Australia is about to farewell summer, but in the northern hemisphere they’re looking towards spring – and across much of Asia that means amazing displays of blossoms.

Seasonal flowers bloom across much of Asia from March until May, making for a spectacular display.

Digital booking platform Agoda said the northern spring brings “distinct floral moments that shape local festivals, outdoor spaces, and travel experiences”. They can be especially alluring for anyone planning a trip around nature-focused activities.

“Spring travel is about slowing down and seeing cities through a seasonal lens, and flower blooms are a powerful draw for that experience,” Agoda’s senior vice-president of supply, Andrew Smith, said.

“At Agoda, we’re seeing how these moments influence travel decisions.”

From early to mid-spring, many Asian cities offer spectacular displays on tree-lined avenues and in hillside gardens that draw residents and international visitors.

Here are five of the best.

1. Tokyo, Japan

Japan is indeed having a moment with Australian travellers, with the number of Aussies visiting topping a million for the first time last year.

It’s no doubt helped by the Australian dollar surging to a 40-year high against the yen, making a visit to the Land of the Rising Sun (and cherry blossom) value for money.

Agoda says Japan welcomes spring with cherry blossom displays across areas such as Ueno Park, Meguro River, and Shinjuku Gyoen, typically from late March into early April.

The bloom period aligns with citywide Hanami traditions, where travellers can see how residents gather beneath flowering trees in public spaces. Seasonal food offerings and riverside walks add to the experience without leaving the city centre.

Japan can be wildly popular in cherry blossom season, as hordes of tourists take in the spectacular views. Perhaps even too popular – earlier this year, Fujiyoshida, a city near Mount Fuji, cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival, citing the poor behaviour of some tourists.

Local mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said the hordes of visitors had caused chronic traffic congestion and litter. Tourists were also “opening private home doors without permission to use the restroom”, trespassing, littering and “defecating in private yards and raising a fuss when residents pointed this out”.

“To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the 10-year-old festival,” he said.

2. Shillong, India

This city in India’s north-east is sometimes called the “Scotland of the east” for its rolling hills, forests and mild climate.

It comes alive in spring as jacaranda and rhododendron blooms add soft hues of purple and pink across the city’s hills, gardens, and winding roads.

Tree-lined Police Bazaar and Lady Hydari Park take on a distinctly seasonal character, while nearby viewpoints and forest trails around Ward’s Lake and Shillong Peak offer scenic backdrops for leisurely walks. The season complements the city’s café culture and short nature excursions.

If you miss Japan’s cherry blossoms, Seoul’s start a few weeks later. Photo: Pixabay

3. Seoul, South Korea

The South Korean capital follows closely, with cherry blossoms appearing in early April.

“Spots such as Yeouido Hangang Park and Seokchon Lake frame bloom against modern skylines and water views,” Agoda notes.

“Travellers can combine flower viewing with café stops and neighborhood exploration, making the city approachable for short spring itineraries.”

The blossoms at Taiwan’s Yangmingshan National Park don’t disappoint. Photo: AAP

4. Taipei, Taiwan

The flours come slightly earlier in Taipei, cherry blossoms appearing from late February into March, particularly in Yangmingshan National Park.

It has walking tracks and thermal valleys that provide varied scenery within easy reach of Taipei, creating a balance between outdoor time and urban comforts during spring travel.

Srinagar, in north-western India, swaps cherry blossoms for showy tulips. Photos: Pexels

5. Srinagar, India

Blossom season peaks in Indian-administered Srinagar, in the disputed Kashmir region, in April when tulips bloom across the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.

“Set against mountain backdrops, the gardens form part of a wider spring atmosphere in the region, where houseboat stays, and lakefront walks complement the floral displays,” Agoda says.

Aside from the tulips, Srinagar’s greatest drawcard is the placid Dal Lake, on which stationary houseboats and shikara (gondola-like boats) add a splash of colour.