Planning to catch the Cherry Blossoms in Korea, Japan or Taiwan this spring?
Being the Instagram addicts we all are, the phrase “pics or it didn’t happen” is a line we know all too well. If you’re looking out for ways to boost your ‘IG-game’ this spring, we’ve definitely got you covered! Read on to find out the best places to flood your Instagram feed with a sea of pink this Cherry Blossom season.
– JAPAN: Tokyo –
1. Chidoriga-Fuchi Park
Situated between the Imperial Palace and British Embassy, this 700-meter-long walkway along the moat of the Japanese Imperial palace is home to approximately 260 cherry trees! This is definitely one of the places in Tokyo deemed pretty enough for the perfect snapshot.
Take your Instagram picture and your Hanami experience to the next level when you Klook yourselves a traditional Yukata or Kimono for the perfect shot!
When: Early April
Where: Kudan Minami 2-chome—Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku
Nearest station: Tokyo Metro Kudanshita Station Exit 2 (5 Min walk); Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Station Exit 5 (5 Min walk)
2. Shinjuku Gyoen
One of largest and most beautiful parks located in the heart of Tokyo, the Shinjuku Gyoen has three different types of gardens – the Japanese Garden, French Garden and the English Garden.
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If you’re worried you might not make it to Tokyo early enough to capture the initial moments of the pink phenomenon of spring, fret not! Reputed to be one of the top spots to view cherry blossoms, the English garden has more than 1000 trees that bloom at different timings from late March to Early April – making it easy for all who miss the main blooming season to catch the once in a year phenomenon.
When: Mid March – Late April
Where: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Postal code:160-0014
Nearest station:
Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station Exit 1 (5 Min walk)
Sendagaya Station Exit 2 (5 Min walk)
3. Meguro River
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Fancy a glass of wine under the lovely cherry blossoms? Enjoy the best of both worlds – shopping, eating and still catch the cherry blossoms in action at the Meguro River!
Running alongside the quaint little shops and cafes at the Meguro River, is a 4km stretch lined with so many cherry trees (mostly Yoshino Cherry Trees) that we promise even makes it difficult to see the sky or the river and makes for a charming picture.
Ps. If you’re planning to chase the Sakura and more around Tokyo, maximise your time and your money by getting yourself a Tokyo Subway Pass.
When: Mid March
Where: 2-2 Naka-Meguro River, Meguro Ward, Tokyo
Nearest station: Meguro Station (5 Min Walk); Fudomae Station (5 Min Walk); Nakameguro Station (2 Min Walk); Ohashi Station (2 Min Walk)
4. Sumida Park
For travellers that have limited time in Tokyo, this might just be the place that kills two birds with one stone!
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Sumida Park, a popular park that stretches along the Sumida River is well known for the row of numerous beautiful cherry trees that line the river bank. It is also
strategically located near to Asakusa – a main sightseeing spot in Tokyo as well as the iconic Tokyo Skytree.
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While you’re at it, why not snap a picture of the world’s tallest tower alongside the beautiful Sakuras before you head down for a visit!
When: Late March – Early April
Where: Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Nearest station: Asakusa Station (5 Min walk)
– JAPAN: Kyoto –
5. Arashiyama
Seize a picture perfect moment in your Kimono as you make your way to one of the most well loved and famous districts in Kyoto. Arashiyama is one of the hot picks that retains its beauty through all seasons – this is especially so during Spring when the cherry trees along the Katsura River flourish and wash the already picturesque place in a sea of pastel colours.
Filled with much atmosphere, Arashiyama is the place to be if you’d like to get in touch with nature but not forsake the beautiful architecture and culture of Kyoto.
Don’t forget to take the opportunity to take more pictures against the pink backdrop before you treat yourself to the large variety of seasonal snacks that are available only once a year.
Heading out to more than one region of Japan this vacation? Klook yourself a Japan Rail Pass for a hassle-free experience and focus solely on bringing up the ‘insta-game’ this Cherry Blossom season.
When: Late March
Where: Mukojima 1-chome, Sumida, Tokyo; Hanakawado 1-chome, Taito, Tokyo
Nearest station: Saga-Arashiyama Station; Katsura Station
6. Maruyama Park
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Famous for the huge weeping cherry tree with a rich history that is over 70 years old, Maruyama Koen is one of the best places to view Cherry Blossoms not just in the day, but at night as well. The glorious tree – called the Gion Shidare-zakura, is illuminated from the moment the sun sets till 1am and adds to the festive atmosphere amongst the numerous beer stalls and food stands that you are free to enjoy within the park.
When: Late March
Where: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Nearest station: Gion-shijo Station (10 Min walk)
– JAPAN: Osaka –
7. Osaka Castle Park
Home not only to the outstanding historical landmark, the Osaka Castle is surrounded by an extensive park planted with over 4000 cherry trees. Apart from the Nishinomaru Garden that is home to some 600 of these trees, the expansive park ensures you will have enough time and space to capture the perfect image of spring.
