Blooming flowers, warm sunshine, and fresh air are what makes us excited about spring. The colorful flowers and rays of sunshine light up a new mood after the cold and snowy weather. Then, are you ready to travel in this colorful season? Thus, one of the best things to do in spring is to see cherry blossoms. The lovely, soft pink flowers are surely beautiful. Moreover, they take an important role in some countries’ traditions and cultures. So, where to see cherry blossoms this spring 2024? What are the best countries to see cherry blossoms?
We have compiled a list of the best places to see cherry blossoms. Of course, you will find Japan and its world-famous sakura flowers. Besides that, we add other destinations that you won’t expect to have extraordinary cherry blossoms scenes. So, check it out!
Where to See Cherry Blossoms – Summary
- Tokyo, Japan
- Kyoto, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Taichung, Taiwan
- London, the UK
- Jerte Valley, Spain
- Washington, D.C.
- Vancouver, Canada
Tokyo, Japan
We won’t leave out Japan when we talk about cherry blossoms. The Land of Rising Sun is widely known for its unofficial national flower, which is the cherry blossom or sakura. Thus, these lovely flowers play a remarkable role in Japanese culture. For that reason, people in Japan cherish springtime as the moment when sakura flowers are blooming.
Head to Tokyo for an extravagant scenery of bursting soft pink colors. In late March to early April, thousands of cherry blossom trees in Tokyo bloom. City parks, streets, to canals in Tokyo are loaded with brilliant colors. Thus, people in Tokyo go for hanami or picnic under the sakura trees to cherish the moment. Shops, restaurants, and cafes offer sakura-themed goodies during the cherry blossom season. So, don’t be surprised if you found unique sakura bento, sakura mochi, or even sakura latte! Moreover, make sure to visit the Cherry Blossom Festival and immerse in its cheery atmosphere.
Kyoto, Japan
Another enchanting place to see cherry blossoms in Japan is Kyoto. With the backdrop of Japanese-styled shrines and magnificent palaces, the scene of blooming sakura flowers look twice more beautiful here. Moreover, it is the perfect time to stroll around Kyoto’s historical buildings, as it is decorated with astonishing soft pink colors. You can also visit riverside parks and have a picnic under the sakura trees, while looking at the glimmering Kizugawa River. Furthermore, the cherry blossoms usually bloom in mid to late April in Kyoto. So, make sure to visit Kyoto if you are traveling to Japan in April!
Seoul, South Korea
Dreaming of a romantic scene that you can only see in Korean drama? Then, try visiting Seoul in spring! The capital of South Korea turns into a pink sea during this time of the year. Cherry blossom trees or beottkot burst with thousands of petals, offering a breathtaking view. It is one of the time of the year when Seoul looks undeniably pretty and of course, romantic.
People sprawl in Seoul’s parks, gardens, or riverside streets to enjoy this outstanding scene. Besides that, you can also see Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival. It offers an enchanting scene of cherry blossom trees lit up with thousands of colorful lights. Finally, make a K-Drama scene comes true by strolling through Han River with the backdrop of countless cherry blossoms. Sounds so romantic, right?
Taichung, Taiwan
It’s hard to get over East Asia’s beauty in spring. Besides Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also offers an unforgettable cherry blossom scene. One of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan is Taichung. This second largest city in Taiwan is famous for its outstanding natural landmarks and gardens. Moreover, Taichung is home to Yae-zakura, a species of cherry blossom that has more than five petals. It comes with a darker shade of pink, offering a variation to the soft pink-dominated cherry blossoms scene. You can see these flowers in Houli District and Wuling Farm.
London, the UK
Witness how the lovely colors of cherry blossoms light up the mood in London. In springtime, cherry blossoms add an adorable touch of pink to London’s verdant gardens. Thus, it is a great time to go outdoors and explore London’s well-manicured parks. You can visit Kew Gardens, which is London’s biggest botanical garden. In spring, the gardens are bursting with different types of cherry blossoms. Thus, gain some interesting botanical knowledge as you visit this outstanding garden. Then, you can also take a peek at the Buckingham Palace and see hundreds of cherry blossom trees in St. James Park.
Jerte Valley, Spain
Want to escape the crowd and find a lovely hidden gem in Spain? Then, head to Jerte Valley! This countryside secret spot is located in the north of Cáceres and can be reached by a car. Thus, it is a great destination for a road trip. The Jerte Valley is home to eleven villages and a large number of cherry trees. For that reason, there is always an outstanding cherry blossoms scene during spring in Jerte Valley. It is even celebrated through the Cherry Blossom Festival. This annual festival starts at the end of March and lasts for ten days. In the festival, you can find unique cuisines, exciting music, and interesting exhibitions. Last but not least, you can also enjoy a beautiful scenery of blooming pale cherry blossom flowers.
Washington D.C., the US
See how this prominent American city turns into a fairytale-like place in spring. Washington D.C. is bursting with soft pink petals in mid-March, offering a beautiful scenery. Other than the sign of springtime, the cherry blossom season in Washington D.C. recalls an important historical moment. In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gives cherry blossom trees to the mayor of Washington D.C. as a token of friendship. Due to that gift, Washington D.C. can enjoy a pretty cherry blossoms every spring. Thus, the cherry blossom season is celebrated with a festival. So, don’t miss out seeing the annual Cherry Blossom Festival from mid-March to late April in Washington D.C.
Vancouver, Canada
Witness a fascinating scene of pink flowering trees as spring comes in Vancouver. This city is home to around 40,000 cherry blossom trees. Thus, the cherry blossoms started growing in Canada from a long time ago. They were gifts from Japan to honor Japanese-Canadian soldiers who served in World War I.
The flowering moment of cherry blossoms is celebrated in Vancouver. In April, the city holds Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival will heavily reminds you of Japan, as it features lots of Japanese cultures. You can find hanami events, cherry blossoms-themed items, and Japanese cuisines in the festival. Furthermore, you can visit the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival in March 31 to April 23, 2024.
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