Cherry Blossom Curiosity

Cherry blossoms are unequivocally a symbol of Japan. Their special combination of beauty, mystique, and impermanence leads tourists to flock to the island nation en masse this time of year, hoping for their once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the pink paradise.

Although I appreciate their specific importance to the Japanese, I wonder whether the cherry blossom narrative globally is fuelled more by tourism tactics than truth. I only say this because I’ve seen more cherry blossoms during five days here in South Korea than I did throughout three months in Japan. I know—unfair comparison. I only just caught the start of the season whilst in Tokushima and a little bit in Ōsaka prior to that. If I were still over there now, I might feel differently.

My point though, is that cherry blossoms are not exclusive to Japan! They are abundant, and awe-inspiring here in South Korea, too. I know the same may be true in China and other parts of East Asia as well.

Visit Japan for the cherry blossoms if you’d like. Absolutely. Plan the trip of your lifetime for the start of April or end of March and soak up the Spring vibes in all their glory. But expect suffocating crowds and steep price hikes. If that’s okay, no worries. Perhaps step away from the well-beaten path for a couple of days while you’re there and you’ll enjoy it even more.

But, for those of you that aren’t particularly fond of having your perfect cherry blossom portrait mobbed by thousands of other tourists in the background, all doing the same thing, consider jumping across the pond. The blossoms are just as beautiful, but feel a little more untouched. You can look at them in peace, and without the premium prices. You might just have to pinch yourself every once in a while.