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Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the Spring
Wondering where the best places to see cherry blossoms in the spring are located? Seeing the trees bloom is a popular springtime event that requires planning. The blooming period is between early March and early April. 70% of the trees bloom between March 15th and April 1st. The cherry blossom symbolizes youth, attractiveness, and how short life is. The flowers peek two weeks after blooming and then start to fall. Flowers range from white or light pink to dark scarlet. They have a faint bittersweet smell. Cherry trees are bred to produce flowers. They may also produce a small cherry too sour for people to eat, but birds love them. The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan and 5 million travel to Japan for the blooms. In 1915 the Mayor of Tokyo gave the US 3000 cherry trees to be planted around the Tidal Basin in Washington DC. Every spring 1.5 million people travel to Washington DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. I asked a group of travel bloggers where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in the spring, here is what they said.
Read: Best Destinations for a Spring Getaway
Central Park New York City
My favorite place to see cherry blossoms in bloom is in Central Park in New York City. I was lucky to get to see the blooms two years in a row, though it’s tricky business as I live across the country and have to book a flight well before I know when the blooms will be at their peak! It’s a fun challenge, though. Central Park is magnificent, and there are so many sections with different flowers and plants. I stumbled upon this magical grove of cherry blossoms a few years ago, conveniently near my friend’s apartment. It’s such a beautiful area! We packed a picnic and sat underneath the trees while it snowed petals all over, dusting the ground and everything around us in shades of pink. New York City is abloom in the springtime, and this area is one of my favorite places in Central Park. I have seen cherry blossoms in other areas in the U.S. like Washington D.C. and Minneapolis, but New York City is my favorite. I walk through it every year hoping to catch the cherry blossom trees at their peak. When you catch it, there’s nothing like it.
Sam from My Flying Leap
Berlin Germany
Berlin might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about cherry blossoms, but it’s definitely an interesting city to see them. There are a few groups of trees scattered all around the city, but the best place to see them is in a park in the southwest corner of the city. The story goes that after the wall came down in 1989, a Japanese TV station asked viewers to help raise money so they could donate cherry blossom trees to Berlin. These trees were given to the city as a celebration of German reunification. They were planted in two different parts of the city, both where the wall once stood.
The section of cherry blossom trees in the Lichterfelde area is the bigger of the two areas, and it’s now a gorgeous park with trees stretching for 2km (1.25 miles). People ride bikes here or grab a beer and have a picnic, and in April there’s a cherry blossom festival held here. It’s not always predictable when they will bloom, but it’s usually for about 1-2 weeks. The closest transport stop is the Lichterfelde Süd Sbahn station, and then it’s a short walk.
Ali from Craft Beer in Berlin
Prague Czech Republic
Prague in spring beautifully blossoms with cherry trees. The most eye-catching ones are Japanese Sakuras which are planted all over the city. What’s even better – if you come to Prague on May 1st, you may witness couples kissing under the trees! It’s a Czech tradition to kiss a woman under a blossoming cherry tree on May 1st for her to remain fertile throughout the year. Many streets in Prague, especially in the Vinohrady district, are lined with cherry trees. I like the end of Šafaříkova Street, but they’re all over. Also a little on the outskirts of Prague, in the Troja district right next to the Prague Zoo, there’s the Troja Chateau. A beautiful chateau with stunning gardens, it has the highest concentration of Japanese Sakura trees in Prague. The gardens are open every day except Monday. Bear in mind the blossoming cannot be timed. It’s supposed to happen at the end of April or the beginning of May, but it can largely differ. In 2019, the trees were blooming already at the beginning of April! Since Prague winter of 2019/2020 has been unusually mild, spring might come even sooner and so will the cherries blossom a lot sooner too.
Veronika from Travel Geekery
Japanese Gardens in Fort Worth
You probably didn’t think you can find Cherry Blossoms in Texas! If you are in the Dallas Fort Worth area during spring, you can’t miss visiting the Japanese garden in Fort Worth. Located inside the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens which is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Texas, the Japanese garden is a little off the beaten path. The Botanic Garden is home to more than 2,500 species of plants in its 20 different specialty gardens. The Japanese garden is one of the specialty gardens inside. The Japanese garden has many elements like rock lanterns, bamboo plants, a few bonsai trees, a koi pond, and beautiful water features. It is one of my favorite places to see cherry blossoms. Make sure to check before you go, they hold tea ceremonies and other festivities to coincide with the peak bloom season. It is such a small window to go see the cherry blossoms that typically reach full bloom in mid to late March. The Gardens are lovely in summer as well and a great place to stop for an afternoon stroll. There is a Zen Rock Garden with stones which presents a perfect opportunity for some meditation. After spending time at the Japanese gardens, plan to visit other places in Fort Worth. From Saloons, Stockyards, and Rodeos to Jazz and world-class art museums there are wonderful things to do in Fort Worth.
