Sakura Beyond the Crowds: Lesser-known Cities Shine in Cherry Blossom Season 2025

• Lesser-known Japanese cities bloom as sakura spotters seek out less crowds
• China and Korea are gaining interest as alternative cherry blossom destinations
• Tranquil ryokans emerge as favoured accommodation for a quieter sakura experience

SINGAPORE, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As cherry blossoms begin to bloom as March approaches, travellers seeking a less-crowded sakura spotting experience are flocking to lesser-known cities in Japan to get their flower fix. While the Japanese cherry blossom season remains a top draw, this year, bookings for off-the-beaten-path and alternative locations beyond Japan are seeing significant growth, reflecting the rising demand for more peaceful and unique experiences in the heart of spring.

Japan's Lesser-Known Sakura Spots Are Seeing a Surge in Demand

The "big three" cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto continue to be favourites, with Trip.com Group revealing triple-digit booking growth year-on-year during the sakura season. Of popular cities, Sendai, Kanazawa and Aomori also reflected the most year-on-year growth during the season.

Here's a list of when cherry blossoms will bloom in chronological order, according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast:

Interestingly, more travellers are seeking out lesser-known destinations for a quieter cherry blossom experience.

Toyohashi has seen a staggering 2300% YoY growth, drawing visitors to attractions like Mukaiyama Greenery Park's Plum Tree Orchard and Yoshida Castle in Toyohashi Park. Coastal Itoshima (1500% YoY) is emerging as a hidden gem, home to scenic sakura spots such as Kafuri Park, which boasts 500 cherry trees and panoramic views of Funakoshi Bay and Mt. Kaya. Meanwhile, Yakushima (900% YoY) offers a truly special experience—cherry blossom viewing within a UNESCO-listed ancient forest.

Top Cities Searched for Sakura Season & Key Visitor Trends

Search patterns highlight the diverse range of traveller preferences for Japan's iconic "hanami" (flower viewing parties). Major urban hubs like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Yokohama dominate searches for "cherry blossom" and "sakura" related searches, indicating travellers are still keen on popular city itineraries with cherry blossom spotting as one of the highlights. Meanwhile, lesser-known locations such as Ureshino, Kagoshima, and Yuzawa have also made it to the top ten list.

Searches in different languages indicate varied traveller origins; for example, English and Mandarin speakers drive Tokyo's demand, while Korean interest is strong for Nago.

Overall, travel flows to Japan during sakura season (besides domestic flows) hail from the Asia Pacific region, with Hong Kong SAR, Korea, Taiwan region, Thailand and Singapore being the top source markets in terms of booking volume. Outside of Asia, travellers from the US (138.70% YoY growth), UK (137.11%) and Australia (156.54%) are also fast growing. Millennials comprise the bulk of travellers, comprising almost half of the booking volume.

Emerging International Cherry Blossom Destinations

While Japan remains a cherry blossom travel hub, more international travellers are seeking alternative locations to experience the floral spectacle. Across Southeast Asia and China, hidden gems are emerging with breathtaking displays that rival Japan's parks. Cherry blossoms in Korea are also fast gaining attention.

Some top alternative Cherry Blossom destinations for 2025 include:

• Alishan, Taiwan region – A stunning mountain landscape where cherry blossoms bloom in the early spring.
• Wuhan & Beijing, Mainland China â€“ Famous cherry blossom parks like East Lake (Wuhan) and Yuyuantan Park (Beijing) are emerging as must-visit locations.
• Jinhae, South Korea â€“ The site of the famous Cherry Blossom Festival, where blossoms blanket the entire city.

Among the most-searched destinations outside Japan are Wuxi and Wuhan in Mainland China, Seoul and Gyeongju in South Korea, as well as Nantou and Chiayi in Taiwan region. In South Korea, Gyeongju has seen a remarkable 211.48% surge in bookings this season, while Taiwan region's Alishan Scenic Area in Chiayi County has experienced a 171.01% year-on-year increase, drawing visitors to its mountain blooms from mid-March to mid-April.

Similarly, bookings to Wuhan, Mainland China, have risen by 155.87%, with travellers flocking to East Lake and Wuhan University for their stunning cherry blossoms. Notably, 'Wuhan cherry blossoms' ranks among the top five search queries from international visitors, highlighting its growing appeal with more than 100 spots for cherry blossom viewing.

