The best places in Asia for the most beautiful cherry blossoms – besides Japan

Home to green hills, mist-covered valleys and lakes, Da Lat also boasts cherry blossoms that usually bloom in late December or from January to February – depending on the weather. Head down to Tran Hung Dao Street, also known as the pink street of Da Lat. Located near the city centre, rows of cherry blossom trees are planted along the roadside. When it blooms, the entire street seems to be painted with a pastel pink colour. You can also visit the Xuan Huong Lake, where cherry blossom trees bloom in various locations. Find beautiful flowers surrounding the lake, making the whole scene poetic.

The city of Taichung stands out for its cherry blossoms that last from mid-February to March. Begin your sakura viewing at Xinshe Cherry Blossom Trails, a street in the Xinshe district that's known for its abundance of flowers. It also features the Taiwan cherry, which grows up to six metres tall. The Wuling Farm in Heping district also offers great sights for tourists. The scenery comes to life when the cherry blossom trees go into full bloom against the mountainous backdrop.

Embracing the fervour for cherry blossoms, Singapore holds its annual sakura festival at Gardens by the Bay. The festival recreates a classic sakura landscape with eye-catching cherry blossoms on view among Japanese torii gates and traditional Gassho houses. Tea ceremonies and cultural performances add to the appeal. This year, it ups the ante with tokidoki characters among the blooms.

For an ethereal experience, fly to Changwon City, Seoul to catch the Jinhae Geunhangjae Festival. Tons of tourists flock to the Jinhae-district which offers an abundance of cherry blossoms. Gaze at the beautiful pink petals down the train tracks of Gyeonghwa Station or pose for a photo at the tunnel of cherry trees atop Jinhae’s Yeojwacheon Stream. A traditional wooden bridge and yellow canola flowers along the river add to the colourful scene.

The city usually sees a surge in tourism during the spring due to the pink blooms. However, due to the pandemic, the city has cancelled the event in the past years. Nonetheless, the city is still filled with thousands of stunning petals, making it a romantic scene to stroll through the streets.

Travel to Alishan National Scenic Area in Taiwan to catch the beautiful cherry blossoms. Over 1,000 sakura trees are scattered around the area, with the Yoshino cherry trees among them. Admire the flowers that extend from Chaoping Station to Alishan House.

The Alishan National Scenic Area also makes a great hiking spot for nature lovers. Complete with signposted trails, walk deep into the forest or hop on the Alishan Forest Railway, a century-old train that takes you on a scenic journey through mountain passes and lush valleys. The best time to visit if you want to see them bloom is in March and April, but do dress warmly, as it can still be quite cold at this altitude.

Instead of heading to Japan to witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom this summer, why not enjoy Bangkok’s very own sakura. Enjoy the rosy trumpet trees in full bloom as they look similar to sakura flowers of Japan. Dubbed “Bangkok sakura,” walk down Phaholyothin Road and you will notice rows of Tabebuia trees full of pink flowers. There are also tons of trees in Chatuchak Park and Vachira Benjathat Park. 

If you wish to experience the actual cherry blossoms in Thailand, head to the northern part of the country. A popular spot is the Khun Chang Kian Highland Agriculture Research where the cooler climate allows the sakura trees to flourish. Another scenic spot is Doi Kham Fa, inside Pha Daeng National Park. Cherry blossoms can also be seen along the hiking trails, if you time it right. In northern Thailand, the season usually kicks off at the end of December and wraps up around early February.

Can’t go to Japan for sakura season? The Philippines has its own cherry blossoms that are equally beautiful. In addition to its lovely beaches, Palawan has the balayong (the Palawan cherry) that boasts white and pink flowers from March to April. In Dasmarinas, a city in Cavite, trumpet trees are found everywhere. A distant cousin of the sakura trees, these trees have dainty pastel pink blooms creating a dreamy picture.