Cherry blossom season comes and goes so quickly, it almost always catches us off guard. Most of the time, we’re not in a city that has many cherry blossoms, and other times, we will miss it by a couple of weeks. If you’re traveling this spring and visiting any of these cities, keep an eye out for them to see if they are blooming! If you’re based in the US, be sure to check out the best spots to see them in the US.
PARIS, FRANCE
When: Late March – early April
If you’re in Paris while the cherry trees are blooming, we suggest you go for a treasure hunt! Inside the central courtyard at the Petit Palais is a hidden gem to enjoy the blooms. One of the superior locations in all of Paris is found in front of the south facade of the Notre Dame. The Square Gabriel Pierné is home to one of the most remarkable trees in France. This tiny square is often overlooked, but if you find it, you will discover what feels like a fireworks show of blooms inside!
At the Jardin des Plantes be on the look out for the Prunus Shirotae tree which means ‘snow white’. This tree also goes by the name “Mount Fuji” and is believed to be the largest tree in Paris!
HIROSAKI, JAPAN – HIROSAKI FESTIVAL
When: April 23 – May 5
Cost: 510 yen ($4.75) for adults, 160 yen ($1.45) for children. Discounted rates for 10+ groups.
The cherry blossom festival started early last year because the cherries bloomed sooner than expected. At night Hirosaki Park is illuminated until 10 pm, so many people like to go for walks to see the trees lit up.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – COPENHAGEN SAKURA FESTIVAL
When: April 29 – 30 from 10:30 – 4:00pm
Over 200 cherry trees were planted in Langelinie Park, and since 2008, a committee has organized the two-day Sakura Festival! It’s free to get in and there’s bound to be something of interest for almost everyone. Be sure to check out what’s happening on the Main Stage, Second Stage, and even the lawn. In previous years, there have been several types of martial arts demonstrations, karaoke, and even tea ceremonies!
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
‘This is why I live here!” proclaim many Vancouverites as 40,000 cherry trees bloom across the city every spring. The VanDusen Botanical Garden houses the city’s original 500 trees that were gifted in the 1930’s by the mayors of Kobe and Yokohama. You can also spend an amazing day amongst the trees at the Queen Elizabeth Park and Stanley Park (Vancouver’s first park). Love a party? Don’t miss the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival that lasts several weeks.
