Where to See Cherry Blossoms Beyond Japan This Spring

Spring is synonymous with cherry blossoms. And cherry blossoms are synonymous with Japan. The tradition of hanami (花見) — which translates to “flower viewing” — has been celebrated in Japan for centuries.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan for cherry blossom season (sakura), bloom times vary across the country. In Tokyo, sakura will begin the last week of March, according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, while in Sapporo, further north, peak bloom doesn’t arrive until late April.

The best viewing period for most of the country will be from late March into the first week of April.

But you don’t have to travel to Japan to witness breathtaking cherry blossoms this spring. From Europe to North America, here are the top destinations to see cherry blossoms beyond Japan in 2025:

1. Washington, D.C.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in the U.S. capital annually as the Tidal Basin near the National Mall is blanketed in pink from late March to early April.

America owes this magnificent display to Japan, which gifted the cherry trees to the United States in 1912, as part of Tokyo’s “cherry tree diplomacy.”

Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki sent over 3,000 cherry trees planted around the Tidal Basin. A century later, the U.S. gifted 3,000 dogwood trees to Japan in a gesture of gratitude.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 through April 13.

But the National Park Service projects the peak bloom to occur between March 28 and March 31, 2025. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views at the Tidal Basin, National Mall, and Potomac Park.

Flower lovers can also enjoy the Tulip Library, with 93 beds of tulips from Holland, located near the Tidal Basin along Independence Avenue.

2. Macon, Georgia, USA

You wouldn’t expect it, but Macon Georgia is home to the International Cherry Blossom Festival.

Macon’s love affair with cherry blossoms began in the 1950s with William A. Fickling, Sr. — a local realtor who came to be known as the city’s Johnny Appleseed. Driven by his passion for the trees, he cut samples from his own cherry tree in his yard, giving them away to locals to plant.

Decades later, Fickling partnered with Carolyn Crayton to plant tens of thousands of cherry blossoms across the city. By 1982, the first International Cherry Blossom Festival was held — and it’s become an annual tradition since.

This year’s International Cherry Blossom Festial kicks off on Friday, March 21 and runs through Sunday, March 30. It’s a very American celebration, with dog shows, a gospel fest, a pink pancake breakfast, and a cherry blossom parade.

The complete list of events can be viewed here.

3. Seoul, South Korea

Each spring, cherry blossoms line the streets and parks of Seoul, with some of the most beautiful displays at Yeouido Park and Seokchon Lake.

One of the most popular cherry blossom festivals (also known as hanami in Korean) is the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, where nearly than 1,900 cherry trees bloom along the Han River, creating a spectacular pink canopy. The event — set for early April — features street performances, food stalls, and night illuminations, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Another must-visit spot in Seoul is Seokchon Lake, located near Lotte World Tower, where cherry trees reflect beautifully on the water, making it one of the most picturesque hanami locations in the country.

Cherry blossoms bloom earlier in the southern part of of the country, where temperatures are warmer. The Halla Arboretum and Yerae Eco Park
on Jeju Island offer majestic views in the spring.

4. Paris, France

The City of Light transforms into a pink wonderland in early April, with cherry trees blooming near the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Jardin des Plantes.

A prime spot for cherry blossom viewing in Paris is Parc de Sceaux, located just outside the city. The park hosts an annual hanami festival, with cultural events scheduled this year from April 4 to April 21, 2025. Hanami Weekend at the Parc de Sceaux is set to take place from April 12-13.

The Sceaux estate, originally built in the late 17th century by statesman Jean-Baptiste Colbert, later became home to cherry blossoms as part of its beautifully landscaped gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, the same architect behind the gardens of Versailles.

5. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is home to one of the most magnificent cherry blossom displays in North America. Each year, its Cherry Blossom Festival features the city’s over 40,000 cherry trees in bloom.

Like Washington and other cities in the Western Hemisphere, Vancouver’s cherry blossoms originate with Japan’s cherry blossom diplomacy. The city received gifts of cherry trees from the Japanese cities of Kobe and Yokohama.

The festival, running from March 26 to April 28, 2025, includes a range of events:

• March 29: The Big Picnic at David Lam Park (1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC)
  • Join thousands of visitors for a hanami (花見) picnic under 100 breathtaking Akebono cherry trees.
• April 12–13: Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC)
  • A celebration of Japanese culture featuring traditional performances, food stalls, tea ceremonies, and art exhibits.

A full schedule of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is available here.