Priya from Outside Suburbia
Kyoto Japan
Kyoto is one of the most popular cherry blossom destinations in the world. Tourists and locals alike flock here in the spring (usually early April) to see the famous sakura. The cherry blossoms are everywhere in Kyoto—along canals and rivers, in parks and temples, and brightening up streets all over the city. It’s a magical sight with a festive atmosphere. Although it is very crowded in popular sakura spots, you can avoid the crowds by getting up early and seeking out less visited areas. Some of the best places to see the cherry blossoms are the Philosopher’s Path in northern Higashiyama, the Shirakawa Canal in Gion, and the Kamogawa River which runs through the city. After walking along the Philosopher’s Path, head to Yoshida Hill where there are many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines without the crowds. At Takenaka Inari Shrine you’ll find the classic Japanese image of a row of red torii gates framed with white cherry blossoms. Shinnyodo Temple and Konkai-Komyoji Temple are also good spots to admire the blossoms without the masses. See my guide to visiting the Kyoto cherry blossoms for more recommended sakura spots.
Erin from Never Ending Voyage
Osaka Japan
One of the best places to see cherry blossoms is in and around Osaka in Japan. The cherry blossoms typically peak in April and there are several key spots to see them. Nishinomaru Garden in front of Osaka Castle has hundreds of cherry trees. The castle makes a great backdrop for a picnic under the trees. Another great castle that is surrounded by cherry trees is the “White Heron” castle in Himeji, about 40 minutes from Osaka. The castle, one of the top three original castles in Japan, seems to float on a cloud of pink blossoms when the trees are in bloom. Back in Osaka, The Osaka Mint has about 300 hundred trees in its garden, and this is another very popular spot to see cherry blossoms. Finally, Yoshino Mountain, about 1.5 hours away, has more than 30,000 trees cutting wide swathes of pink across the surrounding hills. The tiny town gets crowded, as this is one of the best places in the entire country for enjoying the beautiful blossoms. It’s a truly incredible sight.
James Ian from Travel Collecting
Tokyo Japan
Tokyo, Japan is one of the best destinations in the world to see cherry blossoms bloom. There are many spots in Tokyo, including parks, gardens, and riverbanks, where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing (hanami). Two of the top places in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms include Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Park. The beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a spacious and peaceful spot for relaxing walks or picnics during the daytime but there is a small admission fee. Ueno Park is one of the most popular (and also crowded) spots in Tokyo to celebrate the cherry blossoms. This public park has a festive atmosphere with people having picnics and drinking under the trees both during the day and evening. The best time to visit Tokyo for cherry blossoms varies each year but is usually from late March to early April. However, many tourists from all over the world visit Tokyo during the cherry blossom season so it is best to make travel plans well in advance.
Matilda from The Travel Sisters
Hiroshima Japan
While many tourists know about Tokyo, Kyoto, or Hokkaido, there’s one place that could be easily overlooked in Japan, and it’s the best place to see cherry blossoms in spring – and it’s Hiroshima. I had a great day celebrating the cherry blossom bloom in Hiroshima: The Hiroshima castle, which is located in the city center, is a good place to start. Drop by Shukkeien, a traditional Japanese Garden, for a night viewing; The blossoms look quite different with specific lighting effects and ponds, pavilions, and bridges. If you are looking for more, venture to the outskirt of Hiroshima to Miyajima, where the shrine has a giant Torii gate at the waterfront. You may either take a boat to get close to the gate or simply walk toward there, depending on the tides. Going a little bit farther, visit Iwakuni. The Kintaikyo Bridge is a historic wooden bridge that straddles the Iwakuni River and it’s a perfect photo-taking spot with the cherry blossom framing your pictures with the bridge.
Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Bonn Germany
Surprisingly in sleepy Bonn, the former west capital of Germany, you’ll find one of the most photographed spots in the country. The now Insta-famous Heerstrasse (Heer Street) in the Bonn Old Town, is an absolute must-visit destination during the spring bloom of the candyfloss pink cherry blossoms, and one of the top things to do in Bonn. For a few weeks of the year, this cobbled street becomes awash with camera-toting locals and tourists, desperately trying to get the perfect shot. What’s even better than the beautiful blossoms out on display is that the arrival of the flowers marks the start of spring, and almost an awakening of the city from the sleepy, cold winter months. If you’re around at weekends you may well see local residents selling arts and crafts on the pavement, or just putting out kitchen tables and chairs to have a cup of coffee and a chat on the side of the street. What’s more, the cherry blossoms are so famous in Bonn that the city hosts an annual competition for the best pictures of the flowering trees! Get your entries in if you do find yourself in this captivating city. Insider tip: This street is already a busy residential street and the cherry blossoms attract thousands of visitors. So, if you want to get a great photo, you need to get there very early!
