, white and purple petals.
Philippines
Palawan
Apart from being known for its clean beaches, amazing underwater flora and fauna and the world famous underground river Puerto Princesa, Palawan also offers another interesting thing, namely the cherry blossoms themselves. Commonly called balayong or Palawan Cherry, this tree produces white and pink flowers that bloom every March to April. These trees were planted by the local government to create their own cherry blossom garden.
Cavite
Closer to Manila, Dasmariñas, Cavite also boasts of its artificial cherry blossoms. This pretty flower of soft pink color is produced by the Trumpet Tree – a distant cousin of the Japanese cherry tree whose petals fall gently, leaving a trail of pink around it.
Taiwan
Taichung
Wuling Farm is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Taiwan with more than 20,000 trees.
Nantou
After an hour’s drive from Puli Township, you’ll arrive at the serene AOWANDA National Forest Recreation Area located behind Wanda Reservoir, home to the indigenous Sediq and Atayal tribes. Apart from seeing cherry blossoms and butterflies in spring, also visit the majestic “AOWANDA Bridge” which connects a beautiful pine forest area with the intersection of the northern and southern AOWANDA rivers.
Thailand
Nakhon Pathom
To enjoy Thai cherry blossoms in bloom, Chompoo Pantip, visit Kasetsart University which has more than 200 Chompoo Pantip trees. This flower only blooms once a year in March / April. In this month the trees on both sides of the road are decorated with pink flowers and form a romantic path and cover the ground with their soft pink petals.
Phatthalung
Travelers who cannot enjoy the Chompoo Pantip can still see pink lotus flowers blooming at the Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve (Thale Noi, Phatthalung). Apart from having a feast for the eyes, this place is also home to hundreds of species of birds.
Vietnamese
Hanoi
In exchange for the consequences of closed borders and of course the trip to Japan, the village of Nhat Tan Cherry Blossom has cherry blossoms in a unique dark pink color, which are planted by local people. This gorgeous spring scene is also accompanied by cool temperatures, making it a serene getaway, away from the bustle of the city.
Da Lat
With nearly 3,000 cherry trees in bright pink color, Da Lat is a particularly charming place in spring and is known as the City of Flowers. The cherry blossoms in this city are very popular because of their unique shape, which resembles a five-leaf apricot tree. For truly stunning views, take a walk through the city at sunrise.
Ha Giang
Ha Giang, a popular spot among tourists and locals alike, its natural beauty is even more pronounced in spring. The city’s natural landscapes are dotted with cherry trees along its streets that wind their way through Quan Ba, Yen Minh and Meo Vac. This area is located between the mountains so the scenery is very beautiful. [photo special]
