Spring has arrived, and with it comes cherry blossoms. These delicate flowers bathe parks and streets in pink and white tones.
Although native to Japan, there are still many destinations around the globe where cherry blossoms can be seen. Tip: Try to plan a longer trip. Flowering time varies depending on the weather, and the flowering period usually lasts about two weeks.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Best time to visit: late March to early April
Tokyo is one of the best places to capture these delicate flowers. As the weather warms up, thousands of cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the city, shops roll out everything cherry blossom-themed, and the festival begins to climax. This magical moment occurs once a year (sometimes twice) – making the cherry blossom season one of the best times to visit Japan.
Like a local, picnic under the pink petals of the popular Ueno Park. Go early and grab a good spot. For equally iconic views, visit the Meguro River, especially the Nakameguro Canal. At night, soft lights illuminate the flowers, providing an unforgettable view.
Make the most of the cherry blossom season on a 3-hour e-bike tour that takes you to Tokyo's popular and lesser-known cherry blossom viewing spots. Or sign up for a cherry blossom tour at the Matsuda Winter Cherry Blossom Festival. Spoiler: With Mt. Fuji in the background, you will see gorgeous flowers.
2. Japan Kyoto
When spring comes, Kyoto becomes a particularly scenic cherry blossom destination. Beautiful flowers grow between ancient temples and shrines, creating a stunning sight.
Some of the best floral displays can be found in Arashiyama, Philosopher's Way, and Maruyama Park (where the iconic weeping cherry blossom trees are located). But quieter places like Hirano Shrine and Takase River are also worth a visit. They offer a zen atmosphere, as well as wonderful flowers.
Experience the flowers like a local on this private, personalized tour. You will taste seasonal dishes with your host and learn more about the iconic flowers. For beginners, taking this cherry blossom tour is a quick and easy way to see the best spots in Kyoto.
3. Washington, DC
The Tidal Basin shines in spring for two reasons. First, there are more than 3,000 cherry blossom trees in bloom. The second is the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This month-long gala party brings exciting events such as parades and cultural performances.
Take a two-hour cherry blossom bike tour and bypass the reservoir. Or take your time around the city and visit Washington, DC's must-see landmarks. For those who live in neighboring states, take part in a day trip to Washington. These tours depart from New York and Virginia.
4. Paris, France
Best time to visit: late March to mid-April
Paris is particularly charming in spring. The streets are full of jazz festivals and live music, and you'll see locals and tourists picnicking beside the Eiffel Tower. It's also the perfect time to enjoy the spring flowers, from fragrant wisteria to the most dreamy cherry blossoms.
For the best view of the cherry blossoms, head to Trocadero Garden or Champ de Mars. Or take the train to Parc de Sceaux and admire the flowers without the crowds.
5. Taipei, Taiwan
Best time to visit: Mid-February to early April
During the cherry blossom season, Taipei's lush greenery is covered with pink petals. One of the best places to see this lovely phenomenon is Wuji Tianyuan Temple. Travelers recommend going early for a crowd-free experience.
Yangmingshan National Park is another place to visit. Enjoy a quiet stroll or join the locals for the annual Yangmingshan Cherry Blossom Festival. Activities range from art exhibitions to dance competitions.
If you're short on time, book this cherry blossom day trip and explore Taipei's cherry blossom hotspots in a comfortable bus or minivan.
6. Stockholm, Sweden
Best time to visit: Mid-April to late-April
Located in the heart of Stockholm, the King's Garden is home to more than 60 cherry trees – a generous gift from Japan to King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden in 1998. At the peak of bloom, the trees form a delicate canopy of pastel pink flowers, giving the city wonderful pop colors.
Fancy a more dreamy experience? Head to Bysistorget Square. There are many open-air cafes where you can dine under the flowers.
7. Brooklyn, New York City
Best time to visit: Early April to late April
Spring brings a different atmosphere to New York City. With the arrival of sunny days and warm temperatures, cherry blossoms bloom in Big Apple.
For the best views, take a stroll through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. There are 26 types of cherry trees – check out the beautiful cherry tracker, which lets you know when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. A quieter option is Green-Wood Cemetery, right next to the Valley Water pond.
8. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is especially romantic during the cherry blossom season. In Yeouido Park, Yunjunro Street (behind the National Assembly Hall) is lined with rows of cherry blossom trees. Another great place to enjoy the blossoms is Lake Seokmura.
If you're into surprises, join this mystery tour to discover three top cherry blossom viewing spots handpicked by your guide. Otherwise, renting hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) gives free entry to five palaces, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Good news: these are also major cherry blossom spots.
9. Curitiba, Brazil
Best time to visit: July-August
Yes, there are also cherry blossoms in South America! This is thanks to the thousands of Japanese who immigrated to Brazil in the early 1900s. Many of them brought cherry blossom saplings, which they planted all over the country.
Today, Curitiba, the capital of Paraná, is a great place to see the flowers. The Curitiba Botanical Garden is as popular as the Japanese Garden.
10. Vancouver, Canada
Best time to visit: Early April to mid-April
Almost every street in Vancouver turns pink in spring. This is not surprising considering that there are 43,000 cherry blossom trees scattered throughout the city. Use this live map to find flowers near you, or sign up for a private Vancouver city tour. It covers some of Vancouver's best cherry blossom viewing spots, such as Stanley Park and Van Dusen Botanical Gardens.
While you're in town, don't miss the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Each year, they host a series of community events to celebrate the blooming of flowers, from yoga workshops to theatrical performances.
11. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Pack a picnic and head to Amsteffen Cherry Garden, in Amsterdam Woods. There you will find a grove of 400 beautiful cherry blossom trees – donated by the Japan Women's Club. Interestingly, each tree has a female Japanese or Dutch name,
12. Sao Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is home to the largest community of Japanese descent outside of Japan. So it's no surprise that this exciting city is a great place to enjoy the blossoms – especially if you miss out on the blossoms in March or April.
Head to Camo Park, located on the east side. During this season, locals celebrate the cherry blossom festival with events such as folk dances and food fairs. On the west side of the city, take a look at Parque das Cerejeira.
13. Portland, Oregon
Portland may be known as the "City of Roses," but it's also one of the best places in the United States to see cherry blossoms. Just stroll through Tom McCall Waterfront Park and you'll see why. If you're planning a picnic, you can grab some food from the nearby Pine Street Market.
Other tranquil cherry blossom spots include Lansu Chinese Garden and Portland Japanese Garden. The latter also has a lovely café where you can enjoy tea and delicious desserts.