Six Cities Ideal for Cherry Blossom Season (Beyond Tokyo and DC)

As cherry blossom season arrives, Japan and DC might be the top spots for viewing these stunning blooms, but they can get quite crowded. Don’t let that deter you—explore these six alternative cities across Europe, Asia, the US, and Canada for their beautiful cherry trees.

New York City

Known as the city that never sleeps, NYC dazzles with its bright lights and towering skyscrapers, yet it also boasts serene green spaces. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden features over 200 cherry trees spanning 42 species. Blooming from late March to mid-May, NYC attracts visitors globally. The Cherry Blossom Festival, or Sakura Matsuri, takes place the last weekend of April, offering various activities and performances celebrating Japanese culture. Enjoy walks under cherry blossoms in iconic locations like Central Park and Confucius Plaza in Chinatown.

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Vancouver, Canada

Surprisingly, Vancouver is a fantastic spot for cherry blossom viewing. Kicking off on April 1, the city celebrates its annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. With over 40,000 cherry trees scattered throughout the area, prime viewing locations include Burrard Station, Stanley Park, and along West 22nd, 16th, and 7th Avenues—among others. In fact, the city offers more than 2,600 sites to admire the blooms. Be sure to check out the official cherry viewing map for the best spots and times to catch the blossoms.

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Paris, France

Enhance your romantic getaway by timing your visit to Paris during cherry blossom season, when the city transforms into a stunning pink wonderland. While you can spot blossoms at major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris, and Notre-Dame, we recommend escaping the crowds for Parc de Sceaux. Just a 40-minute train ride from the city, this picturesque park is a favorite among locals, especially Japanese expats who enjoy picnicking there with homemade sakura onigiri (cherry blossom rice balls). When in France, however, why not opt for red wine, camembert, and baguettes for your pique-nique?

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Jerte Valley, Spain

Nestled near Caceres, about three hours west of Madrid, Jerte Valley comes alive during cherry blossom season. The towns here provide a complimentary bus service that tours the stunning cherry trees. With over 200 cherry trees blooming from late March to mid-April (weather permitting), the valley transforms into a picturesque wonderland adorned with white and pink blossoms, making it a hidden gem among locals. In addition to cherry blossom viewing, visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as cycling, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and even paragliding.

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Kungsträdgården, Stockholm

This northern capital is famous for its beautiful streets and the tradition of fika (a delightful coffee break with pastries). If that’s not enough to entice you, visit for the cherry blossoms. In April, Stockholm's cherry blossom season welcomes you with rows of blooms as you stroll through Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden). Relax at one of the park's outdoor cafés with a Swedish cinnamon bun (kanelbullar) and a cup of coffee. As evening approaches, make your way to Gamla Stan for the city’s most breathtaking sunset views.

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Seoul, Korea

Seoul is a prime location for cherry blossom viewing, with several favorite spots including Yeouido Park, Namsan Park, Seokchon Lake, and Kyung Hee University. This year, the blossoms are expected to reach their peak in early April.