Where To Visit The Cherry Blossom Festival​s Around The Globe
If you've ever seen cherry blossoms up close, you know why people get so excited about cherry blossom festivals. Sure, the soft pink and white petals are gorgeous, but what really makes them special is how briefly they stick around. Cherry blossoms bloom for maybe a week or two at most, which means you've got a pretty narrow window to catch them at their peak.
The good news is you don't have to fly all the way to Japan to experience a cherry blossom festival (although that’s certainly an option if you can spring for it—pun intended), as there are amazing celebrations happening right here in the U.S., which make for unique springtime dates. We've rounded up some of the best ones while answering the question: What happens in the Cherry Blossom Festival?
Jump to Section
- What Is the Cherry Blossom Festival In The U.S.?
- What Is The Cherry Blossom Festival In Japan?
- Other Prominent Cherry Blossom Festivals Around The World
- On A Visit? Join A Class!
What Is the Cherry Blossom Festival In The U.S.?
An annual tradition that draws people from all over the world, the National Cherry Blossom Festival​ in Washington, D.C.,​ is a fantastic event. It takes place each year from late March to early April and celebrates the cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan. The history of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. dates back to 1912, when Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the city as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.
What many people don't know is that this beautiful gesture was originally sparked by Eliza Scidmore, who was the first female writer and photographer for National Geographic. During her first trip to Japan, she was absolutely struck by the beauty of the cherry blossom trees and immediately saw incredible potential for her hometown of Washington, D.C., where the Washington Monument and the surrounding area were still under construction at the time.
Working in partnership with First Lady Helen Taft, Scidmore helped orchestrate the arrival of thousands of cherry blossom trees from Tokyo. These stunning trees have been a landmark feature of the nation's capital ever since. Today, two of the original trees from 1912 still stand with bronze plaques at their base, serving as living monuments to this historic friendship.
The first official Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., was held in 1935, and it has been an annual tradition ever since, growing in scale and popularity with each passing year. Today, this festival attracts well over a million visitors from around the world and features an incredible variety of events. From the colorful parade and high-flying kite festival to cultural performances, live music and so much more, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Wondering when to see the cherry blossoms in D.C.? The best time to visit is typically from late March to early April when the trees are in full bloom. However, the exact timing can vary widely depending on weather conditions, so it's always important to check the National Park Service's peak bloom predictions before planning your trip.
While the iconic Tidal Basin remains the most popular viewing spot, visitors can also enjoy the magnificent cherry blossoms at other locations throughout the city. The National Arboretum and the U.S. Capitol Grounds both offer spectacular displays with fewer crowds, making them ideal date ideas in Washington, D.C. if you want a more intimate experience. What’s more, the festival has been celebrated by numerous U.S. presidents over the decades, including President Roosevelt, who attended the very first festival in 1935.
SF Cherry Blossom Festival
The San Francisco (SF) Cherry Blossom Festival​ (officially the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival) is a vibrant celebration that transforms San Francisco's historic Japantown into a spectacular showcase of Japanese culture and tradition. Held annually over two weekends in April, this cherry blossom festival has been bringing people together since 1968, making it one of California's longest-running cultural celebrations. What makes the SF Cherry Blossom Festival truly special is its authentic representation of Japanese culture. The festival fills the streets of Japantown with traditional taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, dance performances from classical to contemporary and live music that bridges both cultures. The energy is infectious, and you can feel the excitement building as performers take the stages throughout the neighborhood.
Beyond the performances and parade, this cherry blossom festival offers visitors an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture through hands-on experiences. You can join traditional tea ceremonies, try origami, watch artisans demonstrate calligraphy and ikebana (flower arranging) or browse the marketplace filled with authentic Japanese crafts, clothing and gifts. Since no festival would be complete without food, the SF Cherry Blossom Festival features dozens of vendors serving everything from fresh sushi and savory ramen to sweet mochi and Japanese-style crepes. If you're looking to take someone out on a date in San Francisco, this festival offers a unique cultural experience worth exploring.
Cherry Blossom Festival At Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
Referred to as the Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival in Brooklyn, New York, is a celebration of all things Japanese, with the cherry blossoms taking centre stage. There are more than 200 flowering trees to see, along with live music, dance performances, tea ceremonies, art demonstrations, activities for children, and, of course, Japanese-inspired food and drinks. The festival honors America’s relationship with Japan and is a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic Japanese traditions without leaving New York City.
