One of our bucket list items is to see the various Cherry Blossom Festivals around the world. With their fleeting beauty and delicate petals, cherry blossoms captivate people worldwide. Though Japan is often synonymous with these flowers, cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a global experience that spans continents and cultures. This article explores the seven best places in the world to witness this natural beauty, from the traditional streets of Japan to unexpected locales in Europe and North America.
Cherry Blossom Festivals of the World
Kyoto, Japan
While Tokyo represents Japan’s modern face, Kyoto embodies its rich cultural history, making it another iconic cherry blossom destination. As the former imperial capital, Kyoto is home to temples, shrines, and gardens that serve as stunning backdrops for cherry blossom viewing. We can’t wait to see this amazing event while we are visiting the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan next April.
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park, located near the famous Yasaka Shrine, is one of the oldest hanami spots in Japan. At the park’s center stands a famous weeping cherry tree, illuminated at night, drawing both locals and tourists for evening viewing.
Philosopher’s Path
Another popular location is the Philosopher’s Path, a serene walkway along a canal with hundreds of cherry trees. The path connects several temples and is named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who was said to walk there daily for meditation.
Kyoto’s cherry blossoms typically bloom in early April, slightly later than Tokyo. The city’s ancient architecture and peaceful ambiance enhance the beauty of the cherry blossoms, creating a timeless experience.
Washington, D.C., USA
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington, D.C., is renowned for its National Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates the 1912 gift of cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the U.S. capital. Every spring, the city’s monuments and memorials are framed by the soft pink and white blossoms of over 3,000 cherry trees. We have visited during this bloom a couple of times and loved it.
The Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is the centerpiece of the cherry blossom season in Washington. It offers picturesque views of the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, all surrounded by blooming cherry trees. The blossoms’ reflection on the water makes this a must-visit spot.
National Mall
The National Mall and nearby parks also host numerous cherry trees, and there is ample space for visitors to stroll and enjoy the scenic beauty.
From late March to mid-April, the festival includes various cultural events, from parades to performances, to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the U.S. The cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., attract over a million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular locations for cherry blossom viewing outside Japan.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, Canada’s coastal gem, is one of our favorite cities and is home to one of North America’s most celebrated cherry blossom seasons. The city’s climate is perfect for cherry trees, many of which were gifts from Japan in the 1930s.
Queen Elizabeth Park and Stanley Park
Queen Elizabeth Park and Stanley Park are Vancouver’s most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing. Stanley Park’s scenic paths and waterfront views offer a tranquil setting for hanami, while Queen Elizabeth Park offers elevated viewpoints for spectacular cityscapes and cherry blossom photos.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in April and includes various cultural events, from musical performances to cherry blossom tree planting ceremonies.
The city’s cherry blossoms begin to bloom in March and continue through April. The vibrant pinks and whites of the blossoms contrast beautifully with Vancouver’s urban skyline and nearby mountains, making it a unique cherry blossom destination.
If you are looking for some great places to eat, check out our best Vancouver restaurant guide for some amazing eateries.
Vancouver was also our starting point for taking the Rocky Mountaineer Train through the Canadian Rockies.
Rocky Mountaineer Train Video
Paris, France
Though Paris is often associated with autumn leaves and summer blooms, the city in spring is also an excellent place to view cherry blossoms. Paris’s numerous parks, gardens, and iconic landmarks provide a stunning backdrop for the delicate flowers. We also have a Paris Travel Guide and Paris Restaurant Guide for other things to do in this amazing city.
Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes, the city’s botanical garden, is one of the best spots for cherry blossoms. With several species of cherry trees, the garden is a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle, and the colorful blooms create a serene atmosphere.
Parc de Sceaux
Parc de Sceaux, located just outside Paris, is home to a large orchard of cherry trees. Every spring, this park hosts hanami parties in the traditional Japanese style, attracting locals and tourists alike to enjoy picnics under the blossoms.
Paris’s cherry blossoms bloom from mid-March to late April, making it one of the most beautiful times to visit the city. The combination of historic architecture and the vibrant blooms creates an elegant and romantic setting.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is one of the top destinations for cherry blossom viewing outside Japan. It offers vibrant displays in iconic urban settings. The city’s cherry blossoms bloom in early April. It makes it the perfect springtime destination for travelers looking to enjoy modern culture and nature. We will be visiting Seoul in 2025 and hope to see at least some of cherry blossoms.
