When you see pink and white blooms on trees, you know spring has arrived! The blooming of cherry blossoms is a global phenomenon which attracts people from all over the world to witness its arrival. Although cherry blossoms are native to Asia and are most popularly associated with Japan, they bloom elsewhere in the world, including in Europe!
So if you want to capture the pink beauties and give your Instagram grid a revamp, we’ve rounded up the top 10 places where you can witness the occurrence of this magical moment!
Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossoms have become a must-visit tourist attraction in Tokyo, with an estimated footfall of 63 million visitors to and within Japan. A national tradition in Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize human life, from birth to death. The viewing season, known as Hanami in Japan, is meant to be a fleeting reminder of the impermanence of life.
Meguro River is a great spot to witness the cherry blossoms! On either side of the river, a tunnel of pink is created, which continues for a 5-km stretch. While a day visit, with the natural light, is a setting by itself, a night visit brings a different vibe to the place. Pink lanterns are strung and lit up from the trees, whose reflections are seen on the water below. The way the cherry blossoms catch the light creates a surreal setting, which is a must-witness.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
Late March to early April
How to get here?
- 🚆 By train: Get down at either Meguro Station (950m) or Nakameguro Station (3km), both a five-minute train ride from Shibuya
Seoul, South Korea
Draped in a beautiful Korean hanbok, strolling along the riverside with cherry blossoms falling at your feet - bring this imagination to life by visiting Seoul this spring, where beautiful cherry blossoms come to life. Leaping out in pinks and whites, cherry blossom festivals attract more than 2 million people every year to Seoul. One of the best ways to witness this magical moment is by visiting the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, the biggest in South Korea. At the festival, in addition to enjoying the blooms, you can also enjoy cultural performances, romantic riverside walks, and delicious street foods.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
Late March to early April
How to get here?
- 🚌 By bus: From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal directly to Jinhae
- 🚆 By train: Train to Changwon station and take a local bus/taxi to Jinhae
Dublin, Ireland
After a long, cold winter, the coming of spring is a celebration in Dublin! When the streets are covered in a blanket of pink and white blooms and the trees above are dotted with the same bloom, you know spring has arrived! A local favorite spot to witness the cherry blossoms is Herbert Park. Located just outside the city center, this pink and white paradise gives visitors an unmatched backdrop for beautiful photographs and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the magic of nature. Alongside this, enjoy the cultural performances and delicious treats at food stalls.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
Late April to early May
How to get here?
- 🚌 By bus: Routes 39A, 4, and 7A
- 🚆 By Irish rail: Dart
Boston, New York
When spring comes to Boston, the city turns pink! The preceding winter months are harsh and cold, so spring is much anticipated every year. Boston offers many locations to witness this beautiful occurrence, and a favorite one is Charles River Esplanade, a promenade which runs along the Southern side of Charles River basin. To get the best view, take a walk between the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge off Arlington Street and the ramp to Massachusetts Avenue.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
Late March to early May
How to get here?
- 🚌 By bus: Routes 1, 111, 504, 57, and 9
- 🚆 By train: Fitchburg and Frammingham/Worcester
- 🚇 By subway: Green line B,C,D & E and Red line
Vancouver, Canada
Yet another city gifted with cherry trees by Japan, Vancouver has created a whole festival around the blooming of cherry blossoms. Across the city there are over 90,000 flowering trees including more than 40,000 Japanese cherry flowering trees. A prime spot to witness this magic of nature would be at Queen Elizabeth Park, where the gathering is almost a community picnic, complete with musical performances and guided tours.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
Late March to late April
How to get here?
- 🚌 By bus: Routes 15, 3, and 33
- 🚆 By SkyTrain: Canada Line
Paris, France
Spring brings with it feelings of joy and freshness! And when it’s spring in Paris, the story is a different narration. A popular destination to view these pink and white blooms is Champ de Mars, the expansive green area surrounding the Eiffel Tower. While this makes for a great photo location, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, check out the Parc de Sceaux, just outside Paris, which is home to the largest number of cherry blossom trees in the city.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
March to mid April
How to get here?
- 🚌 By bus: Routes 47, 72, and 82
- 🚆 By RER: Line C
- 🚇 By metro: Line 6
London, England
From lining the suburban streets to blooming in the parks, London’s cherry blossom show is a sight to behold. Where better to witness this beautiful sight than at London’s biggest botanical garden - Kew Gardens. Behind the rose garden is where you’ll find a variety of cherry blossom trees, their variant colors working in harmony to create a palette of colors dotting the trees above. With the Palm House in the background, you can capture some real good shots here. Follow the path until Cherry Walk, which is between King William's Temple and the Temperate House, lined with a deeper pink of cherry blossoms.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
Early March to Late May (depending on the weather). But, April is sakura month in London.
How to get here?
- 🚌 By bus: Routes 65, 110, 237, and 267
- 🚆 By train: Kew Bridge Station, 800m from Elizabeth Gate
- 🚇 By tubr: Kew Gardens Station, 500m from Victoria Gate
- 🚲 By bicycle: Bicycle racks are available at all four gates
- 🚗 By car: Parking space is limited
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In 2000, Japan gifted Amsterdam 400 sakuras. Since then, visiting Amsterdam to witness cherry blossoms has become a must-do with tourists. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are a symbol of new beginnings and the fragility of life. The best place to witness the blooms is in Kersenbloesempark, located in Amstelveen. The trees bloom for about 2-3 weeks, depending on the weather. Another spot is Westerpark, where you can enjoy a picnic while viewing the cherry blossoms.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
Mid March to early April
How to get here?
To Kersenbloesempark:- 🚌 By bus: Routes 186 and 174
- 🚆 By light rail: Nearest station is Amstelveen, Amstelveen Stadshart
- 🚌 By bus: Routes N88, 21, 22, N81, and 18
- 🚆 By train: Lines IC and SPR
- 🚇 By metro: 54 and Metro IPV Trein
- 🚆 By light rail: 3
Cáceres, Spain
In the old town of Cáceres is the Jerte Valley and its surrounding 11 villages which are covered in a blanket of white and pink petals from over 1.5 million cherry trees during spring. To celebrate the coming of spring, Jerte Valley hosts events called the Fiesta del Cerezo en Flor (Cherry Blossom Festival), where different activities are organized to showcase the region’s culture, traditions, and culinary delights. A thing to note: All cherry blossoms don’t appear together. The trees that are lower in the valley with warmer temperatures appear first, followed by those in the higher up, colder regions.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
Mid March to early April
How to get here?
The recommended way to get to the valley is by car. There are two options for road trips - circular and linear, which will be your guides as you slowly discover the cherry blossoms.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Sakura Festival is held to celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms! The festival is held in Langelinie Park, which features over 100 cherry trees, all in pink bloom. There are even cultural events related to Japan which helps you enjoy a more authentic experience. Some of the spots to watch and capture this beautiful spectacle are: Bispebjerg Cemetery (the cherry blossom walkway is situated along the fringes of the cemetery) and University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden. These are the prime locations and there are a few others including Islands Brygge, Kongens Have Park, and Amagerfælled.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
Mid March to mid April and the festival is held towards the end of April
How to get here?
To Bispebjerg Cemetery:- 🚌 By bus: Routes 21, 4A, and 6A
- 🚆 By train: Lines B & F
- 🚌 By bus: Routes 184, 350S, 5C, and 6A
- 🚆 By train: Lines A,B, & C
- 🚇 By metro: Line M2
