Guide to Cherry Blossom: Japan vs South Korea

Cherry blossoms, those delicate pinky star-shaped flowers that bloom with the warm breeze, are often seen as the heralds of spring in both Japan and South Korea, painting the two countries in unique shades of pink. To discover the differences between cherry blossom in Japan vs South Korea, read on to find your ideal spring holiday destinations to start your next Japan tour or South Korea trip.

Quick Answer to Cherry Blossom: Japan vs South Korea

Of course, both Japan and South Korea are ideal places to capture the fancy blossoms, while Japan, with its long story of cherry blossoms, planning them in almost every corner of the country, offers a wide variety of sakura and numerous opportunities to see the blooming flowers from south to north, along with traditions that provide a glimpse into its culture.

Meanwhile, South Korea also has its own blossoms in a bigger form, usually blooming with festivals, events, and more lively activities to meet their fast pace of life, providing another ideal flower viewing spot to escape from the crowds with more accommodation choices and comfortable prices.

Cherry Blossom in Japan

Cherry Blossom Infographic on Japan vs South Korea

Best Time to See Cherry Blossom: Japan vs South Korea

Mid-spring, from late March to April, is typically the best time to see the fancy pink flowers in both Japan and South Korea. However, Japan's longer latitudinal span provides an extended flowering season, offering more flexibility and options for cherry blossom viewing.

Best Time in Japan

From late March to mid-April: the peak hanami season in central Japan, when most cities are in full bloom and numerous festivals and events take place, allowing you to fully experience the vibrant spring atmosphere. It is a good time to explore the diverse facets of Japan, from ancient Kyoto to bustling Tokyo, from sacred Hokkaido to cozy Osaka.

From Late January to February: an ideal time to capture the early cherry blossoms in Japan. Not very far from Tokyo are the coastal Atamizakura and Kawazuzakura in their pale-red petals, or fly to the southern Okinawa Islands to combine your Kanhizakura journey with beaches and sea.

From late April to early May: the last tail of Japan's cherry blossom season, suitable for a northward journey to Hokkaido to greet the final pink hues with fresh seafood tasting and a relaxing onsen (hot spring) experience.

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Best Time in South Korea

Between late March to early April, the best time to see cherry blossoms in South Korea is more concentrated. The southern island of Jeju was also the first to see the wave of flowers, with its green landscape splashed with the light pink of cherry blossoms and the warm yellow of canola.

It is about April when Seoul is also bathed in its spring colors, as well as the blooming time of festivals and shows, always ready to immerse your whole body into its vibrant spring days.

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Where to See Cherry Blossom: Japan vs South Korea

Park hopping is always a great way to enjoy the pink blossoms in both Japan and South Korea. While in South Korea, the flowers are often concentrated in large parks in Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island (which is usually considered the origin of the blossoms).

Japan, on the other hand, has a long history of cherry blossom cultivation and offers a wider variety of viewing spots. From parks and gardens to castles and shrines, and even the majestic mountains, you can find ideal places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more cities to experience the untamed beauty of spring.

Best Places in Japan

Parks for sakura picnic with family & friends: Chidorigafuchi Park, Ueno Park, Maruyama Park, Nara Park, Goryokaku Park

Delicate gardens & castles to see classic Japan: Shinjuku Gyoen, The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Himeji Castle, Nijo Castle, Kenrokuen Garden

Shrines & temples balance building and spring: Kiyomizu-Dera, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Itsukushima Shrine

Mountains &lakes to immerse in the flower: Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Arashiyama, Mount Yoshino, Okawa river

Mt. Fuji With Sakura, Japan

Best Places in South Korea

Massive parks with events to attend: Yeouido Hangang Park, Gwacheon Seoul Grand Park, Oncheon Stream Park

Streets suitable for a leisurely stroll: Simni Cherry Blossom Road, Dalmaji-Gil Road, Kyunghee University

Nature areas for flower immersion: Jeju Island, Nami Island, Seokchon Lake, Seoul Forest

Imperial palaces dotted with blossoms: Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Gyeongbokgung Palace

Busan Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom in Japan vs South Korea: What Else to See & Do

To enjoy the best spring blossom atmosphere, it is a good idea to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the highlights of the flowering season in both Japan and South Korea, usually bustling with music and street vendors to welcome the arrival of warm spring, and even parties to complete your spring break.

