12 Most Stunning Cities in the World for Cherry Blossoms To Visit in Your Lifetime
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There are so many reasons to love cherry blossoms, including their sheer beauty, ability to transform spaces into magnificent pink wonderlands, fluffy canopies they create, fantastic photo opportunities, and hope for warmer weather and longer days.
These destinations worldwide let you experience the best of the blossoming scenery, take memorable shots, and even participate in Cherry Blossom Festivals. There is definitely something closer to you; you do not have to fly to the other end of the world to enjoy this scenery. If you cannot decide where to kickstart your spring, choose from one of these destinations.
From Tokyo in Japan to Washington D.C. in the States and Brussels in Belgium, these stunning cities will let you usher in warmer weather in style.
Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossom celebration and appreciation have been a Japanese tradition for centuries. Tokyo is a great Spring destination if you want to experience the best cherry blossom scenery.
The city lets you marvel at cherry blossoms in every direction you look. But if you want the best experience, start at The Meguro River; it is hands down the best place in Tokyo to catch the cherry blossoms. Walk along the river and admire the over 800 cherry trees reflecting on it. Every angle you take by the Meguro River would be Instagram-worthy, but those at Nakameguro Canal will definitely take your breath away.
Other unmissable spots include Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Chidori-ga-fuchi, Aoyama Cemetery, Inokashira Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple & Sumida River).
As you know, cherry blossoms are short-lived. Luckily, The Japan Weather Forecasts provides comprehensive updates to help locals and tourists get the most out of their trips.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities Around the World
Paris, France
Paris’s charm and romantic ambiance make it one of the best destinations to visit year round. However, the city transforms into a magical space with views of the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of its iconic landmarks.
Any cherry blossom hunter would love the view of the pink petals with the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre in the background.
Picnic or snap photos at the Trocadero Gardens or Champ de Mars. These may be very crowded as locals and tourists want to appreciate the stunning views. If you want to escape the crowds, take a short train or drive to Parc de Sceaux.
Read also: European Cities for Cherry Blossoms
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is one destination that lets you experience the Sakura Festival’s charm without visiting Tokyo. Seoul has fantastic cherry blossom viewing spots, many with over 1,000 trees. Besides, the city hosts different Cherry Blossom Festivals in various locations, some lasting at least two weeks.
The 2.5 km-long lane along Seokchon Lake has over 1,000 cherry blossom trees. Walk along the lane, enjoy the views of the fully blossoming cherry trees against the Magic Castle Lotte World backdrop, or attend the Cherry Blossoms festival.
Other unique cherry blossom spots in Seoul include Yeouida Park, Yunjunro Street, Namsan Park, Anyangcheon, and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
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Cáceres, Valle del Jerte, Spain
Valle del Jerte is one of Europe’s best places to see cherry blossoms. If you would like to enjoy an expansive view of cherry blossoms and even trekking surrounded by the scent and scenery of the flowers, let it be at Valle del Jerte. The valley is covered with almost half a million cherry blossom trees, giving visitors an expansive scenery.
There are several ways to enjoy the cherry blossom scenery in Valle del Jerte. You can hike through the valley, take scenic drives along the escarpments, or attend the region’s Cherry Blossom Festival, which showcases its culture, music, gastronomy, and other traditions.
Read also: Stunning Small Towns Around the World
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is one destination whose cherry blossom season is typically not as short-lived. There are always early sightings as early as January, with some spots having blooms as late as May.
Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver is a popular spot for spring wedding photoshoots, and for good reason. The park’s cherry blossoms provide amazing photo opportunities.
Other unmissable spots include Stanley Park, which is home to hundreds of cherry blossom trees, a gift from Japan in honor of the Canadian-Japanese people who served in World War I.
For more spots, swing by the Botanical Garden of the University of British Columbia, Vanier Park, and Seaforth Park.
You may also want to attend the city’s Cherry Blossom Festival, which features blossom-themed events, activities, and a Japanese fair.
Read also: Most Beautiful Places Across the Globe
Washington D.C, USA
Washington, DC, offers one of the most magical cherry blossom viewing opportunities in the United States.