James from The Travel Scribes
London England
There are a few different varieties of cherry blossoms in London, and the earliest bloomers start to show their colors as early as the middle of February. Two trees, in particular, have become known as harbingers of spring and are quite popular Instagram spots. The first stands outside a house with a pink door on Portobello Road, and the second is just outside the South Kensington underground station.
Other varieties will bloom later, usually sometime in April, although the exact dates do change every year depending on the weather. St. Paul’s Cathedral has a couple of cherry trees out front and offers a very photogenic backdrop. London’s parks are also obvious places to search for blooms, and Kew Gardens, Kensington Gardens, and St. James’s Park all put on a good show.
Another great spot is inside Greenwich Park, where cherry trees line both sides of the path that leads to a villa known as Ranger’s House, which is now a museum. Now that you’ve worked up an appetite with all that blossom hunting, you’ll be glad to know that just around the corner is Greenwich Market. The stalls here serve up some of London’s best street food, with lots of vegan and vegetarian options.
Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan
Madrid Spain
During my first visit to Europe, I made sure to see as many of my favorite cities as the duration of my Schengen Countries Visa would allow. My time in Madrid was a highlight, and having visited in Spring I was fortunate to witness the city’s cherry blossom burst into life. The best place to witness this spectacle is at the Parque Quinta de Los Molinos. This historic park, found in the eastern part of the city, showcases hundreds of blossoming cherry trees that make for a great refuge from the hustle of the city. It is pretty easy to get here by taking line 5 and getting off at Suanzes station. Normally, the cherry blossoms appear in March and the blooming season is very short, lasting for just about a few weeks. Other spots to enjoy this sight are Parque del Retiro, Esta es Una Plaza, and Calle Miguel Servet.
Rai from A Rai of Light
Copenhagen Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark is a fantastic place to see cherry blossoms in the spring. Any Copenhagen spring guide should remind visitors of the annual Sakura Festival. Each April, Copenhagen celebrates the blossoming of the cherry trees with a weekend celebration in Langelinie Park. The park is located close to Copenhagen’s cruise port terminal, but is most famous for the statue of The Little Mermaid found there. This makes it a great place to visit at any time of the year, but with the cherry blossoms of April, it’s magical. The park is on a gently sloping hill that leads down to the waterfront of Copenhagen Harbor. With the surrounding cherry blossoms, it’s a true sight to see. Langelinie Park isn’t the only place to view Copenhagen’s cherry blossoms. If you’d like an “off the beaten path” cherry blossom experience, Bispebjerg Cemetery is just the place. While it seems like an unlikely destination in Copenhagen, the cemetery is full of life most days. While it’s a traditional place of rest, the municipal cemetery is open to the public and popular for picnics and recreational use. In the spring, it’s frequented by visitors observing the cherry blossom tree. The cemetery is located in Copenhagen’s Nordvest (North West) district and easily reached by public transportation.
Derek and Mike from Everything Copenhagen
Amsterdam
After living in Amsterdam for nearly seven years, I still find it hard to pick my favorite season here, but spring is definitely in the top two, not least because of the amazing blooms you can see at this time of year, and I’m not just talking about the tulips. The cherry blossom in Amsterdam is pretty epic and is more of an unexpected surprise to visitors who come in late March and April for the tulips but end up just as much in awe of the cherry and spring blossom. The best place to see cherry blossoms in Amsterdam is definitely the Kersenbloesempark (or Cherry Blossom Park) in Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Woods). This special garden of Japanese sakura trees was gifted to the city of Amsterdam by the Japanese Women’s Club and each of the 400 trees has a name with half having Dutch names and the other half Japanese names. Closer to the city you can find cherry, magnolia, and other spring blossoms on trees across the city, especially in the neighborhoods just outside the main ring canals like Oud Zuid (Old South) and De Pijp, and there are blossom trees in most of the city’s parks, but especially Westerpark. There’s even a small patch of cherry blossom trees in Museum Square, just next to the Van Gogh Museum.
Frankie From As the Bird Flies
Alamut Valley Iran
For most Iran would already be an off the beaten path destination and the Alamut Valley even more so. This beautiful remote mountain valley north of Tehran is especially famous for its ancient castles, but also for its cherry blossom villages that bloom in spring. It might surprise you to hear that Iran is a great destination to see cherry blossoms, but the country is not only about the desert and Islamic architecture. There are mountains too with incredible nature. and the Alamut valley is a wonderful place in spring when temperatures warm up and the cherry blossom trees are blooming. One of the best villages to see the cherry blossoms is Gazor khan where the sides of the streets turn white in spring. This village has a simple guesthouse and is the starting point of many hikes in the area. Above the village, you will find the ruins of the ancient castle of the assassins. It’s an easy walk up the mountains where you have a beautiful view over the valley below.