For those not tied for time, it would be a good idea to wait for sun down when both the castle and trees are lit up, taking the atmosphere of the park to another level.
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Be sure to make the most of your trip and boost your Instagram streak during your stay in Osaka when you Klook an Osaka Amazing Pass. Besides allowing you free entry into 30 of Osaka’s Top attractions (including the Osaka Castle), the pass provides you with unlimited use on the subway, tramway, and bus system within the city, giving you the opportunity to fly around the best Cherry Blossom locations in Osaka at the most amazing prices.
When: Early April
Where: 540-0002 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Nearest station: Osakajo-koen Station (10 Min walk); Tanimachi 4-chrome Station
8. Kema Sakuranomiya Park
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If you only have limited travel time, one of the places you definitely have to visit when in Osaka during springtime would be Kema-Sakuranomiya park. Frequently visited by the locals themselves to admire the sakura, this park is known for its over 4800 cherry trees that bloom during springtime. Accompanied by Okawa river and lush greenery, the Kema-Sakuranomiya park is probably one of the best locations in Osaka for that Instagram photoshoot.
When: Early April
Where: 530-0025 1 Nakanocho, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka
Nearest station: Temmabashi Station; Osakajo-kitazume Station; Sakuranomiya Station
– JAPAN: Nara –
9. Nara Deer Park
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A must-see area in Nara City, famous for the adorable free roaming deer is the Nara Deer Park.
Everyone already knows this popular park as the place to be when it comes to getting up close and personal and snapping best friend selfies with the shy yet cheeky creatures – But did you know that there are actually more cherry trees than deer in this wonderful park? Coupled with a number of famous temples in close proximity, this park definitely makes the perfect spot to take pictures for the gram.
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Ps. Remember to grab a bag of deer crackers to bribe the deers into helping you to get the best shot.
When: Late March
Where: Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan
Nearest station: Kintetsu-Nara Station (10 Min Walk); Nara Station (20 Min Walk – Hop on a bus to get there faster)
– JAPAN: Okinawa –
10. Nakijin Castle
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Northern Okinawa, the Nakijin castle is a place with a unique blend of both nature and history. Instagram worthy moments are littered through the park – be it the castle ruins or the Cherry Blossoms that are of a darker pink than the ones in main Japan.
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Take the chance to join in the fun at the Nakijin Cherry Blossom festival to wait for nightfall when the castle and the trees are illuminated and look right out the scene of a fairytale story.
When: Late January – Early February
Where: 5101 Imadomari Nakijinson Kunigami-gun Okinawa Prefecture
How to get there: Yanbaru Express Bus ( 2.5 Hours, Get off at Nakijin Joseki Iriguchi bus stop & 15 Min walk to location)
– KOREA: Jinhae –
11. Downtown Jinhae
When in Korea during Hanami season, the lovely port city of Jinhae is one place you have to go to get that pop of pastel for your Instagram.
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Home to one of the biggest Cherry Blossom festivals held in Korea annually – the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, Jinhae is known to have the largest cluster of cherry trees in the world.
Besides some 300,000 blooming cherry trees, a parade performance by the well known Jinhae Military Marching Band and sakura inspired street snacks ensure a ton of ‘insta-worthy’ moments.
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Ps. Some of the photo opportunities you can’t miss while partaking in the festivities are at the Gyeonghwa Train station and the Yeojwacheon Stream.
When: Early April
Where: Tongsin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
How to get there: Intercity bus to Jinhae from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal; Go hassle free and Klook yourselves the experience from either Seoul or Busan.
– KOREA: Seoul –
12. Yeouido
This small island sitting on the Han river is a big contender for one of the best places to get that Cherry Blossom snapshot. Conveniently located in Seoul, this is the best bet for those who have limited travel time but still want to catch the Cherry Blossoms in action.
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More than 18,000 Cherry trees and other flowers like azaleas and forsythia bloom alongside the Han river here and guarantee you a cascade of pink petals at every turn. In addition, the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival means plenty of food, exciting events and performances will add to the festive spring atmosphere at this pink paradise.
There’s so much navigation and instagram posting to do while on this great Cherry Blossom chase so don’t forget to get wifi in order to dish out those instant updates!
When: Early April
Where: Tongsin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Nearest Station: Yeouido Station (Exit 5 or 9); Yeoinaru Station (Exit 1); National Assembly Station (Exit 6)
13. Seokcheon Lake
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Surrounding the clear blue Seokchon Lake are hundreds of trees lined beautifully around the lake.
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Strategically located around Lotte World (which we highly recommend for you to visit), this “Insta-gem” is definitely one of the top picks to catch the Hanami when in Seoul.
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As with most popular Cherry Blossom locations in Korea, a festival – the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival happens annually and definitely adds to the buzz.
When: Early April
Where: 148, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Jamsil Station Exit 2 or 10
14. Namsan Park
Standing at 262m high, Namsan Park or Namsan Hill is extremely popular for for its lovely walking trails that are teeming with different species of flora and fauna.
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In addition to having different varieties of beautiful blooming Cherry Blossoms, this is the park one of the longest trials of cherry trees within Seoul that will guarantee you score the perfect picture.
