10 Best Cities to enjoy Cherry Blossom Bloom
10 Best Cities to enjoy Cherry Blossom Bloom
Spring is a magical time of the year when nature comes alive and transforms everything around us. One of the most enchanting phenomena of spring is the cherry blossom bloom, when trees burst into a sea of delicate pink and white flowers. Across the world, millions of people gather to celebrate this beautiful moment each year. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 best cities to enjoy cherry blossom bloom.
1. Tokyo, Japan
The cherry blossom bloom in Tokyo is a national event known as “Hanami,” and it’s one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Thousands of cherry trees line the city streets and parks, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The best time to see the bloom is from late March to early April, and there are numerous events and festivals during this period.
2. Washington D.C., United States
Washington D.C. is famous for its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place in early April. During this time, the city’s Tidal Basin area is filled with pink and white blooms, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
3.. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is another beautiful city to enjoy cherry blossom bloom. The city’s Stanley Park is home to over 40,000 cherry trees, making it one of the largest cherry blossom gardens in North America. The best time to visit is usually from late March to mid-April.
4. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is another city that celebrates cherry blossom bloom in style. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is a popular event that takes place in April each year, and it features beautiful cherry trees alongside other flowers.
5. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most beautiful cherry blossom trees, including the famous Philosopher’s Path. The city also hosts many events during the bloom season, such as the “Higashiyama Hanatoro,” which lights up the streets with lanterns and illuminates the cherry blossoms.
6. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is not often associated with cherry blossom bloom, but the Kungsträdgården park is one of the best places to experience it in Europe. The park is filled with cherry trees that bloom in late April, creating a picturesque backdrop for picnics and strolls.
7. Bonn, Germany
Bonn is home to the famous cherry blossom avenue, which is lined with over 200 cherry trees that bloom in April. The city also hosts an annual cherry blossom festival, which is a must-see for any cherry blossom lover.
8. Paris, France
The cherry blossom bloom in Paris is a sight to behold. The city’s Parc de Sceaux is filled with cherry trees, creating a stunning pink and white canopy in late March and early April. The park also hosts a variety of events and performances during the bloom season.
Designed by King Louis XIV’s principal gardener, the Parc de Sceaux just outside Paris is home to the region’s largest number of cherry blossom trees. Settle with a picnic in two sun-dappled groves and pretend you’re in a Miss Dior ad
9. Macon, Georgia, United States
Macon, Georgia is known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.” Each year, the city hosts the International Cherry Blossom Festival, which is one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in the world. The festival attracts over 300,000 visitors each year, and the city is filled with pink and white blooms throughout March.
10. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is another great city to experience cherry blossom bloom. The city’s Yangmingshan National Park is a popular destination, with thousands of cherry trees blooming in February and March. The park also offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
11. Istanbul, Turkey In bloom March-April
Modelled on the Japanese region of Shimonoseki, Baltalimani Japanese Garden is flush with traditional flora, including huge sakura trees whose vibrant jewels later cover the ground like a
blanket of candyfloss
12. Stockholm – In bloom Late April
For dazzling pink flower clouds in the heart of Stockholm visit Kungsträdgården, where in late April you’ll also find an annual Cherry Blossom Festival. It can get packed with tourists, so jump on a bus to nearby Hammarby Sjöstad forthe same beautiful petal canopy minus the crowds.
13. Vancouver, Canada In bloom April
Visit Vancouver in April and you’re practically guaranteed to see blossom-whether you’re there for the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival or just taking a stroll. Stop by spots like Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park, the VanDusen Botanical Garden or even the downtown Burrard SkyTrain station to be surrounded by the stuff.
14. Sydney, Australia In bloom Late August
Things bloom a little later in Sapporo-the capital of the northern island of Hokkaido. Take it in on a traditional walk through Maruyama Parkto Hokkaido Shrine, where you’ll encounter parties under the pink and white. More tranquil spots, like Nakajima Park or Moerenuma Park, are perfect for those all-important Instagram shoots. While you’ll spy pops of pink in various Sydney suburbs, Auburn Botanic Gardens hosts Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival in August, with its Japanese garden the pretty party centrepiece.
15. Curitiba, Brazil In bloom July
For the latter half of the year, you’ll need to head to the Southern Hemisphere to get your sakura fix. A visit to the Botanical Garden of Curitiba in Brazil In summer is likely to lead to sightings of those clouds of white and pink pastels. The garden itself is resplendent, complete with a huge art nouveau glasshouse like Kew’s Brazilian cousin.
16. New York, USA In bloom April
New York City is home to many pink-petalled beauties, but at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden you’ll also find Sakura Matsuri, a bustling two-day event welcoming spring. Sit under rows of pink buds while enjoying taiko drummers, samurai- sword masters, J-rock bands and Japanese tea.
17. Hamburg, Germany In bloom May
As Osaka’s sister city, each year in May since 1968 Hamburg has played host to Kirschblütenfest, a Cherry Blossom Festival that includes fireworks and a plethora of cultural events. The trees themselves can mainly be found in the scenic Altonaer Balkon park or framing the Alster Lake- perfect for a pink-tinged walk.
18. Shillong, India
Shillong, India In bloom October-November Still in its infancy, the Indian International Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Himalayan cherry trees in bloom. Although the city is off the beaten travel track, an evening walk under the trees by its Ward Lake sounds rather romantic.
Cherry blossom bloom is a beautiful and magical phenomenon that is celebrated in many cities around the world. Whether you’re in Japan, the United States, Europe, or Asia, you’re sure to find a city that offers stunning cherry blossom view.
Cherry Blossom Photo by AJ on Unsplash