As for more activities to fulfill your cherry blossom experience, Japan and South Korea have their unique to offer.

Japan: With More Traditional Experience

The Japanese hanami experience is not just about admiring the blossoms. Even today, people in Japan continue the tradition of having picnics beneath cherry blossom trees, just like their ancestors. They enjoy a cup of sake, a few dishes, and sometimes even write poems to capture their feelings about the spring days. You can also find lanterns in the ancient style, lighting up stages for traditional dancing with shamisen and tanka (short songs).

Sample the Flavor of Sakura Pink

Have a Picnic and Enjoy Cherry Blossom

A seasonal spring flavor that highlights the unique taste of this beautiful flower is easy to find at street stalls or local restaurants. Enjoy the crystal pink color of ramune soda, ice cream with a hint of pink, pancakes infused with sakura, and spring wagashi in the shape and color of cherry blossoms.

City Sightseeing With Kimono

For an immersive spring holiday experience, why not don a kimono and start your city sightseeing like a local? Choose your favorite patent, or just a classic in sakura pink, and wander the ancient streets lined with blossoms and soft petal blankets, leading to temples and shrines steeped in history.

Make Your Own Ikebana (Flower Arrangement) Masterpiece

Like the tea ceremony, Ikebana is also a traditional art that allows you to feel Japanese elegance, to be in close contact with these fragile flowers and, above all, to turn them into a decoration that will temporarily frame the colorful spring.

Soak in Onsen (Hot Springs)

For a cozy way to enjoy the cherry blossoms, try an outdoor onsen (hot springs). Hakone, a tranquil town at the foot of the mountains, where you can enjoy the view of distant Mount Fuji and floating flower petals as you soak in the warm water, the perfect escape from the chilly breeze.

South Korea: Various Activities for Modern Life

Flower viewing in South Korea brings a different kind of vibrancy, featuring pop elements like live shows and parties to celebrate the spring season. This marks one of the perfect times for outdoor activities, whether you're taking a leisurely stroll through shopping malls or enjoying a family visit to a flower-filled wonderland.

Shake Your Body With Rhythm

It's hard to stay still at a cherry blossom festival in South Korea, where locals fill parks and streets for lively parties and events featuring bands and popular singers, inviting everyone to join in their grand celebration of the coming spring.

Join the Spring Marathon

Apart from the shows, there is also a marathon to watch during your spring visit to Gyeongju, where you can find a good spot to watch both the race and the blossoms, or join the exciting game after a full rest at the flower picnic, catching the warm breeze against the rows of cherry blossoms.

Enjoy the Exhibition & Flower

The artistic atmosphere is another highlight of the cherry blossom festival in South Korea. Alongside the blooming trees, you can find a variety of exhibitions and performances, from official displays to street artists creating paintings, music, and more.

Jinhae Cherry Blossom

Japan vs South Korea: Cherry Blossom Season Affordability & Tips

Both Japan and South Korea are at their peak during the balmy days of spring, especially when the blossoms are in full bloom, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, South Korea tends to be more affordable compared to Japan, where the well-known sakura season can lead to a bit of chaos due to the frenetic enthusiasm for the blossoms.

Heading to Japan for cultural experiences to enhance your spring holiday is a great idea, but early booking for your Japan cherry blossom tour is essential. In popular cities like Kyoto, booking nine months in advance is recommended to secure your ideal accommodations and ensure a convenient sightseeing experience.

A South Korea tour during the cherry blossom season can be relatively affordable and comfortable, offering a peaceful environment to enjoy the tranquil spring days. Alternatively, since the two countries are not far apart, if you prefer, consider a Japan and South Korea tour to capture their cherry blossoms in one journey.

Capture the Spring Colors With Odynovo

As the quintessential symbol of spring, both Japan's sakura and South Korea's beotkkot highlight the beauty of the season in their own unique ways. So, Japan or South Korea - which will be your next spring holiday destination? Contact Odynovo at [email protected] to plan your ideal trip.