International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, GA
The International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia is hands down one of the biggest parties in the South. This unique cherry blossom festival occurs every spring when over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees burst into full bloom for a couple of spectacular weeks, creating what can only be described as a cherry tree explosion. Virtually every street, road, highway and neighborhood throughout Macon is lined with these beautiful blooms. It's an absolutely amazing sight that you have to see to believe.
This remarkable tradition began in the late 1950s with a gentleman named William Fickling, a well-known real estate developer and amateur horticulturalist with a passion for plants. During his travels, Fickling discovered a beautiful cherry blossom tree in bloom and was so captivated that he started propagating them on his property. But he didn't stop there. Over the years, Fickling gave away literally thousands of cherry blossom trees to neighbors, friends and anyone who wanted one. That incredible generosity is why, no matter what street you drive down in Macon during late spring, you're greeted by an explosion of pink cherry blossom trees.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival typically takes place in spring, when cherry and plum blossoms are in bloom, creating an enchanting pink canopy throughout the city. What's particularly remarkable about this one is the sheer diversity of cherry trees on display. There are over 50 different varieties you'll encounter, each with incredible names like the Accolade, the Afterglow, Autumnalis Rosea (also known as the pink winter cherry) and Pink Perfection, just to name a few.
During this cherry blossom festival, the entire city feels like one massive outdoor gallery, with over 43,000 cherry trees scattered all around Greater Vancouver. In addition to picnicking under the stunning cherry blossoms, you can enjoy live music performances, art installations, guided walking tours that teach you about the different varieties of trees and community events that bring neighborhoods together. Interestingly, this cherry blossom festival​ started back in the 1930s when the first 500 cherry trees arrived as a gift from the people of Japan to the people of Vancouver. These trees were planted to commemorate those who fought together in World War I, creating a living memorial that continues to bloom beautifully year after year.
What Is The Cherry Blossom Festival In Japan?
Referred to as "hanami," flower viewing is a popular Japanese tradition that goes back over a thousand years. Originally, only the elite class participated in these celebrations under the flowering trees, with members of the imperial court and aristocrats composing elegant poetry beneath the blossoms. Eventually, the tradition spread among samurai and commoners, becoming a celebration of renewal, hope, and the arrival of spring. Because cherry blossoms only last for a brief week or two before the petals fall, the Japanese consider them a powerful symbol of the "cycle of life," and this poignant symbolism adds depth to the joyful celebrations that take place during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan.
For an authentic hanami experience, visiting Japan during springtime is an absolute must. Cherry blossoms typically start blooming around March in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, making this the ideal time to witness this natural spectacle. The best locations vary depending on your travel schedule and preferences, but some spots consistently deliver unforgettable experiences. If you’re in Tokyo, don’t miss Ueno Park, which has a vast number of cherry blossom trees and a lively atmosphere.
For a more picturesque and romantic setting, the Megro River at night is stunning with its illuminated cherry blossoms, while Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Pass offers a serene and breathtaking walk along a canal lined with cherry trees. Maruyama Park is another fantastic spot, especially for those looking to enjoy local food stalls and the Sakura Canopy. Osaka Castle Park is a great choice for those who want a mix of history and nature, and be sure to try Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, too. It’s a nice and spacious spot with plenty of walking space if you like to take walks, plus there’s plenty of room to spread out a picnic with friends.
Wherever you find yourself during the Cherry Blossom Festival​ in Japan, make sure to arrive early to secure a good picnic spot, especially on weekends when popular locations fill up incredibly quickly. During hanami celebrations, you'll often see colorful bento boxes packed with beautiful Japanese desserts and treats, bottles of sake or beer being passed around among friends and plenty of festival food like yakisoba (fried noodles), dango (sweet dumplings) and sakura-flavored mochi. Shops throughout Japan even sell special sakura-themed snacks and drinks during this season, from Starbucks spring drinks like cherry blossom lattes to limited-edition sakura Kit Kats.
Other Prominent Cherry Blossom Festivals Around The World
The cherry blossom festival is a magical experience celebrated around the world wherever these beautiful trees bloom. From city parks to quiet gardens, there are countless places where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at their peak and the spots below are just a few of the best places to see them in all their glory.