Ellis from Backpack Adventures
Toronto Ontario
You’d probably never guess that Toronto, Ontario is a hotspot for cherry blossoms in Canada. With over 2000 trees across the city, there are plenty of places to enjoy these spring blossoms while exploring Canada’s most visited city. How did Toronto get so many cherry trees? Over 60 years ago, the Japanese ambassador to Canada gifted these trees to the city of Toronto as a thank you for accepting relocated Japanese-Canadians after the Second World War. While there are over 15 destinations within Toronto to see cherry blossoms in the spring, the most well-known spot would be High Park. Located west of the downtown core, locals and visitors alike flock to High Park to enjoy the highest concentration of cherry trees within the city. It’s definitely a sight to see, but I have to say my favorite spot to find cherry blossoms in Toronto is Trinity Bellwoods Park. Why? You can enjoy views of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower amongst these beautiful pink flowers! If you still haven’t gotten your sakura fix, you can check out these additional places to see cherry blossoms in Ontario.
Lindsay from I’ve Been Bit!
Jinhae South Korea
The cherry blossom season is a huge thing in South Korea, it starts in late March and lasts about 2 or 3 weeks depending on the location. There are many different parks and locations in Seoul that are stunning during this season, but if you want to see the creme de la creme and enjoy the full cherry blossom experience, make your way to the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. During the cherry blossom season, the city organizes a yearly cherry blossom festival in different locations around the city. The festival runs for around a week and loads of events and performances happen all around the city. The best place to see the Cherry Blossoms in Jinhae is at Yeojwacheon Stream & Gyeonghwa Station. If you are only in Korea for a short time it is recommended to book an organized day trip from Seoul. This way you won’t have to worry about getting there and can just enjoy the beautiful Cherry Blossoms. Keep in mind that this is the most popular Cherry Blossom festival in Korea and that it will be very crowded.
Marie from Be Marie Korea
The University of Washington in Seattle
At the University of Washington in Seattle, you’ll find a sneaky hidden gem. What is it? An enormous grove of cherry blossom trees! Each Spring, these trees bloom fully, creating a pink wonderland right in the heart of this beautiful campus. If you are visiting Seattle in blossom-time (March-April) take the Link northward to the end of the tracks. You’ll be dropped at the University of Washington, where you’ll have a short walk to the cherry blossom grove right in the middle of campus. You’ll be SO glad you did, as this is one of the prettiest sights in the entire city, and it comes and goes so fast!
One unique thing about the Seattle cherry blossoms is that the grove is formed in a huge box shape. Therefore, even though there are quite a few people that come to see them bloom, you’ll have a huge area of the grove where you can see the blossoms uninterrupted by any crowds. Do yourself a favor and make a trip to see the cherry blossoms bloom at the University of Washington in Seattle this Spring! You will not regret it!
Zach and Julie from Ruhls of the Road
Ceres South Africa
There are very few places in South Africa where you can see cherry trees in blossom it’s just too hot to grow cherries here. But there is one place – Ceres, 130km from Cape Town, where cherry trees are abundant. The town was named after the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility. South African spring, the end of October beginning of November, is the best time to see cherry blossoms bloom in Ceres. Due to the elevation, Ceres has a unique microclimate, temperatures here are 5-10C° lower than in the rest of the province. Ceres is one of the few places in South Africa where it’s possible to see snow in winter. Even in late spring when it gets quite hot in Cape Town and surrounding areas in Ceres night temperature might drop to 0C°. Klondyke cherry farm is the main place where people come to see cherry blossoms in spring or to pick up cherries in summer. It’s possible to stay here in a cabin or to camp between the cherry trees. The best way to visit Ceres is to take a 19th-century steam train from Cape Town, that leaves every Saturday from V&A Waterfront. The scenery along the route is truly beautiful any season but in the cherry blossom time, it’s just breathtaking.
Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads
Shillong India
Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital is one of the best places in India to view your surroundings filled with beautiful Cherry blossom trees. In November, the city of Shillong is painted pink and white by the full bloom of cherry blossom trees. Unlike in many other countries, the cherry blossoms here are an attraction at the onset of winter. Every year, the Indian International Cherry Blossoms festival is held in November to celebrate the full blooms. The festival is a crowd puller and includes events like guided night walks under illuminated cherry blossoms, live musical concerts, a beauty pageant, and stalls showcasing the cuisine, wine, arts, and craft of the region. The first cherry blossom sapling was planted by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. More than 2000 saplings were planted by the state forest department gradually. What started as a simple tree plantation drive, has already caught the imagination of the locals. Today, on entering the city from Umiam, you can come face to face with hundreds of Cherry Blossoms trees that have been planted as part of the drive, giving a push to the tourism industry of the North East. The best way to reach Shillong is by flying into Guwahati and then driving to Shillong which will take approximately 2 hours.
Anwesha from Going Places With Anwesha
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