With spring just around the corner, everyone’s looking for the perfect vacation getaway. In spring, the temperatures are comfortable and warm, making it easy for you to explore the wonders of any country you choose to visit. Spring usually means cooler temperatures and an abundance of nature-related attractions. With the flowers all in bloom, many countries have impressive sights to behold.
In this article, we highlight three different countries in Asia you can travel to for the spring holiday of your dreams. From Japan to China, Asia offers a plethora of exciting experiences through breathtaking sights, good food, and its rich culture.
Image credit: Nguyễn Thanh Tùng on Pexels
When it comes to spring, almost everyone ends up thinking of Japan and its sakura (cherry blossom) season! When these pink flowers are in bloom, they make for a truly gorgeous sight, and the landscape looks just like a painting- or a scene right out of an anime.
Generally, sakura season starts in late March and ends early or mid-April, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). For a good two to three weeks, these flowers will be in full bloom for everyone to appreciate. If you’re planning to catch it, why not plan a trip to Kyoto? As one of the most popular spots to admire the cherry blossoms, Kyoto has several parks and attractions during spring for you to enjoy, such as Maruyama Park, which even has a weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) that lights up at night.
Other than being one of the hotspots during sakura season, Kyoto is well-known for being one of the most historically rich places in Japan. With several shrines, palaces, and museums to visit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! For example, if you’re fascinated by history, you can visit the Nijo Castle.
The Nijo Castle is a UNESCO Heritage site and is one of the long-standing sites to learn more about the architecture of imperial palaces and the stories of the emperors who had lived in them. However, several spots in the castle, such as the Honmaru Palace within it, require additional tour fees or a reservation to enter. If you plan to visit the castle, make sure to plan it out thoroughly in advance so you’re able to explore and appreciate it in its entirety.
If you’re reluctant to spend that money on tours, there’s also the Sento Imperial Palace. You can explore the palace with free tours; although they’re hosted in Japanese, some audio guides in different foreign languages can help you follow along with the guide. For the most part, the palace grounds are free-to-roam, and most places within it are open for the public to explore. It’s a peaceful area that allows you to stroll around casually and truly take your time to enjoy the atmosphere and the sights around you.
Check out our travel packages to Japan that have Muslim-friendly meals included for the entire trip. To start planning your trip early, you can also read our article on halal tea ceremonies you can’t miss out on in Japan!
Image credit: Sangmin Jeong on Pexels
Similar to Japan, South Korea has its own cherry blossom season, but there’s still so much to see other than that. On Jeju Island, not only do you get to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms first-hand, but they also have canola flowers in bloom in the spring season, which is from late March to early June, where temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) to 18°C (64°F).
Jeju Island is one of Korea’s most popular tourist spots, and for a good reason- with its lush landscapes, it’s a particularly scenic spot that allows you to unwind and connect with nature. One of the key highlights, other than the cherry blossoms, is the beautiful canola flowers. These bright yellow flowers are a sight guaranteed to cheer you up, and they even have an annual festival dedicated to them, although it’s held in Busan. Still, there are several spots where you can admire the flowers on Jeju Island, such as Sanbangsan Mountain.
Another striking natural view would be the Jeju Olle Trail, a hiking path that stretches around the island and has 27 different routes. All these routes allow you to have a coastal view of the surrounding waters and a deeper insight into Korea’s history and culture, as the island also has some temples you can visit. If you decide to trek on this trail, ensure you’re well-prepared, as certain paths may be moderately challenging to follow, although the view is always worth it at the end.
For those looking to enjoy a quieter, more serene experience, the Yeomiji Botanical Garden offers a peaceful retreat. Their herb garden, for example, is a fragrant and colorful place to explore the variety of plants and herbs native to the island. In spring, the gardens are in full bloom, providing a perfect setting for photography or simply relaxing in the beauty of nature.
You can also read our travel package to Busan if you want to explore more options for a vacation in South Korea!
Image credit: Peter Lopez on Pexels
While it doesn’t have any coveted cherry blossoms to see, spring in China makes for an interesting trip nonetheless! On top of its natural beauty, you get the chance to immerse yourself in its culture and get lost in its exclusive charm. Known as the ‘City of Flowers’, Guangzhou is a beautiful city that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Temperatures in Guangzhou during spring typically range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), offering a pleasant climate and is the perfect opportunity for a spring holiday.
If you’re looking for something nature-related in the City of Flowers, look no further than Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain). With its park, there are multiple charming attractions to appreciate or even act as a background for your photoshoot. With a lake, a garden, and even an ecological park in the area, Baiyun Mountain is filled with wonders come spring.
The Luhu Lake and Yuntai Garden are close to one another, and both are equally enchanting to visit. The lake is a scenic area that’s surrounded by peace and beauty, but the garden behind it manages to increase the beauty of the area. The Yuntai Garden is currently China’s largest landscape-style garden, which has several unique flowers and plants within the garden or inside its greenhouse. They have a particularly eye-catching rose garden, which is perfect for both frolicking and picture taking.
Additionally, Guangzhou has several cultural spots to visit that boast impressive architecture. One must-visit spot is the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a beautifully preserved example of Cantonese architecture. Built in the late Qing Dynasty, the hall features intricate woodwork, stone carvings, and a stunning array of decorative arts. Another historic gem is the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, a Buddhist temple that dates back to the 6th century and features an impressive pagoda.
You can also check out for our travel package for a week-long journey between Beijing and Guangzhou here to start planning for your trip!
Spring is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting times to visit Asia, offering travelers a unique combination of mild weather, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re drawn to Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms, South Korea’s lush landscapes, or China’s historic charm, each of these destinations offers a spring vacation that promises unforgettable memories.
From hiking trails and botanical gardens to ancient temples and palaces, spring in Asia is a time to explore, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the season. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of spring in Asia!
Want more travel ideas? Read about the top accessible countries you can visit to get inspired!
Banner image credit: Gabriele G. on Pexels