The Wellness and Alternative Accommodation Trend During Sakura Season

As the demand for off-the-beaten-path experiences grows, so does the rise in alternative accommodations and wellness tourism. Bookings for onsen ryokan and boutique hotels in lesser-known cherry blossom locations have surged, as visitors opt for serene, culturally immersive stays that offer breathtaking views away from the crowds.

In particular, scenic regions such as Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go are seeing this rise in demand.

Luxury and boutique accommodations with private onsens, seasonal kaiseki cuisine, and mountainous scenery are particularly popular this year. Traditional stays like Mt. Fuji View Onsen Ooike Hotel, hot spring hotel Setsugetsuka in Hakone near the blossom-filled Hakone Gora Park, and traditional inn Onyado Yuinosho in Shirakawa-go are attracting visitors looking for an authentic Japanese experience paired with springtime beauty.

As for popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, accommodation preferences lean close to parks and rivers. According to Trip.Best* data, one of the most booked hotels is the luxurious The Tokyo Edition, Ginza, close to Hibiya Park, a peaceful cherry blossom spot. Similarly, Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo is close to Chidori-ga-fuchi, a picturesque 700-meter promenade along the Imperial Palace moat, famous for cherry blossoms.

In Kyoto, Trip.Best's top-ranked Kamo Residences by Reflections is located near the Kamogawa River, offering stunning riverside views. Another top option is Dusit Thani Kyoto located near both Maruyama Park and the Philosopher's Path—two of Kyoto's prettiest sakura spots.

*Trip.Best is an AI-curated travel list on Trip.com that helps global travellers find the best experiences, including flights, hotels, attractions, restaurants, nightlife, and shows. It highlights the top 1% of products based on an algorithm that analyses user reviews and other data.

• Lesser-known Japanese cities bloom as sakura spotters seek out less crowds
• China and Korea are gaining interest as alternative cherry blossom destinations
• Tranquil ryokans emerge as favoured accommodation for a quieter sakura experience

SINGAPORE, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As cherry blossoms begin to bloom as March approaches, travellers seeking a less-crowded sakura spotting experience are flocking to lesser-known cities in Japan to get their flower fix. While the Japanese cherry blossom season remains a top draw, this year, bookings for off-the-beaten-path and alternative locations beyond Japan are seeing significant growth, reflecting the rising demand for more peaceful and unique experiences in the heart of spring.

Japan's Lesser-Known Sakura Spots Are Seeing a Surge in Demand

The "big three" cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto continue to be favourites, with Trip.com Group revealing triple-digit booking growth year-on-year during the sakura season. Of popular cities, Sendai, Kanazawa and Aomori also reflected the most year-on-year growth during the season.

Here's a list of when cherry blossoms will bloom in chronological order, according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast:

Interestingly, more travellers are seeking out lesser-known destinations for a quieter cherry blossom experience.

Toyohashi has seen a staggering 2300% YoY growth, drawing visitors to attractions like Mukaiyama Greenery Park's Plum Tree Orchard and Yoshida Castle in Toyohashi Park. Coastal Itoshima (1500% YoY) is emerging as a hidden gem, home to scenic sakura spots such as Kafuri Park, which boasts 500 cherry trees and panoramic views of Funakoshi Bay and Mt. Kaya. Meanwhile, Yakushima (900% YoY) offers a truly special experience—cherry blossom viewing within a UNESCO-listed ancient forest.

Top Cities Searched for Sakura Season & Key Visitor Trends

Search patterns highlight the diverse range of traveller preferences for Japan's iconic "hanami" (flower viewing parties). Major urban hubs like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Yokohama dominate searches for "cherry blossom" and "sakura" related searches, indicating travellers are still keen on popular city itineraries with cherry blossom spotting as one of the highlights. Meanwhile, lesser-known locations such as Ureshino, Kagoshima, and Yuzawa have also made it to the top ten list.

Searches in different languages indicate varied traveller origins; for example, English and Mandarin speakers drive Tokyo's demand, while Korean interest is strong for Nago.

Overall, travel flows to Japan during sakura season (besides domestic flows) hail from the Asia Pacific region, with Hong Kong SAR, Korea, Taiwan region, Thailand and Singapore being the top source markets in terms of booking volume. Outside of Asia, travellers from the US (138.70% YoY growth), UK (137.11%) and Australia (156.54%) are also fast growing. Millennials comprise the bulk of travellers, comprising almost half of the booking volume.

