Few natural wonders rival the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, or sakura, as they paint cities in delicate shades of pink and white each spring. Whether you’re chasing petal-filled festivals or serene garden strolls, witnessing cherry blossoms in full bloom is a memorable experience. But where can you see cherry blossoms at their best?

While Japan and Washington D.C. are the most well-known destinations for viewing cherry blossoms, there are a number of cities around the world that celebrate these elegant blooms. Here are the best destinations with cherry blossom festivals you won’t want to miss.

Cherry blossom in Japan | Cherry blossom in Washington D.C.

1. Japan

n Tokyo, you can enjoy cherry blossoms at popular spots such as Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. These locations attract crowds, but the experience is magical, especially if you visit during a peaceful morning walk or a relaxing afternoon picnic. The cherry blossoms here are often complemented by traditional Japanese festivities, where visitors can enjoy sakura-inspired food, tea, and performances under the blooming trees.

For a more tranquil experience, Kyoto is hard to beat. Maruyama Park, with its weeping cherry tree illuminated at night, provides an enchanting atmosphere perfect for evening strolls. Kiyomizu-dera, with its ancient temple as a backdrop, creates a scene straight out of a postcard. Here, cherry blossoms bloom amidst centuries-old architecture, creating a perfect blend of nature and culture.

Best Time to Visit

The cherry blossoms in Japan typically bloom from late March to early April, depending on the weather each year.

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2. Washington D.C.

The cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. are iconic and an essential part of the city’s spring season. The National Cherry Blossom Festival draws people from around the world to the Tidal Basin, where over 3,000 cherry trees bloom against the backdrop of the Jefferson Memorial. The scene is truly breathtaking, with the soft pink flowers gently reflected in the water below. It’s an experience that’s steeped in history and beauty, symbolizing the relationship between Japan and the U.S. after the cherry trees were gifted by Japan in 1912.

During the festival, you can enjoy not only the blossoms but also cultural performances, parades, and food trucks offering everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to American springtime snacks. Early mornings or late afternoons provide a quieter time to enjoy the blossoms, as the crowds tend to gather during the day.

Best Time to Visit

The cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. typically bloom in late March to early April, coinciding with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

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3. Brooklyn, New York

If you find yourself in New York City in the spring, Brooklyn is an unexpected yet wonderful place to see cherry blossoms. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a local favorite, especially during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival held in early spring. The garden features an array of different cherry trees, including the famous Shidarezakura (weeping cherry), which drapes its branches low to the ground, creating an elegant canopy of blossoms.

Another notable cherry blossom spot is Prospect Park, where you can stroll along tree-lined paths and enjoy the flowers in a more casual setting. The combination of beautiful blooms, green spaces, and the sounds of the city in the distance provides a unique urban cherry blossom experience.

Best Time to Visit

Cherry blossoms in Brooklyn usually bloom in April.

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4. San Francisco, California

While San Francisco may not immediately come to mind for cherry blossoms, the city boasts several hidden gems where you can catch the beauty of these flowers. Golden Gate Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., features several spots filled with cherry trees, especially around Japanese Tea Garden. The peaceful ambiance of the garden, with koi-filled ponds and traditional pagodas, perfectly complements the delicate cherry blossoms.

Another great spot is Crissy Field, with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The juxtaposition of the iconic bridge and the soft pink petals of the cherry blossoms offers a striking image that’s perfect for a springtime photo op. What makes San Francisco special is the variety of cherry blossoms you can experience—whether you’re looking for a peaceful park or a dramatic backdrop with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, this city has it all.

Best Time to Visit

The cherry blossom season here typically peaks in March and April.

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5. Paris, France

While France may not be the first place that comes to mind for cherry blossoms, Paris has some stunning spots to see these delicate flowers. Jardin des Plantes is an enchanting botanical garden filled with a variety of cherry trees, including the famous Sakura varieties. Walking through the gardens during peak bloom feels like stepping into a dream, with delicate petals falling like soft rain around you.

Another charming spot is Parc de Sceaux, located just outside the city center. The park’s cherry blossom trees create a magical setting, especially near the Château de Sceaux, a magnificent 17th-century French chateau. The combination of historic architecture and the vibrant pink blossoms offers an authentic Parisian experience.

Best Time to Visit

Cherry blossoms in Paris bloom in early spring, around late March to April, with the peak season lasting a couple of weeks.

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6. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is a booming city that has been growing in popularity over the years. It’s no wonder that this colorful, green city would feature a lively Cherry Blossom Festival, drawing from the beauty of the 40,000 trees donated to the city by Japan. In 2025, the festival opens on March 28 and runs until April 23. While the festival is still young compared to other such events, the enthusiasm is extremely strong.

One of the best places to see cherry blossoms is at Queen Elizabeth Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the blossoms that fill the park. The VanDusen Botanical Garden is another gem, offering a peaceful setting to enjoy the blooms. For a more unique experience, head to the Brockton Point in Stanley Park, where you’ll find rows of cherry trees with the Vancouver skyline and mountains in the backdrop. The sight of the blossoms with the water and mountains in the distance is truly spectacular.

Best Time to Visit

Cherry blossoms in Vancouver bloom from late March to early April, with the peak bloom typically occurring in early April.

