Where are the best cities to see cherry blossoms?
When pink clouds of cherry blossoms, or sakura (as they’re known in Japan), start blooming, that’s a sure sign that spring has officially arrived. 🌸 It’s one of those blink-and-you-miss-it natural wonders, which makes it all the more magical when you do catch a glimpse of these pastel beauties. But how can you be sure to see them at their peak? We’ve got you covered with photos of the top 10 best places to see cherry blossoms around the world.
TLDR
1. Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossom viewing season (known as Hanami in Japan) is a time for introspection. The beautiful, yet fleeting, sakura blossoms serve as a reminder of the impermanence of life. While Hanami is a time for contemplation and soul-searching, enjoying the sakura’s beauty is really the main event of this beautiful tradition. Grab your favourite journal and head to Shinjuku Gyoen Park in Tokyo to reflect under the cherry blossoms. 📖 This sprawling urban garden draws major crowds for cherry blossom season from late March to late April, so get there early if you crave some solitude.
2. Kyoto, Japan
The serene Philosopher’s Path, inspired by japanese culture and planted with delicate yoshino cherry trees, explodes with colour during peak Hanami season in Kyoto by early April. Perfect for a first time visitor to Japan, this iconic walk rivals even the famous gardens of Osaka in its beauty. Walking the cherry blossom-lined canal path takes about 30 minutes, but spend some extra time visiting the small temples and shrines along the way. As is the case elsewhere, arriving early is recommended to get those sweet cherry blossom views sans crowds. ⛩
3. Paris, France
Our all-time favourite spot for early morning Eiffel Tower photo shoots year-round just so happens to be a prime spot for cherry blossoms in Paris. The wide walkways of Trocadéro serve up prime Eiffel Tower views, and come mid-March to late April, this location is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Paris! Be sure to set your alarm for “Bright and Early” as these Parisian views are about as hot as French espresso. ☕
4. Washington, DC
Cherry blossom season in Washington, DC is an event… literally. The National Cherry Blossom Festival was first held in 1934 to celebrate the gorgeous Japanese cherry trees gifted to the city by Tokyo’s mayor in 1912. This year, the festivities run from March 20 through April 14 when the blossoms are in full bloom. Get in on the action at the Tidal Basin, where those famous trees beautifully frame some of the capital’s most iconic monuments. Other viewing spots for the blossoms are the neighbourhood of Georgetown, the National Arboretum, Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument. 🏛
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting Amsterdam during spring is generally reserved for a flower of a different variety, the beautiful and vibrant tulips that pop up around the city! But while you’re there basking in the tulip goodness, you can sneak in some cherry blossom viewing as well. 🌷 The more the merrier most definitely applies to flowers, so get yourself to Keukenhof Gardens between March 21 and May 19 for all the cheery colourful blooms you can handle. Arrive before 10:30 a.m. or after 4 p.m. for the lightest crowds and the best light for photos.
6. NYC, New York
As if Central Park wasn’t already the perfect place to spend a day in New York City, it’s also one of the best places to see cherry blossoms, which typically bloom from mid-April to early May. 🗽 To see the resident Central Park beauties bloom to life, head to the west and east sides of the Reservoir, the southeast edge of the Great Lawn, Bethesda Terrace, and the southeast corner of the Great Lawn Oval.
Besides Central Park and Sakura Park in Manhattan, other boroughs of NYC that are great for cherry blossom hunting are Brooklyn, specifically the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as well as Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.
7. Vancouver, Canada
As the rainy season comes to a close, Vancouver’s cherry blossom festival celebrates the floral display with an array of events. A favourite is enjoying traditional Japanese cultural activities such as tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower-arranging classes), Japanese cuisine and more at the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which celebrates Canada’s long-standing friendship with Japan. 💐 If you find yourself in the milder climate of Victoria on Vancouver Island, you’ll likely be greeted by the earliest blooms between February and May. Strolling along Moss Street and View Street framed by the beautiful pink blossoms will certainly add a pep to your springtime step.
8. Dublin, Ireland
Footpaths covered in a blanket of cherry blossoms feel like confetti celebrating the end of a long Irish winter. St Stephen’s Green, Trinity College Dublin and the National Botanic Gardens are all popular places to view the pastel blooms. Just outside the city centre lies Herbert Park, which still feels like a secret spot to walk amongst the highest concentration of cherry blossom trees in Dublin. 🌿
9. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston transforms into a floral paradise from late March and continues to bloom well into late April or even early May, with cherry blossom bloom displays creating magical canopies throughout the city’s historic neighborhoods. The Public Garden and Back Bay are particularly stunning during peak bloom, where pink cherry blossoms mingle with dramatic magnolia trees against the backdrop of Victorian brownstones. Perfect for a day trip, this quintessential New England experience draws visitors during this special time of year when the city shakes off winter’s chill. Pack a picnic and wander the charming streets, where blossoming branches frame iconic cobblestone paths and create picture-perfect moments around every corner. 🌳
10. Portland, Oregon
An early wake-up call for sunrise at Waterfront Park is well worth it to walk among the breathtaking display of cherry blossoms without the crowds… because they will come! One hundred cherry trees line the waterfront as you make your way towards the steel bridge, and it’s the best spot to see the trees planted in perfect, harmonious rows. It’s not the only place to experience the magic of cherry blossom season though – pay a visit to Hoyt Arboretum, Laurelhurst Park, or simply stumble across one of the many trees dotting the city as you explore the bustling streets of Portland. 🚙
Capturing Cherry Blossom Memories
The season of Japanese Hanami is about celebrating the present moment and reflecting on oneself. In the spirit of fleeting moments, be sure to capture your family, you and your partner, or your own portrait this spring with a Flytographer photo shoot! Our local photographers know the best spots in your hometown to get photos under these gorgeous springtime blossoms. 🌸
