There is nothing quite like spring in East Asia. It’s a magical, fleeting time when the parks, streets, and riversides turn white and pastel pink. If you’ve ever seen a photo of a Japanese castle framed by delicate white flowers, or a Korean street transformed into a pink tunnel, you know this is a travel bucket-list staple.

But cherry blossoms—or sakura in Japan and beotkkot in Korea—don’t wait for anyone. They bloom, they peak for just a few days, and then they drift away like snow.

To help you catch the magic, here are the top 7 spots across Japan and Korea that are guaranteed to take your breath away.

In Japan, cherry blossom viewing is a lifestyle called hanami. It’s all about picnics under the trees and enjoying the transient nature of beauty.

1. Meguro River (Tokyo, Japan)

Nearly 800 cherry trees line the narrow canal for several kilometers, forming a dense canopy that hides the sky. While it’s beautiful during the day, the magic truly happens at night during the “Yozakura” (night sakura) illumination. Local vendors set up stalls selling pink sparkling wine and snacks, and crowds gather to picnic along the banks as the illuminated blossoms reflect beautifully off the dark water. It’s loud, crowded, and absolutely unforgettable- a remarkable Tokyo spring experience. The best time to visit is Late March to early April.

2. Osaka Castle (Osaka, Japan)

Osaka brings a lively atmosphere to the cherry blossom season. Osaka Castle Park, thousands of cherry trees surround the historic castle. The contrast of pale pink blossoms against the white-and-green castle walls is striking. Families picnic on blue mats, friends gather with snacks, and the mood is tranquil. Evenings here are especially pretty, with soft lighting adding a glow to the trees. Nishinomaru Garden is the best spot for viewing, but it requires a small entry fee.

3. The Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto, Japan)

This is a stone pedestrian path that follows a canal in Kyoto, lined with hundreds of cherry trees. It’s named after a famous Japanese philosopher who used this route for daily meditation. It’s quieter, more serene, and absolutely poetic. Rent a bicycle nearby to explore the surrounding area, but be prepared to walk the path itself, as bikes are often banned during peak bloom. The path is open 24 hours and offers a romantic atmosphere after dark with soft illumination.

4. Hirosaki Park (Aomori, Japan)

If you want to escape the massive crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto, head north to Tohoku. Hirosaki Park is home to over 2,500 trees, many of which are over 100 years old. The park features a castle, a moat, and famous pink tunnels that look like something out of a dream. Because it’s further north, it blooms later, making it perfect if you missed the peak in Tokyo. The best time is mid-to-late April. Rent a small rowboat to glide through the moat, which becomes covered in a carpet of fallen pink petals, a phenomenon known as hanaikada. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled from April 17 to May 5, 2026.

5. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (Jinhae, Korea)

South Korea’s largest cherry blossom celebration is scheduled to take place from March 27 to April 5, 2026, and it is spectacular. The entire town turns pink, but the highlights are the Yeojwacheon Stream, famous for its romantic bridge, and Gyeonghwa Station, where trains pass through a stunning tunnel of cherry trees. For 2026, the town is introducing new interactive art installations along the stream to enhance the evening experience. This festival is extremely popular with locals. The festival originally began as a memorial for Admiral Yi Sun-sin and continues to blend floral beauty with naval heritage.

6. Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Seoul, Korea)

Located right in the heart of Seoul along the Han River, this festival features over 1,800 cherry trees lining the Yeouiseo-ro road. It is expected to take place from approximately April 3 to April 12, 2026. At night, the trees are lit up, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere with street performances and food stalls everywhere. Take the subway to get there, as parking is virtually impossible. Bring a picnic mat and join the locals in eating snacks under the blossoms. The festival also features an opening ceremony, street art performances, live music stages, and character parades.

7. Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival (Korea)

Jeju has a unique variety of cherry blossom called the “King Cherry,” which has larger petals than the typical Yoshino variety found on the mainland. The blossoms are expected to take place in late March, approximately from March 25 to March 31, 2026.  Visit Jangjeon-ri (Aewol-eup), a charming village road which hosts its own festival zone with street food and a 250-metre pink-and-white floral tunnel. Combine your trip with a hike up Hallasan Mountain, or take a leisurely stroll down Jeonnong-ro, a street famous for its spectacular tunnel of King Cherry trees.

Cherry blossom season depends on the weather, so exact dates change every year. Book accommodation early as prices rise quickly during peak bloom. Confirm official bloom forecasts a few weeks before travelling.

These fleeting moments remind us that the most beautiful experiences are often the shortest-lived. Don’t just dream of the pink horizon – chase it while you can.