Not Just Tokyo Or Kyoto: 9 Alternative Cities To See Cherry Blossoms This Year

If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, it’s probably too late to jump on the cherry blossom trail in its most popular cities. Every year about this time, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido are often packed with tourists, looking to catch the country’s famous cherry blossoms. Known for blooming for just a short period, cherry blossom watch tends to start north in Hokkaido and move south through the country. And it seems that every year, viewing them becomes more and more popular. 

But in case you didn’t know, there are many other places to catch cherry blossoms around Japan – around the world even. With a little help from Skyscanner, which will list the cheapest prices for flights to each of these cities, we’ve got a few options plus some family-friendly activities everyone can enjoy as well in these cities.

1. Sendai, Japan

When to see cherry blossoms: April to May

Sendai is the biggest city in the Tohoku region, with its modernity contrasted by historical sites such as castles and shrines. In early to mid-April, the Ogawara Sakura Festival takes place for cherry blossom lovers to enjoy. Families see the blossoms from Hirosaki Castle Park, Mikamine Park and Tsutsujigaoka Park. You can also enjoy a ride on the Ohanami Yakatabune boat which is another way to enjoy the flowers. A trip to the Sendai Port is also a fun trip for everyone with its aquarium, beer factory and outlet mall.

How to get there: From Singapore, you can fly to Sendai via Incheon, Shanghai or Osaka, or take the Shinkansen from Tokyo which takes 100 minutes.

2. Chiayi, Taiwan

When to see cherry blossoms: Mid March-April

The gateway for those visiting Alishan, Chiayi is a quaint, beautiful town famous for its tea plantations which are very much worth a visit, and which produce some of Taiwan’s most famous teas. Besides using it as a jumping-off point to visit Alishan, Taiwan’s most popular mountain resort area, everyone will love exploring the city’s famous street food (such as the Chiayi Turkey Rice!) and visiting the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum. The cherry blossoms in the city can be viewed from the Hashini Forest Recreational Area and Alishan National Scenic Area.

How to get there: From Singapore, fly into Kaohsiung and take a two-hour train to Chiayi

3. Wuhan, China

When to see cherry blossoms: Late March to early April

Wuhan is located in the heart of the Yangtze River and has a balanced mix of cultural and entertainment activities for the whole family. Cherry blossoms can be viewed at East Cherry Blossom Park and Wuhan University. Other than that, families can indulge in some cultural activities with a visit to the Hubei Provincial Museum, known to be one of China’s best, which has a display of bronze bells that produce two notes when struck. Also worth a trip is the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, which you can ascend via elevator to one of the sightseeing towers at either end of the bridge. From there, you can view the whole cityscape and the river. Thrill-seekers might want to visit the Wuhan Happy Valley which features nine theme parks or Playa Maya, a water theme park beside it.

How to get there: From Singapore, fly direct to Wuhan in five hours

4. Beijing, China 

When to see cherry blossoms: Late March to early April

While China’s capital is well-known as a cultural destination, it’s lesser known as a place to watch cherry blossoms, which are dramatically beautiful in Yuyuantan Park from late March to early April. After that, take the whole family for a visit to the Great Wall of China, not to be missed on a trip to Beijing, where you can ascend by chair lift and come down by toboggan at the Mutianyu section. Get a glimpse into more traditional Chinese life with a visit to Bejing’s hutongs, traditional neighbourhoods that you can walk, cycle or take a rickshaw through. Finally make time to visit Beihai Park, a large green space in the city centre that is in close proximity to the Forbidden City.

How to get there: From Singapore, fly direct to Beijing in six hours

5. Seoul, South Korea 

When to see cherry blossoms: Early April

A popular tourist destination for all things K-pop, K-fashion and K-beauty, Seoul is nonetheless another great destination to catch the elusive cherry blossom, particularly at the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival on Yeouido island. From Seoul, take the subway to Yeouinaru Subway Station and take any of the exits to reach the park. There are over 1800 cherry trees there and they are a sight to watch bloom. After that, head back into the city for a trip up N Seoul Tower which you can either do on foot or by cable car for views of the city from their fifth floor observation deck. Kids might also enjoy a trip to Lotte World, a Korean theme park in the city with many rides suitable for younger children.

How to get there: From Singapore, fly direct to Seoul in six hours

6. Incheon, South Korea

When to see cherry blossoms: Early April

Known mainly for housing the airport closest to Seoul, Incheon offers breathtaking cherry blossom views which you can enjoy from Jayu Park (also known as Freedom Park), as well as fun activities for the whole family. Be sure to visit Incheon Children's Museum, where many interactive exhibits await as well as a Science Playroom and Kid’s Job Experience Room. Next, visit the Incheon Bridge for a stroll that offers stunning views of the city and the sea. It lights up beautifully at night and makes for a great evening activity. Finally, consider a visit to Songdo Central Park which offers sprawling spaces for a picnic or even a boat ride in the canal. There’s even a deer garden where children can feed the animals. 

How to get there: From Singapore, fly direct to Incheon in six hours

7. Melbourne, Australia

When to see cherry blossoms: Late September to early October

Head to Victoria’s capital city for a beautiful view of the blossoms at CherryHill Orchards, which hosts the state’s biggest annual cherry blossom festival. There are 35 hectares of cherry trees to stroll through plus fun festival activities such as candle-making and flower crown workshops. You can also catch the blossoms at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria or Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden which is also overflowing with gorgeous flowers. There’s so much to do in Melbourne with children young and older, and you’ll be spoilt for choice so make sure you have a few days to visit Collingwood Children’s Farm or Luna Park (an iconic theme park). Not to be missed is a ride on Puffing Billy, a historical steam train that travels through the hills of the Dandenongs.

How to get there: From Singapore, fly direct to Melbourne in just over seven hours

8. Christchurch, New Zealand

When to see cherry blossoms: Mid-September

The biggest city in New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is a great place to see cherry blossoms bloom later in the year, and you can do this right in the middle of the city at Hagley Park North, lined with plentiful cherry trees. Families with young children will like Margaret Mahy Playground. Built after the 2011 earthquake to bring families together, it has everything for children of all ages including mini trampolines, climbing nets and flying foxes. There’s also the International Antarctic Centre which is a fun visit for adults and children alike where you can see little blue penguins, huskies and even a snow room. Also, check out the Christchurch Gondola for a panoramic ride over the city.

How to get there: From Singapore, fly direct to Christchurch in nine hours

9. Leura, Australia

When to see cherry blossoms: Mid-September to early October

Leura is a quaint cottage town in the Blue Mountains, a popular mountain area on the outskirts of Sydney. In Spring, cherry blossoms are visible throughout the town and visible to all. Adventurous and outdoorsy families will love the hikes and trails that pepper the outskirts of Leura. Be sure to explore Bridal Veil Falls or try the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Kids will also love a visit to The Candy Store with a large range of international and local sweets. Definitely consider a stay in one of the many cottages in the area, it’s what the locals do!

How to get there: From Singapore, fly direct to Sydney in under eight hours and drive just over an hour into the Blue Mountains.