Witnessing the beauty of cherry blossoms in Japan is one thing, we bet, is on every travel lover’s bucket list! While a native tree of Asia, cherry blossoms have been cultivated in various parts of Europe and the United States since the early 20th century. While it might have begun for political reasons and diplomatic ties, the Sakura beauty has now become a part of many countries on these continents. And if you wish to witness the beauty of these pink flowers in person, then we’ve picked out 10 destinations across the world where you can see cherry blossoms.
10 Best Places In The World To Witness Cherry Blossom Trees
1. Kyoto, Japan
Starting with a no-brainer – Japan! The Sakura season in Japan begins from late March to early April and lasts till mid-May and it is, without any doubts, the best place in the world to witness cherry blossoms. While there are many places in the country where you can witness these blooms, Kyoto is one of the best cities to experience it. Considered an epicentre of sakura, you can see these flowers in gardens, by the riverside, outside temples, or while simply strolling around the city – they are everywhere during spring!
Best Time To Visit: Early April
2. Washington, D.C, USA
In 1912, Japan gifted the USA about 3,000 cherry blossom trees as a token of friendship. In 1935, the USA started a cherry blossom festival that now sees a footfall of 1.5 million tourists! Safe to say, the cherry blossoms here are a sight for sore eyes! If you’re in the USA in April, you can also experience cherry blossoms in New York City, Portland, Seattle, Macon, Athens, and Boston.
Best Time To Visit: Early April
3. Jinhae, South Korea
If you haven’t gotten a clue from K-dramas already, then let us break it to you – South Korea has cherry blossoms too! From Jeju Islands and Hwagae to Gyeongju and Seoul, you can experience these pink flowers in the spring season in various cities in South Korea. However, it is Jinhae where you can have an unparalleled experience of cherry blossoms in South Korea. And the Gyeonghwa Station Cherry Blossom Street is one place in this city that you simply can’t miss. This place was once a functioning railway station that has now been turned into the ultimate destination to witness cherry blossoms. Does this add another point to your growing list of reasons to visit this country?
Best Time To Visit: Mid-March – Early-April
Also Read: Want To Witness Sakura Magic In Japan? Here’s The Cherry Blossom Forecast For 2024 In Japan
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Adding a European destination to this list, Denmark is an amazing destination to witness cherry blossoms. Slightly unconventional and not as popular as many other names on this list, this country sees the blooming cherry blossom around late March and early April, depending on the season conditions. The best place to see cherry blossoms here is in Copenhagen. You can visit places like Bispebjerg Cemetery, the University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden, and Langelinie Park to witness these pink flowers in the city.
Best Time To Visit: April
5. Stockholm, Sweden
This Nomadic country has cherry blossoms blooming in April in its capital city – Stockholm. In fact, they have an official day in April that celebrates these flowers. It is called the Cherry Blossom Day and is celebrated on April 28. To witness these flowers in Stockholm, you can visit parks like Kungsträdgården, Luma Park, and Bysistorget. While it might not give you a Japan-like feel, cherry blossoms in Stockholm have a charm of their own and are one of the best places in the world to see cherry blossoms!
Best Time To Visit: April
Also Read: What Is Japan’s Hanami Festival, The Age-Old Celebration Of Flowers, Spring & Cherry Blossoms?
6. Singapore
Like many Asian countries, Singapore witnesses the blooming of cherry blossoms in the spring season! Although not a native of Singapore, there are various places in the city where you can spot these beautiful pink flowers. You can visit Gardens By The Bay, Japanese Cemetery Park, Bishan Park, East Coast Park, and Telok Blangah Hill Park in Singapore to be in a pink paradise during spring.
Best Time To Visit: Late March – Early April
7. Chiayi City, Taiwan
While the cherry blossom season in Taiwan starts in January and ends in April, it sees the maximum bloom in late March! Chiayi City is one of the best places in the country and also the world to witness cherry blossoms. You can visit the Alishan National Forest Recreational Area to witness these beautiful flowers. The place has over 19,000 cherry blossom trees and is believed to be one of the biggest cherry blossom viewing spots in Taiwan!
Best Time To Visit: Late March
8. Vancouver, Canada
The cherry blossoms add a beautiful tint of pink to many cities in Canada. However, if you wish to see their beauty in abundance, then Vancouver is your safest bet! You can visit places like West 22nd Avenue, Burrard Station, Granville Plaza, and Lower Mall to catch these pink beauties in full glory! Keeping in mind Canada’s cold weather, the cherry blossom season in Vancouver varies from mid-March to April.
Best Time To Visit: April
9. Berlin, Germany
Cherry blossoms first came to Germany in 1980 as a gift from Japan. They were planted in Bonn as part of an urban redevelopment programme. Since then, these Japanese trees have found a home in various parts of Germany, and Berlin is one such place to witness its beauty! You can find cherry blossom trees in various parts of Berlin like Kirschbaum Alleen, Victoria Park, Bornholmer Str, and Zeiss Major Planetarium.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-April
Also Read: 6 Tourist Attractions To See In Shillong
10. Shillong, India
Finally, you can witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in India as well! You can witness cherry blossoms in Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Karnataka, Kashmir, and even Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. However, their blooming period varies from region to region. While you can witness cherry blossoms in Kashmir, Himachal, and Uttarakhand in April, you’ll find them in Karnataka in January and other North-Eastern states in November and December. One of the best places to witness them in India is Shillong.
Unlike other cities on the list, Shillong sees cherry blossoms in November, so if you feel gloomy in winter, then this beautiful North-Eastern state should be on your travel list! In fact, they have a Cherry Blossom Festival in November, so keep a lookout for its dates!
Best Time To Visit: November
Which of these destinations across the world are you most excited to visit to witness cherry blossoms? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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