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Get Ready for Cherry Blossom Season in Asia

A magical transformation is taking place in the northern hemisphere.

The mercury is starting to rise, rivers are beginning to flow, and birds are once again filling the cold silence in joyous song.

Indeed, spring has sprung in the northern hemisphere.

Yeoudi Spring Blossom Festival. Photo: Korea Tourism Association
Yeoudi Spring Blossom Festival. Photo: Korea Tourism Association

And with the change in season comes one of the most highly anticipated natural attractions of the year: the famed blooming of the cherry blossom.

The significance of this event may be a little confusing for Australians, but it’s simple really - it represents a reawakening of the world, a symbol of love and hope.

Gyeonghwa Station in Jinhae. Photo: Korea Tourism Association
Gyeonghwa Station in Jinhae. Photo: Korea Tourism Association

After months of bitter cold, the delicate flowers emerge in a blaze of colour, yet soon wither and fall to the ground.

Hence why you need to be quick to see them.

RELATED: 10 Reasons to Visit Aomori, Japan

The blooming takes place from late-March to mid-April, with Japan perhaps the most well known destination to view the delicate blossoms – but it’s not the only one. From China to South Korea, other countries are also starting to bloom.

If you long to see this dazzling event, here are some of the best places to go:

Japan

1. Ueno Park - Tokyo
One of the most popular (and crowded) spots to view the blossoms is Ueno Park. The trees are lit in the evenings, making it a magical spot to visit by day or night.

2. Hirosaki Castle Park – Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
For a picture perfect blossom experience, head to Hirosaki Castle Park. The park is approx. 42 hectares wide, with some of its oldest cherry trees planted in 1715. The stunning castle turrets and gates will add a nice bit of culture into your photos.

3. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail - Kansai Region
Not one specific place, this is actually a series of ancient pilgrimage trails through the mountainous Kii Peninsula. Hot springs, ancient temples and, of course, cherry blossoms are just a few of the many reasons to visit this stunning area.

Changgyeonggung Palace. Photo: Korea Tourism Association
Changgyeonggung Palace. Photo: Korea Tourism Association

South Korea

1. Hangang Park - Yeouido, Seoul
This sprawling park is one of Seoul’s most well known viewing locations and easily one of the most beautiful too. The highlight is a 5.7km path lined with over 1,600 trees. During blooming season it transforms into a magical snow-white tunnel.

RELATED: 8 Reasons to Visit South Korea

2. Gyeongbokgung Palace - Seoul
Built in the 1395, this vast palace complex from the Joseon Dynasty will meet your cultural, architectural and cherry blossom needs all in one place. Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is a very photogenic spot to take a few blossom-framed happy snaps.

3. Bomunho Lake - Gyeongju
Combining cherry blossom viewing with marathon running is a perfect match, apparently. This annual marathon in Gyeongju weaves its way for 42km from Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park along a beautiful blossom-lined course.

Gunhang Festival. Photo: Korea Tourism Association
Gunhang Festival. Photo: Korea Tourism Association

China

1. Yuyuantan Park - Haidian District, Beijing
Cherry blossom viewing in China is relatively new, but there are some great places to do it. Close to the CCTV Tower and China Millennium Monument is Yuyuantan Park, home to more than 2000 cherry blossom trees of over 20 different species.

2. Gucun Park - Shanghai
When we call this the largest cherry tree park in Shanghai, we mean it! This spectacular parkland features over 12,000 cherry trees across it’s 73 beautiful hectares. Visitors can bathe in a sea of millions of pink and white blossoms.