Emerging International Cherry Blossom Destinations

While Japan remains a cherry blossom travel hub, more international travellers are seeking alternative locations to experience the floral spectacle. Across Southeast Asia and China, hidden gems are emerging with breathtaking displays that rival Japan's parks. Cherry blossoms in Korea are also fast gaining attention.

Some top alternative Cherry Blossom destinations for 2025 include:

• Alishan, Taiwan region – A stunning mountain landscape where cherry blossoms bloom in the early spring.
• Wuhan & Beijing, Mainland China â€“ Famous cherry blossom parks like East Lake (Wuhan) and Yuyuantan Park (Beijing) are emerging as must-visit locations.
• Jinhae, South Korea â€“ The site of the famous Cherry Blossom Festival, where blossoms blanket the entire city.

Among the most-searched destinations outside Japan are Wuxi and Wuhan in Mainland China, Seoul and Gyeongju in South Korea, as well as Nantou and Chiayi in Taiwan region. In South Korea, Gyeongju has seen a remarkable 211.48% surge in bookings this season, while Taiwan region's Alishan Scenic Area in Chiayi County has experienced a 171.01% year-on-year increase, drawing visitors to its mountain blooms from mid-March to mid-April.

Similarly, bookings to Wuhan, Mainland China, have risen by 155.87%, with travellers flocking to East Lake and Wuhan University for their stunning cherry blossoms. Notably, 'Wuhan cherry blossoms' ranks among the top five search queries from international visitors, highlighting its growing appeal with more than 100 spots for cherry blossom viewing.

The Wellness and Alternative Accommodation Trend During Sakura Season

As the demand for off-the-beaten-path experiences grows, so does the rise in alternative accommodations and wellness tourism. Bookings for onsen ryokan and boutique hotels in lesser-known cherry blossom locations have surged, as visitors opt for serene, culturally immersive stays that offer breathtaking views away from the crowds.

In particular, scenic regions such as Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go are seeing this rise in demand.

Luxury and boutique accommodations with private onsens, seasonal kaiseki cuisine, and mountainous scenery are particularly popular this year. Traditional stays like Mt. Fuji View Onsen Ooike Hotel, hot spring hotel Setsugetsuka in Hakone near the blossom-filled Hakone Gora Park, and traditional inn Onyado Yuinosho in Shirakawa-go are attracting visitors looking for an authentic Japanese experience paired with springtime beauty.

As for popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, accommodation preferences lean close to parks and rivers. According to Trip.Best* data, one of the most booked hotels is the luxurious The Tokyo Edition, Ginza, close to Hibiya Park, a peaceful cherry blossom spot. Similarly, Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo is close to Chidori-ga-fuchi, a picturesque 700-meter promenade along the Imperial Palace moat, famous for cherry blossoms.

In Kyoto, Trip.Best's top-ranked Kamo Residences by Reflections is located near the Kamogawa River, offering stunning riverside views. Another top option is Dusit Thani Kyoto located near both Maruyama Park and the Philosopher's Path—two of Kyoto's prettiest sakura spots.

*Trip.Best is an AI-curated travel list on Trip.com that helps global travellers find the best experiences, including flights, hotels, attractions, restaurants, nightlife, and shows. It highlights the top 1% of products based on an algorithm that analyses user reviews and other data.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Sakura Beyond the Crowds: Lesser-known Cities Shine in Cherry Blossom Season 2025

Sakura Beyond the Crowds: Lesser-known Cities Shine in Cherry Blossom Season 2025

Sakura Beyond the Crowds: Lesser-known Cities Shine in Cherry Blossom Season 2025

Sakura Beyond the Crowds: Lesser-known Cities Shine in Cherry Blossom Season 2025

Sakura Beyond the Crowds: Lesser-known Cities Shine in Cherry Blossom Season 2025

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Roborock, the global leader in home robotics engineered to simplify daily life, became the most awarded Robotic Vacuum Brand at CES 2026, after announcing its new product line-up for the first half of the year. Under the theme "The Greatest Meeting the Greatest", the brand's keynote presentation led by Roborock's President, Quan Gang, unveiled the Saros Rover, the world's first robotic vacuum with AI-powered wheel-leg architecture that can both navigate stairs and slopes with human-like agility while cleaning them.

