13 places to see cherry blossoms around the world

Updated March 3, 2025

Spring is coming, and with it comes an explosion of cherry blossoms. Also known as sakura, these delicate blooms bathe parks and streets in shades of pink and white. It's an unforgettable sight, with many “oohs” and “ahhs” guaranteed. While native to Japan, there are plenty of destinations to see (and celebrate) cherry blossoms around the globe.

Regardless of where you choose to go, take our advice: try planning for a longer trip to give yourself some flexibility when it comes to catching the flowers at their peak. Bloom times can vary depending on the weather in March and April, and the flowers typically last about two weeks. Below, a list of the best places to get your cherry blossom fix this year.

When to go: Late March–early April

Where to see the blooms: Do as the locals do and picnic under clouds of pink petals at the popular Ueno Park. (Just be sure to get there early to snag a good spot.) For an iconic photo op, head to the Meguro River, specifically the Nakameguro canal. At night, soft lights illuminate the blossoms, offering unforgettable views.

Where to go all in: Make the most of the sakura season in Tokyo with a three-hour E-bike tour that'll take you to the city's popular and lesser-known cherry blossom spots. Or sign up for a cherry blossom tour that takes you to the Matsuda Winter Cherry Blossom Festival. Spoiler: You’ll get gorgeous blooms with Mount Fuji in the background.

When to go: Early April

Where to see the blooms: D.C.'s Tidal Basin shines in spring for two reasons. First, there are over 3,000 blooming cherry trees surrounding—and second, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is on the calendar. This huge, month-long party brings electrifying events, parades, and cultural performances.

Where to go all in: Zip around the reservoir with a two-hour cherry blossom bike tour. Or, take it slow with a tour around the city that's peppered with D.C.’s must-see landmarks. And you don't have to stay overnight to get in on the floral action, there are day-trip tours that depart from New York and Virginia, too.

When to go: Late March–mid-April

Where to see the blooms: For the best sakura views, swing by the Trocadéro Gardens or Champ de Mars. Or take the train to Parc de Sceaux to enjoy blossoms without the crowds.

Where to go all in: Paris is exceptionally charming in the springtime. The streets buzz with jazz festivals and live music, and you’ll see both locals and travelers picnicking by the Eiffel Tower. Spring also brings a later sunset—take advantage by booking an evening sightseeing cruise, where you’ll get to admire the colorful sky behind landmarks like the Ile de la Cité and Musée d’Orsay.

When to go: Mid-February–early April

Where to see the blooms: During cherry blossom season, a flurry of pink petals covers Taipei’s lush green spaces. One of the best places to see this lovely phenomenon is Wuji Tianyuan Temple. Our recommendation: go early for a crowd-free experience.

Where to go all in: Yangmingshan National Park is another go-to. Enjoy a quiet stroll, or join locals at the annual Yangmingshan Cherry Blossom Festival. Events range from art exhibitions to dance competitions. If you’re short on time, book this cherry blossom day tour and explore Taipei’s sakura hotspots in the comfort of a bus or mini-van.

When to go: Mid- to late April

Where to see the blooms: Nestled in the heart of Stockholm, Kungsträdgården houses over 60 cherry trees—a generous gift from Japan to the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1998. At peak bloom, the trees form a delicate canopy of soft pink flowers, giving the city a fabulous pop of color.

Where to go all in: Prefer a dreamier experience? Make your way to Bysistorget square. There are tons of alfresco cafes where you can dine under the blossoms and do some prime people-watching.

When to go: Late March–early April

Where to see the blooms: Some of the best floral displays in Kyoto can be found in Arashiyama, along the Philosopher's Walk, and in Maruyama Park, home to the iconic weeping cherry tree. But quieter spots like Hirano Shrine and Takasegawa are worth visiting, too, for zen vibes and wondrous blooms.

Where to go all in: Experience the blossoms like a local with this private personalized tour. Together with your guide, you’ll get to taste seasonal dishes and learn more about the iconic flowers.

