The fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms continues to draw Filipino travelers each spring, but 72 percent of them still miss the blooms despite careful planning. That’s according to a new survey by Klook.
The travel platform is rolling out a “No Bloom No Gloom” guarantee this year to address the growing frustration of sakura chasers.
Spring remains a popular season for Filipinos, with 70 percent planning trips to catch cherry blossoms in destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Mainland China. Photo opportunities, scenic natural spots, and historic landmarks are among the top draws for travelers.
Japan leads as the most preferred destination, with 82 percent of Filipino travelers selecting it, along with 78 percent of global travelers. However, social media is influencing choices, with 68 percent of respondents now open to visiting other countries for cherry blossoms. Notably, interest in Mainland China has grown sevenfold compared to previous years, according to Klook. The study also found that 7 in 10 Filipino travelers were unaware that Mainland China has its own cherry blossom season.
The challenge of catching cherry blossoms at peak bloom is becoming harder due to unpredictable weather. Sakura flowers typically last only 10 days, and recent temperature shifts have made planning more difficult. Last year, Japan experienced unusual weather, including a delayed winter and warmer summers, pushing cherry blossom season 15 days later than forecasted. Mount Fuji, meanwhile, recorded no snow in November for the first time in 130 years.
Common challenges for travelers include identifying the best bloom spots, predicting the right time, and dealing with higher travel costs during the spring season. Despite these, nearly half of Filipino travelers said they were willing to spend at least 20 percent more on cherry blossom trips compared to other travel activities.
To address these concerns, Klook launched its “No Bloom No Gloom” campaign, offering a guarantee to travelers who fail to see cherry blossoms during their booked Japan tours.
Under the program, travelers who book a seasonal Japan tour through the campaign page and fail to spot any cherry blossoms during the expected bloom period can submit a photo for verification by April 6. Eligible participants will receive a promo code of up to 50 percent off their next Klook tour booking, valid for one year and capped at $25.
Klook is also offering up to four times the KlookCash rewards for bookings on tours, hotels, car rentals, and transportation in select destinations during the campaign period.
More information about the “No Bloom No Gloom” guarantee is available on Klook’s website.