Announcements also included the Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, Roborock F25 ACE Pro, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow. These launches happened in partnership with Real Madrid Football Club for the Vacuum Cleaner category, announced ahead of the show's starting date.

Roborock also announced separate to the Real Madrid partnership its entry into the US market for lawnmower products, including the new RockMow X1 LiDAR. Consumers, clients, and interested parties can visit Roborock's Booth #52632 at Venetian Expo CES 2026 from January 6 to January 9th during show hours.

Roborock Saros Rover - The World's First Wheel-Leg Robovac

In a world-first, Roborock introduced at CES 2026 the Roborock Saros Rover, featuring the world's first two-wheel-leg architecture in a robovac. Each wheel-leg provides reach, lift, height, and imitates human mobility, enabling the robot to raise and lower each one of the wheel-legs independently, execute small jumps, agile turns, sudden stops, and directional changes, all while maintaining a level body as the ground changes.

At a software level, Saros Rover harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence algorithms, in conjunction with complex motion sensors and 3D spatial information to understand its environment and make its wheel-legs react with precision.

The Saros Rover excels in multi-storey homes, where it is able to clean each one of the steps of a staircase as it goes to the second floor, dramatically reducing "no-go" zones and transitioning into cleaning areas previously inaccessible for homes with a single robovac.

The Saros Rover is able to tackle several types of non-flat surfaces, with staircases being the most obvious one. This includes not only traditional staircases but also curved staircases, or even carpeted staircases with bullnose fronts, all while cleaning each one of their steps as it navigates through them. Other types of surfaces that Saros Rover is able to tackle include slopes as well as complex multi-level room thresholds requiring height and power.  Saros Rover is a real product in development with an unconfirmed launch date.

The Greatest Meeting The Greatest - Roborock and Real Madrid Football Club join hands

Announced days before the show's beginning, Roborock presents at CES its first activation within the strategic global partnership with Real Madrid Football Club's First Men and First Women teams, widely ranked as one of the greatest football clubs in history. The partnership is solely related to Roborock's extensive portfolio of Vacuum Cleaner products and excludes other product lines from the brand. Under the umbrella theme of "The Greatest Meeting The Greatest", the partnership responds to a deep affinity between the brand ethos of both organizations, which have achieved remarkable historical performance with innovation as common denominator. The partnership will bring Roborock's smart-cleaning innovations to life through stadium exposure, campaigns and player-led storytelling that translate the meaning of "Real Smart Cleaning" from the pitch to the home.

Roborock's early 2026 Robovac line-up: Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow

At its keynote, Clarbi Lu, product marketing lead at Roborock, unveiled new smart cleaning products launching in the first half of the year. Leading the lineup are the Roborock Saros 20 and Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, the latest flagship models in the Saros Series. Saros 20 upgrades the StarSight™ Autonomous System 2.0 with enhanced AI object recognition and a new AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 for improved threshold climbing. Saros 20 Sonic adds RetractSense™ Navigation, an ultra-slim body, and the VibraRise® 5.0 Mopping System. Both use a 35,000 Pa HyperForce® motor and a new RockDock®. The Qrevo Series also expands with the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow.

Rockmow X1 LiDAR, X1, RockNeo Q1 lead the Roborock North American Roll-Out of Lawnmowers

Roborock has announced its North American expansion into the lawnmower category with three key models. The flagship RockMow X1 LiDAR features Sentisphere™ LiDAR Environmental Perception, 4WD traction, and Active Steering for flawless coverage. Alternatively, the RockMow X1 utilizes RTK and VSLAM navigation alongside a Dynamic Suspension System for industry-leading edge cutting. For smaller gardens, the entry-level RockNeo Q1 makes smart care accessible by combining RTK + VSLAM navigation with Stereo Vision Obstacle Avoidance.

For pricing and availiability, please contact your local Roborock sales or communications representative.

About Roborock

Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. Having become the #1 best-selling robotic vacuum cleaner brand according to IDC*, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, robotic lawn mowers and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in millions of homes across more than 170 countries and regions. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. As of 2026, Roborock serves more than 22 million households. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Roborock, the global leader in home robotics engineered to simplify daily life, became the most awarded Robotic Vacuum Brand at CES 2026, after announcing its new product line-up for the first half of the year. Under the theme "The Greatest Meeting the Greatest", the brand's keynote presentation led by Roborock's President, Quan Gang, unveiled the Saros Rover, the world's first robotic vacuum with AI-powered wheel-leg architecture that can both navigate stairs and slopes with human-like agility while cleaning them.

