When it comes to sakura, probably Japan with its' many sakura-covered cites such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is the first thing that comes to your mind. However, with Japan being the go-to destination for cherry blossom season, your experience in Japan might be less-ideal because sakura spots might get too crowded, not to mention the soaring prices for tickets and accomodations!
But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are five stunning alternative destinations for you to enjoy cherry blossom peacefully outside of Japan!
Annyeong! Just a short distance across the strait from Japan lies South Korea, which is just as charming when it comes to blooming sakura. As a cherry blossom viewing destination that is growing in popularity, there are plenty of exciting spots in Seoul for you to take in the sakura experience to the fullest. There’s the Yeouido Cherry Blossoms with its over 1.500 trees and the much-anticipated Spring Flower Festival, there’s also the impressive Seoul Children Grand Park, Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom, Seoul Forest, Changgyeonggung Palace and many more!
South Korea’s cherry blossoms forecast typically gets released in March with blooming period lasting for about 10 days. Time your visit well and experience a unique cherry blossom experience in Seoul!
Back in 1912, Japan donated 3.000 cherry trees to the nation’s capital of America. To this day, the well-cared-for trees still bloom every March as the National Cherry Blossom Festival is held. Washington DC offers a few popular spots to catch the gorgeous view of cherry blossoms, including the Tidal Basin, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. There are also small clusters of trees that you can find along the National Mall and Washington Monument. The entire blooming period of Sakura here can last up to 14 days but may vary from year to year, so make sure to do your research before going there!
You probably never thought of Paris as one of the best places in the world to see cherry blossoms, but when you visit the City of Light from the end of March to early April, you’d immediately see what you’ve been missing! Walk along the base of the Eiffel Tower all the way to the École Militaire to take some beautiful cherry blossom pictures with the famed landmark in the background, visit Notre Dame’s south façade, Petit Palais, Square Gabriel Pierné, Jardin des Plantes, or even individual trees scattered throughout the city that you can find by chance, so get ready for an exciting experience in Paris!
Whether you go to Japan or other places this Spring, don't forget to make your Sakura moments memorable! SweetEscape connects you to 2000+ photographers in more than 500 cities around the world to take great photos and capture every moment of you! For your upcoming Sakura season, Smile! We’re Here!