Where in the World Can You Find Cherry Blossoms Blooming?

The stunning and enchanting sights of Sakura (cherry blossom) flowers in Japan showcase the essence of life. These fleeting blooms symbolize youth, hope, and renewal. This season is embraced with immense joy by the Japanese, while people globally also partake in the celebration. Here are some locations around the world where you can witness cherry blossoms in full bloom.

In various countries, March marks the arrival of spring and the blooming of flowers. A beloved tradition for welcoming spring is hanami in Japan. Given the popularity of this event, Japanese people often anticipate the blooming period of cherry blossoms, which lasts for only one to two weeks.

What is the Origin of Cherry Blossoms?

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The tradition of Hanami, or flower viewing, has been an integral part of Japanese culture since ancient times. Cherry blossom festivals across Japan vary by location and time of day. These celebrations are rooted in local customs, with blooming periods differing from one region to another.

Which Nations Celebrate the Blooming of Cherry Blossoms?

Sakura blossoms have transcended Japanese culture, symbolizing peace and friendship around the world. Many countries now celebrate vibrant cherry blossom festivals that rival those in Japan.

Japan

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In Japan, Hirosaki Park boasts thousands of cherry trees, creating a stunning vista. The park features a variety of cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino, Shiddarezakura, and Yaezakura. The breathtaking sight of the 400-year-old Hirosaki Castle amidst blooming cherry blossoms is a must-see.

The ideal time to visit is during the Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri, an event that attracts over 2,000,000 guests to enjoy the cherry blossoms in the park. Additionally, Aso Kuju National Park is one of the finest locations in Japan to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms.

USA (Washington, D.C., and New York)

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You can also experience the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the USA, which celebrates the gift of Japanese cherry trees from Tokyo's Mayor Yukio Ozaki. With over 3,000 cherry trees, you'll be surrounded by stunning and vibrant pink blossoms.

During the festival, a variety of events take place, including parades, concerts, fireworks, kite festivals, and special exhibitions. Popular viewing spots for cherry trees during this celebration include the Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Additionally, you can attend the Matsuri Sakura Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where both traditional and contemporary Japanese cultures are showcased. The many different varieties of cherry blossoms here make it a unique destination.

France (Champs de Mars, Paris)

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You can also find cherry blossoms in Europe. Paris is not just a stunning and opulent city; it features cherry blossoms that stretch from the Champs de Mars all the way to the Eiffel Tower and the Hôtel des Invalides. These blossoms beautifully frame the Eiffel Tower in the delightful spring season.

The pink and white petals create a picturesque scene reminiscent of a painted landscape. The enchanting Eiffel Tower paired with the gorgeous cherry blossoms draws countless tourists from around the globe. The ideal time to visit is from early March to late April.

Australia (Cowra Japanese Garden)

Official website of Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre

In Australia, cherry blossom celebrations take place at the Cowra Japanese Garden, the largest five-acre park in the Southern Hemisphere. The Sakura trees reach their full bloom in September. During this festival, you can experience various aspects of Japanese culture, including Tai Chi, Taiko drumming, Ikebana demonstrations, Torsion, and Karate performances.

Discover more: The Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Brazil (Curitiba Botanical Gardens)

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Next, you can explore a park in the city of Curitiba, Brazil.

The capital of Parana, a popular tourist destination, has welcomed numerous Japanese immigrants. In June, the Curitiba Botanical Gardens showcase stunning parallel Sakura trees lining the pathways. You can also find beautiful cherry trees at Praça do Japão, Parque Tangua, and Jardim Botanico.

Spain (Jerte Valley)

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In Spain, the stunning Jerte Valley showcases white Sakura blossoms for two weeks. Located near Caceres in Extremadura, the valley comes alive in March as villagers celebrate the annual Fiesta del Cerezo en Flor festival, welcoming visitors. The breathtaking cherry blossom scenery also remains enchanting in June and July when the blossoms turn red.

Canada (Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver)

Official website of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Queen Elizabeth Park in Canada is a must-visit destination for cherry blossom enthusiasts, especially during the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. This 52-acre park, perched at 152 meters above sea level, boasts 40,000 cherry trees that bloom over a two-month period. The park transforms into a magical place at night, adorned with colorful lanterns throughout the annual festival.

Sweden (Kungstradgarden Cherry Blossoms, Stockholm)

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Kungstradgarden Park, situated in central Sweden, has roots that trace back to the Middle Ages. This historic park features beautiful pink cherry blossoms. In 1998, a total of sixty-three Japanese Sakura trees were planted here, blooming each April, with April 22nd marking Stockholm's annual Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival.

The Japan Association organizes various events, including Sakurakoren (Sakura Choir), Origami, Japanese cuisine, and Kyodo Demonstrations (Japanese Archery), alongside other performances. Visitors enjoy strolling beneath the blooming cherry trees, having picnics, or simply relaxing in the shade of the blossoms. This event is renowned as one of the finest locations to experience cherry blossoms globally.

Korea (Jinhae Cherry Blossom)

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Similar to how Japanese culture honors the beauty of cherry blossoms, this annual festival celebrates the enchanting bloom of these flowers. The cherry blossoms only last for a week, making this period a truly memorable experience. Jinhae is adorned with approximately 340,000 cherry trees, creating a stunning spectacle.

This celebration transforms Jinhae into a sea of pink as cherry blossom petals fall, enhancing the area's beauty. The festival spans a week, coinciding with the bloom of the cherry blossoms. Visitors can stroll through the city under the cherry blossom canopies, while locals set up numerous food and craft stalls.

These are some of the remarkable locations worldwide where you can witness cherry blossoms in bloom. Experiencing the cherry blossoms in various places and capturing those transient yet breathtaking moments is a must for your travel bucket list. Don't forget to plan your entire vacation with Mytour!