Announcements also included the Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, Roborock F25 ACE Pro, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow. These launches happened in partnership with Real Madrid Football Club for the Vacuum Cleaner category, announced ahead of the show's starting date.

Roborock also announced separate to the Real Madrid partnership its entry into the US market for lawnmower products, including the new RockMow X1 LiDAR. Consumers, clients, and interested parties can visit Roborock's Booth #52632 at Venetian Expo CES 2026 from January 6 to January 9th during show hours.

Roborock Saros Rover - The World's First Wheel-Leg Robovac

In a world-first, Roborock introduced at CES 2026 the Roborock Saros Rover, featuring the world's first two-wheel-leg architecture in a robovac. Each wheel-leg provides reach, lift, height, and imitates human mobility, enabling the robot to raise and lower each one of the wheel-legs independently, execute small jumps, agile turns, sudden stops, and directional changes, all while maintaining a level body as the ground changes.

At a software level, Saros Rover harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence algorithms, in conjunction with complex motion sensors and 3D spatial information to understand its environment and make its wheel-legs react with precision.

The Saros Rover excels in multi-storey homes, where it is able to clean each one of the steps of a staircase as it goes to the second floor, dramatically reducing "no-go" zones and transitioning into cleaning areas previously inaccessible for homes with a single robovac.

The Saros Rover is able to tackle several types of non-flat surfaces, with staircases being the most obvious one. This includes not only traditional staircases but also curved staircases, or even carpeted staircases with bullnose fronts, all while cleaning each one of their steps as it navigates through them. Other types of surfaces that Saros Rover is able to tackle include slopes as well as complex multi-level room thresholds requiring height and power.  Saros Rover is a real product in development with an unconfirmed launch date.

The Greatest Meeting The Greatest - Roborock and Real Madrid Football Club join hands

Announced days before the show's beginning, Roborock presents at CES its first activation within the strategic global partnership with Real Madrid Football Club's First Men and First Women teams, widely ranked as one of the greatest football clubs in history. The partnership is solely related to Roborock's extensive portfolio of Vacuum Cleaner products and excludes other product lines from the brand. Under the umbrella theme of "The Greatest Meeting The Greatest", the partnership responds to a deep affinity between the brand ethos of both organizations, which have achieved remarkable historical performance with innovation as common denominator. The partnership will bring Roborock's smart-cleaning innovations to life through stadium exposure, campaigns and player-led storytelling that translate the meaning of "Real Smart Cleaning" from the pitch to the home.

Roborock's early 2026 Robovac line-up: Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow

At its keynote, Clarbi Lu, product marketing lead at Roborock, unveiled new smart cleaning products launching in the first half of the year. Leading the lineup are the Roborock Saros 20 and Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, the latest flagship models in the Saros Series. Saros 20 upgrades the StarSight™ Autonomous System 2.0 with enhanced AI object recognition and a new AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 for improved threshold climbing. Saros 20 Sonic adds RetractSense™ Navigation, an ultra-slim body, and the VibraRise® 5.0 Mopping System. Both use a 35,000 Pa HyperForce® motor and a new RockDock®. The Qrevo Series also expands with the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow.

Rockmow X1 LiDAR, X1, RockNeo Q1 lead the Roborock North American Roll-Out of Lawnmowers

Roborock has announced its North American expansion into the lawnmower category with three key models. The flagship RockMow X1 LiDAR features Sentisphere™ LiDAR Environmental Perception, 4WD traction, and Active Steering for flawless coverage. Alternatively, the RockMow X1 utilizes RTK and VSLAM navigation alongside a Dynamic Suspension System for industry-leading edge cutting. For smaller gardens, the entry-level RockNeo Q1 makes smart care accessible by combining RTK + VSLAM navigation with Stereo Vision Obstacle Avoidance.

For pricing and availiability, please contact your local Roborock sales or communications representative.

About Roborock

Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. Having become the #1 best-selling robotic vacuum cleaner brand according to IDC*, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, robotic lawn mowers and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in millions of homes across more than 170 countries and regions. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. As of 2026, Roborock serves more than 22 million households. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club

CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club

CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club

CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club

CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club