When you think of cherry blossoms viewing during Spring, one country would immediately come to mind: Japan. And while that is true, there are still other places around Asia that offer hanami experience. Yes, Japan does enchant with its breathtaking hanami season, but tourists are also starting to look towards visiting South Korea for the sakura viewing.

South Korea is not just the best place for barbeque meats and beauty shopping; during Springtime, you can also catch the beautiful cherry blossoms around Seoul. Here Is a guide on the best places for cherry blossoms in Seoul.

THE BLOOM DATES FOR CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN SEOUL

The cherry blossom trees are predicted to bloom in early April, with the peak from 09 April 2017 to 11 April 2017.

They are more short-lived than the trees in Japan (that could last up to 2 weeks), and this prediction is an average from recent year’s patterns.

#1 YEOUIDO PARK CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Yeouido Park is arguably the most popular spot for hanami in Seoul. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, located on the Han river, takes place annually in Spring.

There are over 1,600 trees dotting the area, and on top of taking a stroll to admire the beautiful pink canopies, you can also get your portraits drawn, and pig out over street snacks at the many street stalls.

#2 GYEONGBOKGUNG CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Gyeongbokgung is the most notable palace in Seoul, and the palace compound is dotted with sakura trees. During Spring, the palace is another type of wonderful—with a sea of pretty pink pastels against a backdrop of ancient buildings spotting strong, primary hues.

Photo Credit: Happy Dalki

#3 CHANGGYEONGGUNG CHERRY BLOSSOMS

The lesser known palace is actually the best palace out of the five in Seoul for hanami. During the Japanese rule, the Japanese planted trees all over the palace’s compounds, and today, we reap their harvest.

Photo Credit: TRAZY

#4 SEOKCHON LAKE CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Seokchon Lake is a man-made lake that sits within Lotte World amusement park, where cherry blossoms trees are aplenty. People flock to the East of Seoul for this festival, and apart from hanami, you can also enjoy a variety of performances, exhibitions and activities such as face painting.

Admission for Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is free.

#5 SAMCHEONG-DONG CHERRY BLOSSOMS

This is one of our favourite areas in Seoul, and the mix of new and old is precisely what charmed us. Cherry blossom trees are scattered sporadically along the area, in random corners and every other street.

Look out for a huge park where hundreds of cherry blossoms trees await, and there is Jeongdok Library which sits in the heart of Samcheong-dong.

Photo Credit: TRAZY

#6 NAMSAN CHERRY BLOSSOMS

A popular scenic route is Namsan (South Mountain), and you are encouraged to hop on the cable car for an obstructed view of the city and cherry blossom trees.

There are many more activities at await at Namsan; you might be familiar with the N Seoul Tower.

Photo Credit: Seoulist

#7 YANGJAECHEON CHERRY BLOSSOMS

The Yangjae Stream in Gangnam has a 3.5m walking path and a path specially for cyclists, with sakura trees lining the sides of the pathways.

Photo Credit: This User Is Dead

#8 KYUNGHEE UNIVERSITY CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Kyunghee University sits on the North of Seoul, but that does not deter visitors from all over to make a trip to the compound; the campus’ blooms is well worth the trip. Anyone can enter the campus, except that you need a student card to selected restricted areas such as the library.

The university is filled with various sakura trees; from white petals to pink beauties, Kyunghee University is one of the best spots in Seoul for hanami.

Photo Credit: Bj Kwon Photography

#9 SEOUL NATIONAL CEMETERY CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Unlike your usual parks, the Seoul National Cemetery is a sombre contrast to the jolly crowd everywhere else. As if a cemetery is not already a place filled with sorrow, the cherry blossoms trees here weeping cherry trees no less.

There is something mysterious yet alluring about the long, draping branches of pale pink flowers that makes Seoul National Cemetery an increasingly popular site for hanami.

Read: Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2017 Forecast—Where & when to see them.

Hanami in Japan, or Cherry Blossom viewing, is one that we look forward to every year; and we believe it is the same for you.

During that short couple of weeks, one of the world’s most coveted flower displays awaits—the blooming of Japan’s spellbindingly beautiful Sakura. They happen all around Japan at different periods of time, and that means hanami in several different cities and places.

Sakura is synonymous with Japan, and if you haven’t experienced hanami, you are missing out in life. Nothing feels quite as ethereal as marvelling at the beauty of these stunning flowers. Each blossoming period lasts for an average of two weeks, and the cherry blossoms look best on the final week of blooming, where they are at their fullest.

Every year, many flock to Japan just for hanami, and you might want to plan and book your trip early to avoid disappointment. Here, we share with you the Forecast for Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2017—Where & When To See Them.

