Five places to view cherry blossoms that aren’t in Japan
Autumn maybe already descending on Australia, but in the Northern Hemisphere, Spring is almost in full swing.
And we all know what that means: Cherry blossoms!
While Japan and Washington, DC are the most famous places to take in the seas of Sakura, you can check them out in many other destinations across the globe. Why not go on a cherry blossom world tour? We know we would if we could convince our boss we needed three months off for ‘research purposes’.
Agoda has put together a list of some of the best places across Asia, America and Europe to enjoy the age-old tradition of hanami or ‘flower viewing’ in Japanese.
Jinhae, Changwon, South Korea
The Jinhae Gunhangie Festival attracts roughly two million visitors a year. Historically a memorial service to commemorate Admiral Yi Sun-sin, it is now South Korea’s biggest spring festival.
Enjoy the festival by taking a stroll down the picturesque Romance Bridge, where cherry blossoms canopy the Yeojwacheon Stream, and along Gyeonghwa Station where the trees line the railway track. The best time to visit is late March to April.
Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam
It’s a little-known fact that Vietnam’s Hoa Island, located east of Dien Bien Phu in the middle of Pa Khoang Lake, is a goldmine for those seeking cherry blossoms.
Did you know that Vietnamese scientist Dr Tran Le wandered up and down the country for the perfect place to plant the seeds, a gift from a Japanese friend?
Washington D.C., America
The three-week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the dawn of spring while honoring both American and Japanese cultures.
The 3,000 trees that can be seen here are a symbol of friendship between the two countries and were gifted by Tokyo’s then Mayor, Yukio Ozaki in 1912.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Pack a picnic and head to The Meadows in Edinburgh. Once you’ve laid claim to one of the benches along the tree-lined paths, you can take a breather and soak in the pink-hued scenery outdoors.
Plan to spend the day outdoors by taking along a blanket and your favourite novel.
Paris, France
Few places on earth are as romantic and picturesque as the beloved City of Lights. Every spring, neighbourhoods and parks in the French capital are dotted with mesmerizing cherry blossoms.
For prime viewing, take a stroll through Parc du Champ de Mars, set in the shadows of the world-renowned Eiffel Tower.
Kyoto, Japan
Finally, the most famous in Asia, take a trip to Japan to see where the practice of hanami began.
While cherry blossoms can be found almost anywhere in the country, Kyoto holds one of the best walking trails, including the Philosopher’s Path; a canal lined with hundreds of sakura trees.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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proud of Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam. Warmest welcome!