The Tidal Basin is the star of cherry blooming in Washington, DC. This reservoir is home to thousands of cherry blossom trees and hosts the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
As expected, the loop around the reservoir can get crowded at the peak of the blooming season. You may take a boat ride to get a different perspective or take perfect photos away from the crowds.
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From Tidal Basin, head to Dumbarton Oaks and Cherry Hill, where you can picnic under fully blooming cherry trees.
Other spots you may want to visit in DC include The US National Arboretum, Stanton Park in Capitol Hill, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of The Immaculate Conception.
Read also: World Capitals With Rich Cultural Heritage
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is the perfect cherry blossom destination, as it offers numerous opportunities to sit in a park and relax while taking in the cherry blossoms or walk through avenues and streets filled with clouds of pink and white petals.
If you want a place to sit and picnic while enjoying magnificent cherry blossom views in Brussels, try Square Plasky or Park Josaphat.
If you want to stroll, snap some photos, and enjoy views of the blossoms against city buildings, your best bets are along Avenue du Diamant, Avenue Huart Hamoir, Avenue Rogier, and Avenue Emile Max.
If you want a more relaxing experience, head to Doode Bemde, about 30 minutes outside Brussels city center.
Read also: Spectacular Spring Destinations in Europe
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei and Taiwan, in general, see an early onset of spring. For example, the gardens around Tamsui Tianyuan Temple typically peak by the end of January. However, the cherry blossom views here are the best you may get in Taipei.
Other amazing cherry viewing spots in the city include Lohas Park, which hosts the Lohas Cherry Blossom Festival. The 3 km stretch boasts several varieties that offer amazing photo opportunities. You also want to swing by Yangmingshan National Park, New Taipei City Gold Museum, and Sanxia, great Sakura photography spots in the city.
Read also: Iconic Places for Your Bucket List
Yoshino, Japan
Mount Yoshinoyama (or simply Mount Yoshino) slopes are covered with over 30,000 cherry blossom trees, making it one of the best viewing places in Japan. The mountain has an 8km trail you can hike as you take in the beauty of the over 200 cherry tree varieties that grace its slopes.
While hiking up Mount Yoshino, stop by the temples and shrines on its slopes. The scenery of temples amidst cherry tree branches is one to die for. A notable stopover, Yoshimizu Shrine, provides stunning views of the slopes covered in fully blooming cherry trees.
The scenery in Yoshino is drop-dead gorgeous. Besides, the whole mountain area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You, therefore, should expect some crowds during the peak of the blooming season. To have a tranquil hike up the mountain, arrive early and be done by mid-morning.
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Portland, Oregon, USA
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is the best place in Portland to see and capture views of cherry blossoms. The waterfront has over 100 perfectly aligned cherry trees, creating a mesmerizing scene to usher in spring. Start by biking or strolling down the waterfront from the Japanese American Historical Plaza for perfect views.
The Portland Japanese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Laurelhurst Park, Washington Park, and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden are perfect viewing spots.
Before visiting, watch The Portland Cherry Blossom Tracker to enhance your chances of getting the best of the season.
Read also: Best American Towns for Spring Blossoms
Pingba Farm, Guizhou Province, China
Pingba Farm is the world’s largest cherry blossom garden, and you can probably imagine what the scenery looks like for this feature. The farm has over 700,000 cherry trees that bloom into a sea of pink fluff every March to April.
At the onset of Spring, Pingba Farm transforms into a scene out of this world. Take strolls along the scenic Hongfeng Lake in the garden, trek within the 24,000 acres covered in cherry blossoms, or take scenic rides to enjoy the pink cloud of cherry blossoms.
Read also: Hidden Romantic Getaways
Macon, Georgia, USA
Visiting Macon in springtime will help you quickly understand why it is also called the “Cherry Blossom capital of the world.” This southern Georgia city has over 350,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees that transform into a pink wonderland every late March. The town also hosts the International Cherry Blossom Festival. Carolyn Crayton Park to Bass Road offers the best cherry-blooming views in Macon.
Other incredible viewing places in Mason include Wesleyan Woods, Downtown Macon, and Fickling Farm. If you want to drive along cherry-lined streets, do it at Northside Drive, Oxford Road and Circle, Ridge Avenue, Ingleside Avenue, and Third Street.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the US