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
Seoul’s Yeouido Park, located along the Han River, is one of the city’s most famous cherry blossom spots. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival draws millions of visitors yearly with its rows of cherry trees and lively atmosphere, featuring street performances, food vendors, and cultural events. Another must-visit location is Seokchon Lake, which contrasts the cherry blossoms with the towering Lotte World Tower nearby. The blossoms’ reflection on the lake’s surface adds to the picturesque scenery.
Why Seoul is a Great Cherry Blossom Destination
The fusion of modern cityscapes and natural beauty makes Seoul an appealing cherry blossom destination. The cultural significance of cherry blossoms in South Korea and the festive atmosphere create a lively and immersive experience. It’s an opportunity to see how cherry blossoms are celebrated in Korean culture. They have events, performances, and local traditions adding a unique flavor to the annual bloom.
Sweden
Though Sweden might seem an unexpected place to enjoy cherry blossoms, Scandinavia has embraced this beautiful spring tradition. Cherry blossoms bloom in Sweden during April, typically lasting a few weeks. Sweden’s cooler climate makes it one of the northernmost countries to host cherry blossom displays, offering a distinct experience.
Kungsträdgården (The King’s Garden)
Kungsträdgården (The King’s Garden) is the most popular spot to see cherry blossoms in Stockholm. This central park, located in the city’s heart, boasts two long rows of cherry trees. They bloom with soft pink petals, transforming the park into a magical spring wonderland. Locals and tourists gather to enjoy picnics, take photos, and celebrate the arrival of spring.
Why Sweden for Cherry Blossoms
The contrast between Sweden’s cold winter and the sudden burst of cherry blossoms in spring makes it an especially poignant time to visit. The blossoms represent the arrival of warmer weather and renewal after the long, dark winter. In Stockholm, you can witness how a traditional Japanese cultural event. It has been warmly embraced in a Scandinavian context. It offers a peaceful and laid-back viewing experience in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney may be known for its beaches and iconic landmarks, but it also has a growing appreciation for cherry blossoms. Australia’s unique southern hemisphere seasons mean cherry blossoms bloom in September, making it an ideal place to enjoy the flowers if you miss the spring blossoms in the northern hemisphere.
Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival
Auburn Botanic Gardens, located in western Sydney, is the most famous place to see the blossoms. The annual Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is held here. It attracts visitors with its Japanese garden setting, complete with ponds, traditional bridges, and cherry trees. The festival also includes Japanese cultural events, food stalls, and performances. It makes for a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Why Sydney for Cherry Blossoms
Visiting Sydney for cherry blossoms offers a chance to enjoy the flowers in a distinctly Australian setting. The blend of Japanese traditions with Sydney’s multiculturalism makes the experience feel fresh and exciting. Plus, Sydney’s cherry blossom season falls during the southern hemisphere’s spring, allowing for a unique opportunity to witness blossoms while much of the world is experiencing autumn.
While visiting Sydney, we also had an opportunity to get out on the water. We explored the harbour on a sail boat. Check out the video here.
Sydney Harbour Sailing Video
Conclusion
Cherry blossom viewing is a cherished tradition in many parts of the world. Each location offers its unique twist on this beautiful experience. From the gardens of Kyoto to the serene parks of Paris and the festivals of Sydney and Washington, D.C., the allure of blossoms transcends borders and cultures. Whether you seek a vibrant festival atmosphere or a peaceful, reflective moment under the trees, these seven destinations provide the perfect settings to enjoy the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms. Let us know your experiences with the cherry blossoms. If you have some suggestions for places we may have missed.
Naki
In Northeast states of India- Meghalaya has a lot of cherry blossoms growing in the whole cities. In shillong there is a cherry blossoms festival every winter where it attracted a lot of tourists and even celebrities.
Retirement Travelers
Thanks for sharing. We hope to visit that area of India in the future.
John and Bev
K. Thompson
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York has many and varied beautiful cherry blossom trees in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. In fact, you can find cherry blossom trees all over New York City in the spring!
Retirement Travelers
Thanks so much. We will check it out the next time we visit NYC. Much appreciated.
John and Bev