#1 AOMORI

Cherry blossoms period: 22 April 2017 to 04 May 2017

Aomori is a wonderland for nature lovers, and Hirosaki is the best spot for viewing the cherry blossoms.

Imagine cherry blossoms surrounding the historic Hirosaki Castle, against a backdrop of blue mountains. Experience a dream-like adventure here as you stroll around the castle while enjoying the hanami experience.

#2 FUKUOKA

Cherry blossoms period: 25 March 2017 to 10 April 2017

Fukuoka is located on the Northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island and is most popularly known for their ancient temples, beaches and trendy shopping malls.

The Fukuoka Castle is the recommended spot to view the cherry blossoms. Some other spots to admire the flowers are Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Nishi Park and the Atago Shrine.

#3 HIROSHIMA

Cherry blossoms period: 29 March 2017 to 12 April 2017

After the infamous and disastrous atomic bomb destroyed most of Hiroshima, a lot of effort was put into rebuilding the city to what it is today.

You can visit the Peace Park, then head down to Shukkeien Garden and the Hiroshima Castle. These places and sites are surrounded by cherry blossom trees and are very popular for hanami.

#4 HOKKAIDO

Cherry blossoms period: 29 April 2017 to 5 May 2017

Hokkaido is the largest prefecture of Japan. And it is huge, with plenty of cherry blossoms trees all around.

The one place you must go to is Hakodate’s Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort with its grounds entirely filled with hanami spots. And there is Matsumae Castle, the only castle in Hokkaido but it is stunning in Spring with all the sakura.

#5 KYOTO

Cherry blossoms period: 29 March 2017 to 12 April 2017

Kyoto is a place to explore all the historical and cultural wonders of Japan, and cherry blossom trees are almost all over the ancient capital. It is one of the best Japanese destinations for hanami.

Maruyama-koen is undoubtly the most popular spot, followed by Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace Park). Shirakawa (the most popular street in Gion) is always stunning too with its lines of cherry blossoms trees.

#6 NAGOYA

Cherry blossoms period: 26 March 2017 to 10 April 2017

Nagoya is Japan’s fourth most populated city and a place where culture fuses with art.

The world flocks to Yamazakigawa Riverside, where these cherry blossoms bloom stunningly on both sides of the river. But of course, the blooms at Nagoya Castle is one sight to behold too. Tsuruma Park is also Nagoya’s best city park for hanami.

#7 NARA

Cherry blossoms period: 28 March 2017 to 11 April 2017

As one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan, Nara is located just an hour away from the city of Osaka and Kyoto.

Nara Park may be famous for their deer, but it is also home to about 1700 cherry blossom trees all around and is Nara’s best sakura viewing spot. To catch a more historical and scenic view, head down to the Heijo Palace, where it is surrounded by more sakura trees.

#8 TOKYO

Cherry blossoms period: 26 March 2017 to 11 April 2017

Tokyo, oh Tokyo; our favourite Japanese city. There are endless things to do her—shop until you drop, eat to your heart’s content and sip coffee all day every day.

And in April, weeping sakura fill the city with an irresistible charm, and it was one of the best things we had ever experienced. All your hanami dreams will come true at Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Park, Meguro River, Ueno Park and Aoyama Cemetry.

#9 OKINAWA

Cherry blossoms period: Mid January to Week 2 of February

Okinawa is an island located in the Southernmost part of Japan. It has a generally more tropical climate due to its geographical position.

The Hanami period starts the earliest here before it moves up north. And its cherry blososm trees are quite unlike what you’d expect—not the pale pink flowers, but brighter, rounder blossoms called Hikan-Zakura (which grows best in warm, humid climate). View these breathtaking flowers at Nago Chuo Park, Nakijin Castle or Yogi Park.

#10 OSAKA

Cherry blossoms period: 29 March 2017 to 12 April 2017

The Kitchen of Japan, Osaka, is one city that we are all familiar with, yes?

The iconic Osaka Castle is arguably the best spot for hanami in early April. You can also head to Kema Sakuranomiya Park, where nearly 5000 cherry blossom trees line the Okawa River, spanning a length of a few kilometres.How about a picnic under the sakura trees?

How about a picnic under the sakura trees? Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park is a large public park that once served as a flower exhibition in 1990, and today, the park has hundreds of sakura trees planted all over.

Note: The above dates are an approximation based on the past five years’ cherry blossoms periods. It is hard to predict the exact days as weather forecasts are ever-changing. It is, however, important to book your air tickets and accommodation months in advance to avoid exorbitant peak period prices, and to secure your necessary rooms and hotel stays.