Japan and South Korea bookings rise
The draw of the Cherry Blossom season in Japan and South Korea continues to attract Kiwis to visit and see the natural extravaganza. Heidi Walker, General Manager Flight Centre New Zealand said “the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan and Korea is during their spring, particularly from the end of March to mid-April.” “Cherry blossom season is always the most popular time to travel to Japan and South Korea, though this year the interest has been unprecedented.”
Heidi also attributed the 65% rise compared to previous years to sharp airfares to Tokyo. “We’ve had some sharp airfares come to market, including a Flight Centre deal last year which could get you from Auckland to Tokyo return from $999.” “The recent weaker yen has also made Japan a more favorable destination as you can essentially get more, ‘bang for your buck’ with the New Zealand dollar.”
Flight Centre bookings to both Japan and South Korea, departing between the 1st and 15th of April 2024 (typical cherry blossom season) have almost doubled when compared to the same period in the month prior.
Heidi also says although South Korea is often less known to Kiwis than Japan as a tourist destination, it’s not to be missed. “South Korea’s capital of Seoul is essentially a less busy version of Tokyo with a perfect mix of tradition and modernity. “Seeing the traditional Korean houses, ‘Hanoks’ in Seoul, sitting amongst incredible high-rises wrapped in digital billboards is an incredible juxtapositon.”