Blooming pink flowers cherry blossoms call for special celebration and these cities celebrate it well
Spring is here, and with it comes a stunning spectacle: cherry blossoms! Whether you call it Bahaar in Urdu, haru in Japanese, or forår in Danish, this season is a universal celebration of new beginnings and vibrant life. While Japan might be the most famous cherry blossom hotspot, you don’t have to travel all the way there to experience their beauty. Check out these fantastic cherry blossom spots around the world!
Washington, DC, takes cherry blossoms very seriously. The city’s National Cherry Blossom Festival is a time-honored tradition, kicking off in 1935 to honor Japan's gift of 3,000 cherry trees. Every year, the Tidal Basin transforms into a picturesque sea of pink, with eleven different cherry tree species joining the bloom party. Lasting for almost a month, from March to April, the city hosts a vibrant array of events. Expect everything from a Pink Tie Party (yes, you might need to don something fabulous and pink), a kite festival, and even a day-long music festival.
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Who knew New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden could be a cherry blossom wonderland? Since their planting in 1921, these cherry trees have been wowing visitors with their springtime beauty. For teo days in April, you can enjoy Hanami Nights, an evening event that lights up the Japanese Hill, Pond Garden, and Cherry Walk with a magical glow. Stroll under the illuminated cherry trees, try some origami, and enjoy live performances.
Copenhagen is not just about hygge and pastries; it’s also a cherry blossom gem. The city celebrates the Sakura Festival at Langelinie Park every year, and it’s a blooming good time. Since 2008, this festival has been a tribute to the cherry trees donated by Hiroshima City, which were planted to mark the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen’s birth. In April, you can enjoy a mix of Japanese culture with judo displays, cosplay contests, haiku performances, and even a traditional tea ceremony.
Stockholm’s cherry blossoms are a big deal, too! Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden) becomes a sea of pink every April, with the Cherry Blossom Day festival taking center stage. This day-long celebration features lively music, traditional Japanese drum performances, and even martial arts demonstrations. The cherry blossoms here typically last from April to early May, giving you a good window to plan your visit. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Swedish springtime with a touch of Japanese flair.
Singapore’s Gardens By the Bay is an unexpected but delightful spot for cherry blossoms. Their Sakura Matsuri Festival runs in Marchturning the garden into a cherry blossom paradise. You can walk through a traditional Japanese landscape, complete with a replica of Kyoto’s Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Highlights include a thousand paper cranes hanging from the flower dome’s ceiling and the enchanting Yozakura, where the blossoms are lit up at night. This festival blends cherry blossom beauty with Singapore’s tropical allure.
Kashmir offers a unique cherry blossom experience in India. From March to early April, the region’s cherry blossoms turn the landscape into a pink and white wonderland. Tailbal, just 13 kilometers from Srinagar, is particularly famous for its cherry orchards. The area is stunning year-round, but during cherry blossom season, it becomes even more magical. If you’re looking for a picturesque, Himalayan cherry blossom experience, Kashmir is the place to be.