Seoul, South Korea
If you’re planning a spring trip to Seoul, try to schedule your visit around cherry blossom season, known locally as Beotkkot. Since the blossoms are only in bloom for a short time, planning ahead is essential. No matter where you are in South Korea, you'll most probably find some cherry blossoms blooming near you. They start to bloom in late March in the south from Jeju Island to Busan and Gwangju. In early April, they ascend north to Jinhae, Gyeongju, and eventually, Gangneung and Seoul.
Seokchon Lake near Jasmil Station transforms into a breathtaking spectacle during the spring cherry blossom season. The lake is surrounded by a picturesque park and attracts locals and tourists alike, drawing crowds eager to witness the mesmerizing cherry blossoms in full bloom. It is a popular spot, though, as it's where the Lotteworld Theme Park and the 123-storey Lotte World Tower are located, so definitely expect a crowd as the festive atmosphere is enhanced by performances, concerts and other cultural events organized around the lake.
Namsan Park is another must-visit destination for anyone looking to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. The sight of delicate cherry blossoms set against the backdrop of the city's sprawling cityscape creates a mesmerizing contrast and because the mountain is so accessible, it’s a convenient destination for tourists who might not have a lot of time to venture far from the city center. Situated along the Han River next to the city’s bustling business district, Yeouido is easily accessible and full of amenities and its cherry-tree-lined streets and parks create a stunning backdrop that makes it a favorite cherry blossom viewing spot for both locals and visitors. Plus, its proximity to other attractions like the National Assembly Building and the Han River Park adds to its appeal, allowing visitors to combine cherry blossom viewing with sightseeing and other activities.
Taiwan
Taiwan's cherry blossom season begins in late January and extends through April, giving visitors a longer window to catch the blooms compared to many other locations. Some of the top hotspots to view cherry blossoms in Taipei include Lohas Park in Neihu, which is wonderful for viewing cherry blossoms both during the day and at night. The park takes on a completely different character after dark, so it’s worth visiting twice if you have the time.
Another excellent spot for cherry blossom viewing is Tamsui's Wuji Tianyuan Temple, which combines cultural exploration with natural beauty. Yangmingshan is also fantastic for cherry blossoms, with notable viewing areas at the Flower Clock, Pingjing Street and the Floriculture Experiment Center. Each location offers a slightly different perspective and atmosphere. Other areas to explore cherry blossom blooms include Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung and the particularly scenic Nantou at Sun Moon Lake, where the blossoms reflect beautifully on the water's surface.
Jerte Valley, Spain
The Jerte Valley is one of Spain's most famous valleys, celebrating the flowering of cherry trees every year, usually from the end of March to the beginning of April when the cherry trees blossom and coat the entire valley in pristine white, though exact timing depends on weather conditions.
During this cherry blossom festival, exhibitions, open-air markets and tasting sessions fill towns such as Valdestillas, Tornavacas, Rebollar, Piornal, El Torno and Jerte, offering a lively and immersive experience. More than a showcase of natural beauty, the festival honors centuries of agricultural heritage and craftsmanship passed down through generations for nearly seven hundred years. What makes this location particularly unique is that the valley puts on a second show later in the year. In June and July, the landscape changes its color to an intense, vibrant red as the cherries themselves ripen and the flowers give way to delicious cherries.
On A Visit? Join A Class!
Planning a trip to catch the cherry blossoms? Why not make it a full experience by exploring some hands-on classes while you're there? If you're heading to Washington, D.C. for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, consider signing up for a cooking class where you can learn to make authentic Japanese dishes from scratch.
And if you're in San Francisco for the SF Cherry Blossom Festival, be sure to try a dumpling-making class or a photography workshop to help you capture those perfect cherry blossom shots. In Brooklyn, you can pair your visit to Sakura Matsuri with photography classes focused on street photography or try a painting workshop inspired by Japanese aesthetics. Vancouver's another great spot where you can complement your cherry blossom viewing with Southeast Asian cuisine classes, learning to make Thai curries, Vietnamese pho or Japanese bento boxes.
Cherry blossom season is one of those times when nature really shows off, and it's a good reminder to appreciate the beautiful, fleeting moments in life. As you can see, there are amazing cherry blossom celebrations happening all over the world, from the U.S. to Europe to Asia, each with its own unique vibe and traditions. If you're brainstorming spring break ideas to various spring break destinations or just want to plan a weekend getaway, these festivals are definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
To get the most out of your Cherry Blossom festival visits, add on some Classpop! experiences.
