19 February, (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) — Each year, travelers flock to see cherry blossoms, one of the most magical signs of spring. While Japan and Washington, D.C. are among the most famous places to enjoy cherry blossoms, it is possible to see them in other locales around the globe. Agoda, one of the fastest growing digital travel platforms, shares its top destinations across Asia, America and Europe to see these vibrant pink and white flowers.
1. Jinhae, Changwon, South Korea
The Jinhae Gunhangie Festival attracts roughly two million visitors a year. Historically a memorial service to commemorate Admiral Yi Sun-sin, it is now South Korea’s biggest spring festival. Enjoy the festival by taking a stroll down the picturesque Romance Bridge, where cherry blossoms canopy the Yeojwacheon Stream, or head to the Gyeonghwa Station where the trees line the railway track. The best time to visit is late March to April.
Stay at the LCT Hotel just minutes away from Gimhae Airport. It’s an ideal accommodation for travelers who want to tick off all the city’s must-see destinations.
2. Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam
It’s a little-known fact that Vietnam’s Hoa Island, located east of Dien Bien Phu in the middle of Pa Khoang Lake, is a goldmine for those seeking cherry blossoms. Did you know that Vietnamese scientist Dr Tran Le wandered up and down the country for the perfect place to plant the cherry trees gifted by a Japanese friend?
Stay with the family at the Hoang Anh Villa which features an outdoor pool and sun terrace for some quality hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, time.
3. Washington D.C., America
The three-week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the dawn of spring while honoring both American and Japanese cultures. The 3,000 trees that can be seen here are a symbol of friendship between the two countries and were gifted by Tokyo’s then Mayor, Yukio Ozaki in 1912.
Get your fill of the stunning cherry blossom trees at the Tidal Basin and stay at the The Hamilton-Washington DC at the heart of the city’s arts and shopping district. It’s a perfect spot for business travelers hoping to take a little time off.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Pack a picnic and head to The Meadows in Edinburgh. Once you’ve laid claim to one of the benches along the tree—lined paths, you can take a breather and soak in the pink-hued scenery. Plan to spend the day outdoors by taking along a blanket and your favorite novel. Stay at the retro inspired Eden Locke apartment that’s just a 10-15-minute walk to Edinburgh old town attractions, including the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
5. Paris, France
Few places on earth are as romantic and picturesque as the beloved City of Lights. Every spring, neighborhoods and parks in the French capital are dotted with mesmerizing cherry blossoms. For prime viewing, take a stroll through Parc du Champ de Mars, set in the shadows of the world-renowned Eiffel Tower.
Stay in ultimate luxury at the Shangri-La Hotel Paris, a former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte and listed in the French “Monuments Historiques.”
6. Kyoto, Japan
Finally, take a trip to Japan— the most famous hanami destination in Asia. While cherry blossoms can be found almost anywhere in the country, Kyoto is home to some of the best walking trails, including the Philosopher’s Path, a canal lined with hundreds of sakura trees.
Check in to the Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto for your stay. Its superb location, just across the street of Kyoto Train Station (270m away), makes it perfect for exploring Kyoto.
About Agoda
Agoda is one of the world’s fastest growing online travel booking platforms. From its beginnings as an e-commerce start-up based in Singapore in 2005, Agoda has grown to offer a global network of 2 million properties in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, offering travelers easy access to a wide choice of luxury and budget hotels, apartments, homes and villas to suit all budgets and travel occasions.
Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 3,700 staff across 53 cities in more than 30 countries. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 38 languages.
