Asia: Springtime Journeys - From Cherry Blossoms to Island Breezes

Jason Carter
Jan 22
3 min read

Traditional Japanese pagoda with orange and gray tiers, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms. People admire the scene, creating a serene mood.

SPRINGTIME JOURNEYS: FROM CHERRY BLOSSOMS TO ISLAND BREEZES

Spring is a season of renewal across Asia and the northern hemisphere, when landscapes soften, temperatures rise, and cultural life returns to the open air. It’s a time to celebrate nature’s awakening and the diverse cultural rhythms that unfold across the region. Here are five curated ideas for where to travel in Asia this spring.

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JAPAN’S LEGENDARY BLOSSOMING

Cherry blossoms arch over a canal lit by pink lanterns at night. A tall building stands in the background, creating a serene ambiance. — *Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival*

Spring in Japan is defined by sakura (cherry blossoms), as parks, rivers, and temple grounds are briefly transformed by clouds of pale pink blossoms. Hanami—the tradition of flower viewing—is woven into daily life, with picnics beneath cherry trees and evening strolls beneath lantern-lit yozakura. Bloom timing typically begins in mid to late March in Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu, moving north through April and into early May in Hokkaido. While inbound tourism remains robust overall, growth from some traditional source markets has softened — creating a rare window to better experience Japan’s most iconic landscapes. Stays range from refined city hotels such as Aman Tokyo, Janu, and The Peninsula to intimate ryokans such as Gora Kadan Fuji, Asaba, and Bettei Senjuan near prime viewing areas, allowing flexibility as bloom conditions shift. Spring also aligns with a full calendar of cultural events, seasonal cuisine, and garden openings rarely experienced outside this short window.

CHINA SPRINGS INTO LIFE

Great Wall of China in spring, winding through lush, blooming hills. Cherry blossoms in the foreground add vibrant colors to the scene. — *Spring blossoms along the Great Wall of China*

Spring brings a sense of renewal to China, particularly in its cities, national parks, and picturesque mountains. Shanghai and Beijing come alive with blossoms and outdoor activity, while further south and west, spring is ideal for exploring Yunnan's temperate landscapes. Tea country emerges from winter with fresh greenery, and hiking and walking routes reopen across hill towns and minority regions. Itineraries balance cultural depth with natural beauty, pairing historic architecture and urban experiences with seasonal countryside travel, supported by stays in landmark city hotels and characterful lodges in Yunnan's highlands, such as Amandayan in Lijiang. Milder temperatures make this one of the most comfortable seasons for city exploration, while improved visibility enhances travel in the mountains and rural areas. Spring also provides an exclusive opportunity to experience China’s UNESCO treasures on the Aman Jet Expedition, departing May 31, 2026.

BHUTAN GETS INTO THE FESTIVAL SPIRIT

Monk in red robes ascends white steps toward ornate building with intricate designs. Another monk is visible on the stairs above. Peaceful setting. — *Punakha Dzong*

In Bhutan, spring sees valleys turn green and mountainsides become bright pink and purple as rhododendrons bloom everywhere. Religious festivals bring color and ceremony to fortress-monasteries and village centers. This is a rewarding season for combining cultural immersion with gentle hiking, village walks, and time in the countryside, with journeys often paced around stays at Amankora or Six Senses Bhutan, whose multi-valley lodge networks allow seamless movement between the five main valleys. Festival dates vary by location, offering opportunities to witness traditional dances and spiritual ceremonies in intimate settings, supported by spring’s clear days and temperate weather.

OMAN: STONE MOUNTAINS TO ARABIAN SEA

A white SUV drives across vast golden sand dunes in a desert under a clear blue sky. Tire tracks weave through the textured landscape. — *Driving across the dunes of the Arabian Desert*

Spring is one of the most comfortable times to travel in Oman, before the summer heat settles in. Days are suited to exploring desert landscapes and mountain regions such as the Al Hajar range (also known as the Stone Mountains), where wildflowers soften rugged terrain, before transitioning to the coast for dhow sailing and seaside downtime. Itineraries often pair inland mountain stays at properties such as Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar with coastal retreats, including Jumeirah Muscat Bay or Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, balancing architecture, nature, and culture. This shoulder season allows for outdoor activities that become impractical later in the year, from hiking to evening desert experiences.

A SENSE OF CALM IN THE MALDIVES

Aerial view of overwater bungalows on turquoise ocean. Curved walkway connects structures. Vibrant, tranquil setting with clear skies. — *Soneva Jani*

March and April sit within the Maldives' prime dry season, offering clear skies, calm seas, and excellent visibility for world-class snorkeling and diving. Spring days unfold at an unhurried pace, shaped by over-water villas, private dhoni excursions, and barefoot evenings on white sand at a few of our favorite properties, including One&Only Reethi Rah, Soneva Jani, and the ultra-private Soneva Secret. The Maldives is an ideal stand-alone escape or a natural extension to an India or Sri Lanka journey, offering a gentle shift from cultural exploration to coastal ease. Marine life activity is particularly strong during this period, with colorful tropical fish and coral, while resorts retain a tranquil atmosphere after the peak holiday travel months earlier in the year. The Maldives also works well in combination with Dubai or Abu Dhabi and Qatar duringthe springtime.