The harsh grip of winter is melting away slowly and it’s time for the world to wake up from it’s slumber because spring is just around the corner. You know, it's that time when nature hits the reset button, and everything feels alive again. The scent of blooming flowers, the warmth of the sun, and the promise of adventure are in the air, it’s time for all things pretty and exciting.  Spring has this way of making us want to explore and witness the marvels of Mother Nature, right? So, we've put together a list of places that aren't just nice in spring but look truly magical and fairytale-like. Brace yourself for a journey through destinations that transform into kaleidoscopic floral wonderlands during this magical season.  

1. Tokyo, Japan

There is absolutely no place on Earth better than Japan to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms. The beauty of the sakura or the cherry blossoms are so deeply ingrained in the country’s culture that they even have a word for it. Hanami, which literally translates to ‘watching blossoms’-is a tradition of picnicking under the blossoms is just so adorable that it has captured hearts worldwide. Tokyo in spring is like a Monet painting come to life. Cherry blossoms, or sakura, blanket the city in a soft pink hue. This buzzing metropolis becomes a floral wonderland, and you won't want to miss the prime spots.

Start with Shinjuku Gyoen, a mix of Japanese and Western gardens boasting over a thousand cherry trees – perfect for your hanami shindig. Then hit Nakameguro, a trendy spot by the Meguro River where cherry trees and twinkling lights turn the evenings magical. Cap it off at Kitanomaru Park, a historical gem surrounded by Edo Castle's moat. The sakura season is Japan starts at the end of March and is in full bloom in the early days of April.

2. Seoul, South Korea

If you thought cherry blossoms were confined to Japan, think again! As Korea embraces the bloom of spring, Seoul becomes a canvas painted in pastel hues with forsythias, azaleas, and sakuras, casting a fragrant spell across the city. Seoul's vibrant landscape transforms into a living masterpiece, adorned with splashes of yellow, pink, and white, inviting locals and wanderers to bask in the beauty of the season. Eungbongsan Mountain offers a golden forsythia spectacle, while Wonmisan Mountain, a short jaunt from Seoul, showcases a breathtaking azalea display. To experience the beauty of the cherry blossoms, visit Seokchon Lake Park and Namsan Seoul Tower, where delicate pink blooms weave a dreamy paradise. The time of bloom varies annually, but usually mid-March to early April is the blooming season for forsythias and azaleas, with the sakura season following closely, turning Seoul into a mesmerising pink haven.

3. Skagit Valley, USA   

Nestled in the heart of Washington state, Skagit Valley bursts into a riot of colours as millions of tulips bloom making it look like a watercolour painting. Spring's gentle touch transforms this fertile land into a vibrant canvas framed by the towering Cascade Mountains. The Daffodil Festival kicks off the spectacle, turning the valley into a golden sea of grinning flowers, their sunny faces capturing the essence of spring. As the Daffodil Festival bows out, the Tulip Festival takes the stage with endless rows of vibrant tulips that sway in harmony with the breeze. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooms, buzzing bees, and laughter. This tulip wonderland is a photographer's dream. Spring in the USA just got a lot more colourful! Plan your visit in March for daffodils and April for tulips.

4. Bonn, Germany

As Bonn, Germany welcomes spring, this city, nestled on the banks of Rhine, transforms into a cherry blossom paradise, painting its streets and historic sites in a rosy palette. Cherry Blossom Avenue, or Heerstraße, steals the spotlight, inviting you to stroll beneath a delicate pink canopy with sunlight dappling the cobblestone paths. The cherry blossoms along the Rhine promenade create a dreamy ambiance. Don't miss the Old Town's charm and the intoxicating fragrance of spring in the air. Beyond Heerstraße, Breite Strasse, Maxstraße, and Bonner Münster continue the pretty cherry blossom spectacle, enhancing Bonn's irresistible charm. Mid-April is your best bet to witness the beauty of Bonn’s cherry blossoms.

5. Keukenhof, Netherlands

When thoughts of the Netherlands bloom, visions of endless tulip fields gently swaying in the breeze come to life. These vibrant flowers are more than a scenic backdrop; they're woven into the very fabric of Dutch identity. With millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in full bloom, it's a floral feast for the senses. Every spring, global wanderers converge to witness the breathtaking spectacle of colour that paints the landscape. Enter Keukenhof, nestled in Lisse, a short skip from Amsterdam – the ultimate tulip paradise and lovingly dubbed the Garden of Europe. Explore the themed gardens, capture the vibrant flower displays, and revel in the Dutch love affair with spring. Seven million tulips create a mesmerizing sea of colour, carefully curated with a unique theme each year. The park is open for a limited time only- from late March to mid-May.

6. Provence, France

Picture endless lavender rows against the backdrop of the majestic Alps, the sun's warmth on your skin creating an idyllic ambiance. Nothing quite comes close to the beauty of this dreamy lavender wonderland. The iconic lavender fields, with their intoxicating fragrance, paint the landscape in hues of purple and blue. Lavender season for France is the equivalent for cherry blossom season for Japan. The Valensole Plateau, at the heart of Provence, is the go-to spot to witness this floral paradise with endless fields of purple that would make for stunningly jaw-dropping pictures. Don’t forget to visit the charming villages and immerse yourself in the Provencal art de vivre.  

7. Washington DC, USA

In 1912, Tokyo's mayor gifted 3,000 cherry trees to Washington DC, igniting a symbol of friendship and that was the beginning of the cherished National Cherry Blossom Festival. Today, this enchanting event is a springtime must-see, transforming the city into a dreamy haven. With parades, concerts, and cultural performances, the festival marries floral beauty, historical significance, and international camaraderie. Stroll the Tidal Basin, where delicate pink and white petals making the city look awe-inspiringly pretty. Make sure to visit the iconic Jefferson Memorial to see the delicate cherry blossoms create a visual masterpiece. This annual spectacle is a testament to the ephemeral beauty of spring. To catch Washington DC's cherry blossoms at their peak, time your visit during the festival, typically unfolding from mid-March to mid-April, with peak bloom around late March.

8. Kashmir, India

Spring in Kashmir is like the whole valley takes a deep breath and bursts into life. Lose yourself in the tranquillity of the Shalimar Bagh and witness the valley's rebirth after a winter slumber. Almond trees, tired of winter's grip, show off their blossoms, and tulips paint the town in every hue imaginable. The endless green meadows look like you’ve stepped into the most beautiful dreamland. Srinagar's Dal Lake turns into a mirror reflecting the blue sky, cradling little floating gardens that feel like a dream. And the scent of saffron? It's not just spice; it's the essence of the land. Nestled in the Himalayas, the tulip gardens bloom, creating a living painting. Like we always say that there is a very valid reason why Kashmir is called the ‘heaven on Earth’.

From the delicate sakura in Tokyo to the golden forsythias of Seoul, the vibrant tulip wonderland in Skagit Valley, and the rosy cherry blossoms in Bonn, each destination has its own unique charm, offering a sensory overload that goes beyond the visual spectacle. So, gear up, pack your floral dresses and comfy walking shoes, and let the magic of spring lead you to these enchanting destinations.

Reach out to our expert agents and let Brightsun Travel plan the most magical spring holiday for you at unbelievable steal-deal prices.
Happy travels!