Best Cherry Blossom Destinations in 2024
It’s time to think pink. After months of bleak winter weather, spring is ready to explode in the northern hemisphere with a riot of cherry tree blossoms.
Plenty of seasonal blooms inspire awe, like purple crocuses announcing spring’s arrival and daffodils, those gold-star perennials. However, no flowering plant stirs the soul quite like cherry trees – with their shock of fleeting petals forming cotton-candy canopies – a poignant reminder of rebirth and a meditation on life’s transience.
Celebrations from Japan to Spain’s Jerte Valley delight in the arrival of cherry blossoms. Nevertheless, timing a trip to see the actual petals can be tricky. Blossoms last for roughly 10 days, and peak bloom (when approximately 70% of trees flower) doesn’t always align with pre-planned events; it depends on local temperatures, sunshine, and precipitation levels.
1. Yoshino, Japan
Amsterdam has its tulips, Vermont has its autumn leaves, and Japan has its cherry blossoms: a seasonal nature show with cultural significance. People across Japan have celebrated spring’s cherry blossoms, or sakura, since at least the 8th century, enjoying the delicate display in a tradition called hanami – which translates to “flower viewing.” Groups gather beneath blooming trees for hours to enjoy the petals, often while picnicking. Make sure to bring some sakura mochi (sweet rice balls with a red-bean-paste filling) to enhance your experience.
There are numerous petal party destinations throughout Japan. For historical pedigree, visit Jindai Zakura – the nation’s oldest cherry tree, which has been rooted on the grounds of the temple Jisso-ji for over 2000 years. Furthermore, Maruyama Park in Kyoto attracts crowds for lively hanami day-hangs that transform into sake-soaked soirées. If you’re seeking picture-perfect pink landscapes, Yoshino is unrivaled. Approximately 30,000 cherry trees turn Mt Yoshino into a pink patchwork, and aerial trams zip visitors up slopes to gaze at the blossoms.
When to go: According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, Yoshino’s trees will flower around March 25 and peak by early April. If you’re willing to wait, trees in northern areas like Sapporo will peak by early May.
2. Washington, DC
The US capital might be best known for hard-line politics; however, every spring, the city softens with the arrival of cherry blossoms. Washington’s spring traditions date back to 1912 when Tokyo’s mayor gifted the city 3,000 cherry trees as a symbol of American-Japanese friendship. Now, the city celebrates this floral spectacle for an entire month during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, featuring various parties and performances planned around peak bloom.
For the most scenic views, take to the popular 2-mile promenade around the Tidal Basin. Morning or twilight visits reward you with breathtaking views as the path blushes pink. Alternatively, the National Arboretum is a peaceful choice, boasting over 20 cherry tree sites across its 446 acres. You can cycle or stroll along the Arboretum’s extensive paths to admire the colorful foliage.
When to go: The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled from March 20 to April 14. In recent years, peak bloom has occurred around late March and early April, so keeping an eye on the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch for predictions is advisable.
3. Macon, Georgia
In mid-March, this charming southern town springs to life as buds erupt from 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees – roughly 92 times the number found in DC. The sheer abundance has earned Macon the title of “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World,” showcasing an array of celebratory events each year.
Spring visitors can partake in a packed agenda of activities, including a wiener dog race, pageants, performances, and a grand parade. Nevertheless, the best way to experience the blooms is along the Cherry Blossom Trail. This route zigzags through areas with high concentrations of cherry trees, flanked by public fountains and storefront windows adorned in pink for the occasion.
When to go: Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival brings pastel hues to life from March 15 to March 24. You can monitor the Bloom Cam to see the progress of the petals in real-time.
4. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver’s love affair with cherry blossoms began post-WWI when mayors from Kobe and Yokohama, Japan, gifted 500 cherry trees to the Vancouver Park Board – celebrating the contribution of Japanese Canadians who served during the war. Presently, approximately 43,000 cherry trees bloom all over town, inspiring many springtime activities.
Petal season abounds with events organized by the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors can join guided walks to discover blooming charms in various neighborhoods, take blossom-painting classes, or stroll through David Lam Park, where flowers illuminate the night. One of the most joyous events is the Sakura Days Japan Fair, an all-day jamboree featuring ikebana (flower-arrangement classes), sake tastings, and a feast of Japanese cuisine.
When to go: The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 29 to April 25. To keep up with the flowering trees, visit VCBF’s updated Blooming Now page throughout spring.
5. New York, New York
In the hustle and bustle of NYC, the “concrete jungle” isn’t entirely gray. Various verdant parks offer vibrant spectacles, especially by April when 40,000 ornamental trees bring splashes of fuchsia, ivory, and coral to the landscapes. In Manhattan, Riverside Park’s Cherry Walk and Central Park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir are significant highlights.
For popular blossom destinations, venture to the outer boroughs. Over 200 cherry trees planted at the Bronx’s New York Botanical Garden bloom in a stunning display of pink, often accompanied by azaleas and magnolia trees. Additionally, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is home to many cherry trees, where the Cherry Esplanade features 76 trees blooming in unison.
When to go: Most cherry trees in NYC bloom around mid-April, but others may produce flowers weeks before or after. Various bloom trackers are excellent resources for planning your excursions.
6. Paris, France
Springtime in Paris transforms the city into a floral wonderland. Kanzan trees in the Jardins du Trocadéro create a charming backdrop against the Eiffel Tower, while more cherry trees in the Jardin des Tuileries enhance its idyllic atmosphere. Charming blooms also adorn the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden, and along the Promenade Plantée, the world’s first elevated park.
A particularly romantic outing could take you just outside the city center to Parc de Sceaux, featuring a château and sculpted gardens reminiscent of Versailles. As winter recedes, 150 cherry trees begin to blossom, making it an open invitation for delightful picnics under the blooming trees.
When to go: The first buds generally appear from early to mid-March, with peak season typically spanning late March to early April.
7. Valle del Jerte, Spain
Spain’s Extremadura region is home to 1.5 million cherry trees, celebrated for producing sweet cherries in summer. During spring, the blossoms transform the Jerte Valley into a breathtaking white landscape, especially enchanting to witness with the snow-capped Gredos mountains in the background. This region hosts the Fiesta del Cerezo en Flor (Cherry Blossom Festival), presenting markets, tastings, and gastronomic events.
When to go: The Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated from March 22 to April 7. Planning a visit from mid-April to early May will allow you to experience the beauty of the petals falling from the treetops.