When to go: Early to late April

Where to see the blooms: For the best views, wander around the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where you can see 26 types of cherry trees, which all bloom at different times. (Check out the nifty, live Cherry Tracker to see what stages the trees are at while you're in town.) A quieter alternative is Green-Wood Cemetery, where you'll find blossoms by the Valley Water pond.

Where to go all in: Continue the spring vibes in Brooklyn with a bike ride around Prospect Park before plopping down on the grass for a midday picnic. Or, wander through the tree-lined streets of Fort Greene while marveling at the neighborhood's beautiful brownstone homes, and find a local coffee shop to recharge (we love Cafe Paulette).

When to go: Late March–early April

Where to see the blooms: At Yeouido Park, rows of cherry trees along Yunjunro Street (behind the National Assembly Building) spring to life. Another picture-perfect spot to see the blooms is Seokchon Lake.

Where to go all in: If you want to practically guarantee blossom-spotting, join this tour, which changes its locations based on what's in bloom that day. Otherwise, rent a hanbok (the traditional Korean attire) to get free entry to five palaces, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Good news: these are also prime sakura spots.

When to go: Late March–early April

Where to see the blooms: Portland may be known as the ‘City of Roses,’ but it’s also one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S. Just roam around Tom McCall Waterfront Park and you’ll understand why. Grab some grub from the nearby Pine Street Market if you’re planning a picnic.

Where to go all in: Other tranquil sakura spots include the Lan Su Chinese Garden and Portland Japanese Garden. The latter also has a lovely cafe where you can savor tea and delicious desserts.

When to go: Mid- to late April

Where to see the blooms: Over 200 cherry blossom trees are planted in Langelinie Park, and each April the Copenhagen Sakura Festival welcomes visitors from around the world as the park bursts with pink. There, you can dive into Japanese culture and art forms such as drum shows and martial arts.

Where to go all in: Beyond the festival, spring is a great season to explore Copenhagen's famous canals. This guided tour includes a boat ride that navigates the canals as you learn about the Copenhagen's highlights like the Christianshavn, Copenhagen Opera House, the famous Little Mermaid Statue, and Amalienborg Palace.

When to go: Early to mid-April

Where to see the blooms: Almost every street in Vancouver turns pink in spring. No surprise, considering there are 43,000 cherry trees scattered across the city. Use this live map to find blossoms near you, or sign up for this private city tour that covers some of the best spots for cherry blossoms, including Stanley Park and VanDusen Botanical Gardens.

Where to go all in: While you’re in town, don’t miss the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Every year, they celebrate the blooms with an array of community events, from yoga workshops to theater performances.

When to go: Late March–early April

Where to see the blooms: Pack a picnic and head down to Kersenbloesempark in Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest). There, you’ll find a grove of 400 beautiful cherry trees—a donation from the Japan Women’s Club. Interestingly, each tree has a female Japanese or Dutch name, like Sumiko and Johanna. (Here’s the full list if you’re curious.) Be sure to use the restroom before you begin your picnic—there aren’t any public toilets in the vicinity.

Where to go all in: It's not just cherry blossom season in Amsterdam this time of year—tulips happen to be one of Holland's most famous exports, and you can experience the bloom yourself at Keukenhof, a tulip-filled botanic garden that's only open in spring. Amsterdam’s annual Tulip Festival also runs throughout April, if you happen to be visiting around the same time.

When to go: July–August

Where to see the blooms: If you want to extend the season beyond March and April, head to Parque do Carmo, located on the eastern side of São Paulo, or Parque das Cerejeira, on the west side, during Brazil's winter. During the season, locals celebrate Festa das Cerejeiras (cherry blossom festival) with events like folk dances and food fairs.

Where to go all in: São Paulo is home to the largest community of Japanese descendants outside Japan. While you're in town, take some time to explore Liberdade, a multicultural Asian neighborhood where thousands of people have established and preserved their traditions right here in Brazil. Hit up the Museum of Japanese Immigration and the Oriental Garden; there are also incredible Japanese stores like Fancy Goods and Fonomag.