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Known to be the largest park in Seoul, the expansive park also encompasses a number of popular tourist attractions in Seoul including the N Seoul Tower which promise you breathtaking, uncontested day or night views of the entire city.
When: Early April
Where: 04628 231 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Myeong Dong station Exit 1 (10 Min Walk); Hoehyeon Station Exit 4 (20 Min Walk)
15. Gyeongbukgung Palace
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Located on the northern part of Seoul, the Gyeongbukgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and is home to rich history and beautiful architecture of Korea. Also, when combined with the spectacular Cherry Blossoms that happen in the season of spring, this is definitely one for the list of places to be when looking to up the insta-game.
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Top tips: Why not bring out your inner Korean prince or princess when you rent a Hanbok for your memorable day out at the palace.
When: Early April
Where: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Gyeongbukgung Station Exit 5; Gwanghwamun Station Exit 2; Angguk Station Exit 1
– TAIWAN: Taichung –
16. Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
A 7 minute cable car away from Sun Moon Lake is the Formosan Aboriginal cultural village. It features a theme park as well as two outdoor gardens that promises something for both adventure and culture lovers alike.
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Popular all year round but especially in spring, this park explodes into a fairytale landscape washed by a sea of Cherry Blossom after Cherry Blossom.
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If you’re worried about the crowds getting in your way of achieving the perfect snapshot, the expansive park has enough space to ensure you find a peaceful spot for those beautiful photos. Additionally, if you aren’t on a tight schedule and stay till nightfall, over 2000 cherry trees will be lit up from 6pm to 8pm and take the already romantic atmosphere to a whole new level.
When: Early February – Early March
Where: No.45, Jintian Ln., Yuchi Township, Nantou County 555, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to get there: Pick the hassle free option and Klook yourselves a Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Day Trip that comes with a hotel pickup.
Take the Taiwan High Speed Rail to Taichung Station, board the Nantou Bus (bound for Puli, Sun Moon Lake) to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village stop.
Train to Taichung Railway Station, board the Renyu Bus (bound for Sun Moon Lake) to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village stop.
– TAIWAN: Chiayi County –
17. Alishan
Already a hotspot well known for its stunning scenery, the Cherry Blossoms in spring take the beauty of Alishan to a whole new level.
On top of being spacious enough to accomodate to its popularity, the different variety of sakuras that are found in the park mean that you have a 3 month time frame to catch the Cherry Blossoms in their full glory.
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From cloud seas, scenic mountain views to Cherry Blossoms, such a wonderful combination of all things beautiful makes Alishan is the place to be when it comes to the list for most instagrammable places all year round.
When: Late January – April
Where: 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, 中正村59號
How to get there: Why stress when you can Discover Alishan Mountain with in the most relaxing manner with Klook inclusive of pick up at locations of your choice.
Take the Taiwan High Speed Rail to Chiayi Station and hop on a direct bus (7322) to Alishan
Alternatively, hop on the Taiwan High Speed Rail to Chiayi Station and board the famous forest railway to Fenqihu (a more scenic route) followed by a bus to Alishan
– TAIWAN: Taipei –
18. Yang Ming Shan
Yang Ming Shan sits on the northern area of Taipei and is also one of the places in which the first Cherry Blossoms bloom in Taiwan.
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Be prepared to whip out your camera as you are transported into plethora of pink when you wander the cherry trees that are planted along the hiking and biking trails here.
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While you’re at it, why not take a moment to relax, indulge and reinvigorate your soul by klooking yourselves a wonderful hotspring experience.
When: Mid February – Early March
Where: No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Yangmingshan, Taipei City 11292, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to get there: Jiantan Station Exit 1, walk to left-side bus station and hop on a city bus (R5) or small bus (S15 or S17) to Yang Ming Shan Station
Bus 260 from Taipei Main Station
19. Wuji Tianyuan Temple
A magnificent taoist temple located 30 minutes by bus from the nearest station, towers over a forest of Cherry Blossoms and offers you a spectacular and unique view of the Sakura from up above.
Additionally, the vast garden surrounding the temple features a wide array of beautiful flowers and won’t disappoint those seeking to seize an easy photo opportunity when in Taipei for a visit!
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Don’t forget to Klook your travel essentials like wifi and city transfers when planning for the best vacation yet!
When: Late February – Mid March
Where: 251, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Tamsui District
How to get there: Tamsui Station Exit 2 (30 Min bus ride to Wuji Tianyuan Temple)
– TAIWAN: Taichung –
20. Wuling Farm
Lesser known than its counterparts Alishan and Yang Ming Shan, the beauty found in Wuling Farm does not pale in comparison.
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There is an unspoiled hidden gem – a 700 hectares plot of land that we highly recommend for your ideal pink insta-feed.
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When: Mid February
Where: 424, Taiwan, Taichung City, Heping District
How to get there: Kuo-Kuang Bus from Yilan Station; Feng-Yuan Bus from Feng Yuan Bus Station
