Vietnamese demand for Japan cherry blossom tours stays strong

Tour prices to Japan range from VND30 million (US$1,140) to VND45 million ($1,710) per person.

Family groups of three to five account for 30 percent to 40 percent of bookings, with total spending per family between VND105 million ($3,990) and VND225 million ($8,551), a representative of Vietluxtour said.

"Customers are no longer just traveling to see the flowers, but are choosing tours timed to peak bloom and higher-quality services," the representative said.

Japan remains the top destination, with popular itineraries including Tokyo–Mount Fuji–Kyoto–Osaka, the person added.

BestPrice said bookings for cherry blossom tours have risen 20 percent to 30 percent from a year earlier, with Japan tours sold out by mid-February.

According to the Japan Meteorological Association, cherry blossoms are expected to begin blooming from Saturday through April 26, depending on location, with early blooms forecast in Kochi and Nagoya, followed by Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo.

Blooming is expected to peak from late March to mid-April in Osaka, Kagoshima and Sendai, before ending later in Aomori and Sapporo, it said.

South Korea is also attracting Vietnamese travelers, with tour prices ranging from VND15 million ($570) to VND25 million ($950) per person, according to companies.

The Korea Tourism Organization said cherry blossoms are expected to begin blooming in southern areas such as Busan and Jeju from March 25, moving northwards.

In Seoul, peak bloom is forecast around April 3, though timing may vary depending on weather conditions.