Cherry Blossom Season: Where to See the Best Blooms Around the World

by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Mon February 17, 2025

As winter melts into springtime each year, iconic cherry blossoms transform cities and landscapes across the globe into breathtaking displays of pink and white. From historic temples in Kyoto to the famous Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., these delicate blooms signal the arrival of warmer days and invite visitors to take part in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, or flower viewing.

Whether strolling through Vancouver’s parks, celebrating at Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival or admiring the vast orchards of Spain’s Valle del Jerte, travelers can find stunning sakura (cherry blossom) scenes in a surprisingly diverse collection of destinations around the world. With peak bloom lasting for only a short period, knowing where and when to go is key to experiencing these natural wonders at their best.

Kyoto, Japan

Every spring, Kyoto’s historic temples, gardens, and riversides come alive with cherry blossoms, continuing a tradition of hanami—flower viewing—that dates back over a thousand years. Maruyama Park is home to the city’s iconic weeping cherry tree, drawing crowds for both daytime picnics and nighttime illuminations. For a quieter experience, the Philosopher’s Path offers a serene, blossom-lined canal walk, while Kiyomizu-dera Temple provides breathtaking city views framed by cherry trees. Heian Shrine features elegant late-blooming weeping cherries, and Arashiyama blends sakura with stunning mountain scenery. With peak bloom typically in early April, these spots capture Kyoto’s perfect mix of history, tradition, and springtime beauty.

Seoul, South Korea

As the weather warms, Seoul bursts into a pink-and-white floral spectacle, with several top spots offering breathtaking views of the abundant cherry blossoms. Yeouido Hangang Park is the most famous, with over 1,600 cherry trees lining the riverside and hosting the lively Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. For a quieter experience, Namsan Park provides scenic trails leading up to Namsan Seoul Tower, offering stunning city views framed by blossoms. Seokchon Lake is another favorite, where cherry trees reflect beautifully on the water, creating a serene atmosphere. Meanwhile, Changgyeonggung Palace blends history and nature, with delicate blooms enhancing its traditional architecture. With peak bloom typically in early to mid-April, these spots offer the perfect way to experience Seoul’s fleeting spring beauty.

Washington, D.C.

With the arrival of spring each year, Washington, D.C., bursts into color as cherry blossoms blanket the city. The capital’s cherry trees are were famously gifted to the city by Japan in 1912 as a symbol of friendship between our two nations. The more than 3,000 trees that were planted around the Tidal Basinhave since become the centerpiece of the city’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. There, a walk around the two-mile promenade offers the most iconic views against the Jefferson Memorial. For a quieter experience, Hains Point in East Potomac Park provides scenic waterfront trails lined with blossoms, while the U.S. National Arboretum offers a more spacious, peaceful setting. Stanton Park in Capitol Hill adds a charming neighborhood backdrop for a leisurely stroll. With peak bloom typically in late March to early April, these stunning blossoms provide a perfect way to welcome spring in the nation’s capital.

New York City, New York

As spring unfolds, cherry blossoms bring a burst of color to New York City, offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the fleeting beauty of these delicate blooms. One of the most popular spots is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, home to the famed Cherry Esplanade, where rows of pink blossoms create one of the city’s most stunning springtime displays. In Manhattan, Central Park offers several picturesque viewing areas, particularly around the Reservoir and Cherry Hill, where the trees frame the water with soft pink petals. For more serene experience, Randall’s Island Park features a scenic cherry blossom grove along the waterfront, providing a peaceful escape from the city's bustle. Meanwhile, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens offers beautiful blooms set against the backdrop of the Unisphere, making for a uniquely New York experience.

Macon, Georgia

Each spring, Macon, Georgia, lives up to its unofficial title of “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World”, with over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees transforming the city into a pink paradise. Some of the best spots to enjoy the blooms include Wesleyan College, where historic architecture meets tree-lined walkways, and Amerson River Park, where cherry blossoms frame scenic trails along the Ocmulgee River. Downtown’s Third Street Park offers a charming display in the heart of the International Cherry Blossom Festival, taking place this year from March 21-20, 2025. Meanwhile, Carolyn Crayton Park serves as a centerpiece for the celebration, boasting thousands of blossoms and festival activities. Whether for a peaceful stroll or a lively festival experience, Macon’s cherry blossoms provide a breathtaking springtime spectacle in cotton-candy pink.

Streets lined with blooming cherry trees in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Vancouver, Canada

As spring arrives in Vancouver, the city’s cherry blossoms come into full bloom, painting the landscape in soft shades of pink and white. One of the best spots to experience the cherry blossoms is Queen Elizabeth Park, where visitors can stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded by hundreds of trees in full bloom. Another popular location is Vancouver's VanDusen Botanical Garden, which features an impressive collection of cherry trees, including several rare varieties. For those seeking a more urban setting, Stanley Park offers stunning views of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the city skyline and waterfront. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, which usually takes place in April, highlights these blooms with events and tours throughout the city, including at spots like David Lam Park and Trafalgar Park.

Paris, France

As spring arrives, cherry blossoms add a delicate touch of pink to some of Paris’s most famous landmarks and gardens. One of the most well-known spots is Square Jean XXIII, located in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, where cherry trees bloom against the backdrop of the historic Gothic architecture. Another prime location is Parc du Champ de Mars, where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. For a more tranquil experience, Parc de Sceaux, just outside the city, features one of the most impressive cherry blossom displays in the region, with entire groves of pink and white trees creating a breathtaking springtime scene. The Jardin des Plantes also offers a charming setting, with a mix of cherry blossoms and other seasonal blooms adding color to the botanical gardens.

Valle del Jerte, Spain

When winter gives way to spring, the Valle del Jerte in Extremadura transforms into one of Spain’s most stunning natural spectacles as more than a million cherry trees burst into bloom. The best places to experience this seasonal phenomenon are the viewpoints along the N-110 road, which offer sweeping vistas of the valley covered in white blossoms. The villages of Jerte, Cabezuela del Valle and Tornavacas are also excellent spots to immerse yourself in the cherry blossom landscape while enjoying local traditions and gastronomy. The Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve provides a more immersive experience, where visitors can hike through cherry orchards and take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. The region celebrates the bloom with the Fiesta del Cerezo en Flor, a cultural festival featuring music, markets and outdoor events.

Stockholm, Sweden

As spring arrives in Stockholm, the city comes alive with delicate blossoms that adorn the city’s tens of thousands of cherry trees, transforming parks into vibrant seasonal attractions. The most famous spot is Kungsträdgården, where twin rows of cherry trees create a pink canopy that draws crowds for photos and picnics. For a quieter experience, Luma Park in Hammarby Sjöstad offers scenic waterfront paths lined with blossoms, while Bergianska Trädgården provides a botanical setting where visitors can enjoy cherry trees alongside other spring blooms. Peaking in mid- to late April, these fleeting blossoms mark one of Stockholm’s most anticipated seasonal moments, welcoming the city into spring.

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