Where to see cherry blossoms around the world—Tokyo, Washington D.C., Paris, and more

Spring is coming, and with it comes an explosion of cherry blossoms. Also known as sakura, these delicate blooms bathe parks and streets in shades of pink and white. It's an unforgettable sight with many “oohs” and “ahhs” guaranteed.

While native to Japan, there are still plenty of destinations to see (and celebrate) cherry blossoms around the globe. Our advice: try planning for a longer trip. Bloom times can vary depending on the weather, and the flowers typically last about two weeks.

Best time to visit: Late March–early April

Tokyo is one of the best places to catch these delicate blooms. As days warm, thousands of cherry trees blossom all over the city, shops roll out sakura-themed everything, and festivals kick into high gear. This magical moment happens once (sometimes twice) a year—making cherry blossom season one of the best times to visit Japan.

Do as the locals do and picnic under clouds of pink petals at the popular Ueno Park. Go early to snag a good spot. For equally iconic views, visit the Meguro River, specifically the Nakameguro canal. At night, soft lights illuminate the blossoms, offering unforgettable views.

Make the most of the sakura season with a three-hour E-bike tour that will take you to Tokyo’s popular and lesser-known cherry blossom spots. Or sign up for this Cherry Blossom Tour to the Matsuda Winter Cherry Blossom Festival. Spoiler: You’ll get gorgeous blooms with Mount Fuji in the background.

Best time to visit: Late March–early April

Come springtime, Kyoto transforms into an especially scenic sakura spot. The beautiful blooms grow among ancient temples and shrines, creating a jaw-dropping sight.

Some of the best floral displays can be found in Arashiyama, Philosopher's Walk, and Maruyama Park—where the iconic weeping cherry tree is. But quieter spots like Hirano Shrine and Takasegawa are worth visiting too. They offer zen vibes, along with wondrous blooms.

Experience the blossoms like a local with this private personalized tour. Together with your host, you’ll get to taste seasonal dishes and learn more about the iconic flowers. For first-timers, join this Cherry Blossom Tour to see Kyoto’s best spots in a fast, fuss-free way.

Best time to visit: End March–early April

The Tidal Basin shines in spring for two reasons. First, there are over 3,000 blooming cherry trees. Second, the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This huge, month-long party brings electrifying events like parades and cultural performances.

Zip around the reservoir with a two-hour Cherry Blossom Bike Tour. Or take it slow with a tour around the city, peppered with D.C.’s must-see landmarks. For those staying in neighboring states, join the floral action with a day trip to D.C. These tours depart from New York and Virginia.

Best time to visit: Late March–mid-April

Paris is exceptionally charming in the springtime. The streets buzz with jazz festivals and live music, and you’ll see both locals and travelers picnicking by the Eiffel Tower. It’s also the perfect time to admire spring flowers, from fragrant wisteria to the dreamiest cherry blossoms.

For the best sakura views, swing by the Trocadéro Gardens or Champ de Mars. Or take the train to Parc de Sceaux to enjoy the blossoms without the crowds.

Best time to visit: Mid-February–early April

During cherry blossom season, a flurry of pink petals covers Taipei’s lush green spaces. One of the best places to see this lovely phenomenon is Wuji Tianyuan Temple. Travelers recommend going early for a crowd-free experience.

Yangmingshan National Park is another go-to. Enjoy a quiet stroll, or join locals at the annual Yangmingshan Cherry Blossom Festival. Events range from art exhibitions to dance competitions.

If you’re short on time, book this Cherry Blossom Day Tour and explore Taipei’s sakura hotspots in the comfort of a bus or mini-van.

Best time to visit: Mid-April–late April

Nestled in the heart of Stockholm, Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden) houses over 60 cherry trees—a generous gift from Japan to the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1998. At peak bloom, the trees form a delicate canopy of soft pink flowers, giving the city a fabulous pop of color.

Prefer a dreamier experience? Make your way to Bysistorget square. There are tons of alfresco cafes where you can dine under the blossoms.

Best time to visit: Early April–late April

Spring brings out a different vibe in New York City. As sunny days and warmer temps set in, cherry blossoms pop up across the Big Apple in full force. (Psst...refer to this map to find the nearest blooms.)

For the best views, wander around the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. There are 26 types of cherry trees—check out the nifty Cherry Tracker that lets you know when the sakura is blooming. A quieter alternative is Green-Wood Cemetery, right by the Valley Water pond.

Best time to visit: Late March–early April

Seoul is extra romantic during cherry blossom season. At Yeouido Park, rows of cherry trees along Yunjunro Street (behind the National Assembly Building) spring to life. Another picture-perfect spot to see the blooms is Seokchon Lake.

If you enjoy surprises, join this Mysterious Tour and explore three top sakura spots, handpicked by your guide. Otherwise, rent a hanbok (the traditional Korean attire) to get free entry to five palaces, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Good news: these are also prime sakura spots.

Best time to visit: July–mid-August

Yep, South America has sakura too! And it’s thanks to the thousands of Japanese who immigrated to Brazil in the early 1900s. Many of them brought cherry blossom seedlings, which they planted all over the country.

Today, Curitiba—the capital of Paraná—is a fantastic place to view the blooms. The Botanical Garden of Curitiba is a crowd favorite, along with the Japanese Gardens.

Best time to visit: Early April–mid-April

Almost every street in Vancouver turns pink in spring. No surprise, considering there are 43,000 cherry trees scattered across the city. Use this live map to find blossoms near you, or sign up for a Private Vancouver City Tour. It covers some of Vancouver’s best places to see cherry blossoms, such as Stanley Park and VanDusen Botanical Gardens.

While you’re in town, don’t miss the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Every year, they celebrate the blooms with an array of community events, from yoga workshops to theater performances.

Best time to visit: Late March–early April

Pack a picnic and head down to Kersenbloesempark in Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest). There, you’ll find a grove of 400 beautiful cherry trees—a donation from the Japan Women’s Club. Interestingly, each tree has a female Japanese or Dutch name, like Sumiko and Johanna. (Here’s the full list if you’re curious.)

Be sure to use the restroom before you begin your picnic. There aren’t any public toilets in the vicinity.

Best time to visit: July–August

São Paulo is home to the largest community of Japanese descendants outside Japan. So it's no surprise that this exciting city is a great place to catch the blooms—especially if you miss the March or April window.

Head to Parque do Carmo, located on the eastern side. During the season, locals celebrate Festa das Cerejeiras (cherry blossom festival) with events like folk dances and food fairs. On the city’s western side, check out Parque das Cerejeira.

Best time to visit: Late March–early April

Portland may be known as the ‘City of Roses’, but it’s also one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S. Just roam around Tom McCall Waterfront Park and you’ll understand why. Grab some grub from the nearby Pine Street Market if you’re planning a picnic.

Other tranquil sakura spots include the Lan Su Chinese Garden and Portland Japanese Garden. The latter also has a lovely cafe where you can savor tea and delicious desserts.