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7. South Korea

South Korea is another prime destination for cherry blossom lovers. From bustling cities to peaceful countryside, the country offers a variety of cherry blossom tree locations.

In Seoul, Yeouido Park is renowned for its cherry blossoms, with rows of trees creating a spectacular canopy of pink and white. Similarly, Namsan Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of the city surrounded by cherry trees. For something a little more off the beaten path, head to Jeju Island, where the cherry blossoms bloom earlier, starting as early as February. The island’s scenic landscapes, including the famous Hallasan Mountain, provide an unforgettable backdrop for these delicate flowers.

Best Time to Visit

Late March to mid-April is the best time to catch the cherry blossoms in South Korea.

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8. Stockholm, Sweden

Though not as famous as other cherry blossom destinations, Stockholm in Sweden offers a stunning springtime experience with its cherry trees. Kungsträdgården, a central park in Stockholm, bursts into color during cherry blossom season, and the sight of thousands of pink blossoms surrounding the park’s fountains is nothing short of magical.

What makes Stockholm’s cherry blossoms special is how they create a contrast against the often crisp, blue skies and vibrant city life. The city also hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival, making it a lively yet serene place to visit during the spring. Plus, the surrounding cafés and parks give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the blossoms at a leisurely pace.

Best Time to Visit

Stockholm’s cherry blossoms typically peak in early to mid-April, just as the city emerges from winter.

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9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

While Washington D.C. gets much of the limelight for cherry blossom season, Philadelphia is just two hours away and a top cherry-blossom-viewing destination in its own right. The city’s Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival runs mid-April and, like San Francisco, digs deep into Japanese culture to bring daily cultural workshops, classes, and contests from classic storytelling to sushi making.

The weekends are the highlight of the festival though, with Sakura Sunday hosting martial arts performances, dances, concerts, karaoke, and a ton of food. While in Philadelphia, try a lunch cruise or a dinner cruise on the ocean aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia.

Best Time to Visit

The cherry blossoms in Philadelphia bloom around April.

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10. China

China is home to several stunning cherry blossom spots. The city of Wuhan hosts one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in China, attracting thousands of visitors each spring. The East Lake Cherry Blossom Park in Wuhan offers a spectacular cherry blossom viewing experience. With over 10,000 cherry trees, the park transforms into a sea of pink each spring.

Another must-visit location is Nanjing, where the Purple Mountain is home to thousands of cherry trees. Here, you can explore the ancient architecture of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge while surrounded by the delicate blooms. For those interested in more traditional Chinese gardens, Hangzhou’s West Lake offers a serene environment where cherry trees add a soft splash of color to the already picturesque landscape.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Wuhan for cherry blossoms is from mid-March to early April, depending on the weather.

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11. Bonn, Germany

Located near Dusseldorf and Cologne, this small German city has lined Heerstrasse – aka Cherry Blossom Avenue – with gorgeous trees that bloom in mid-April for roughly 2-3 weeks. The Bonn Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the city’s Alley of Cherry Trees into a canopy of pink, creating an awe-inspiring display. The festival is a true celebration of spring, with local food stalls, music, and activities to enjoy beneath the cherry blossoms.

Best Time to Visit

Cherry blossoms in Bonn bloom in April, with the festival taking place during the peak bloom.

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12. Australia

If you’re in the southern hemisphere and want to experience cherry blossoms, Australia offers a few unexpected gems. The Southern Highlands of New South Wales, especially Bowral, is known for its annual cherry blossom festival.

In Bowral, the Corbett Gardens hosts the annual Tulip Time Festival, where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it an ideal location for a springtime visit.

Best Time to Visit

Cherry blossoms in Australia bloom from September to October, in the southern hemisphere’s spring season.

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Cherry Blossom Festivals You Can’t Miss

If you’re planning to travel specifically for cherry blossoms, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of the following iconic festivals:

Higashiyama Hanami (Kyoto, Japan) – A traditional and peaceful cherry blossom viewing experience, perfect for those wanting to combine culture and nature.

National Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington, D.C., USA) – Celebrating over a century of history, this festival is one of the largest and most famous cherry blossom festivals in the world.

Cherry Blossom Festival (Brooklyn, USA) – A vibrant celebration with cultural performances and events, held at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Cherry Blossom Festival (Bonn, Germany) – Known for its tranquil beauty, this festival is a hidden gem in Europe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see cherry blossoms?

The best time to see cherry blossoms varies by location. In most places in the Northern Hemisphere, late March to early April is typically the peak bloom time, but it can vary depending on the climate of the region.

How long do cherry blossoms last?

Cherry blossoms typically bloom for about one to two weeks. The bloom period can be shorter or longer depending on weather conditions.

Can you visit cherry blossoms in winter?

Some places like Jeju Island in South Korea experience earlier blooms, usually in late February to early March, while many other destinations begin to bloom in March to April.

What should I bring to a cherry blossom festival?

It’s a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a picnic blanket if you’re planning to relax under the trees. If visiting Japan, don’t forget a hanami bento box for a traditional cherry blossom picnic.

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Plan your trip during the peak of the cherry blossom season, and you’ll be treated to one of nature’s most beautiful displays.