As spring unfolds, cherry blossoms captivate the globe, from Japan’s iconic sakura to vibrant displays in Washington D.C., Paris, and beyond, symbolizing renewal and beauty.
🌸 Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms originated from a 1912 gift of 3,020 trees from Japan, symbolizing friendship between the nations. Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore and First Lady Helen Taft played key roles in this gesture.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates this gift, attracting over 1.5 million visitors yearly. The trees, primarily Yoshino and Kwanzan varieties, create a celebrated spring spectacle around the Tidal Basin and National Mall.
🌸 Central Park, New York City
Central Park in New York City is home to a vibrant display of cherry blossoms, thanks to a gift of Yoshino cherry trees from Japan in 1912. While not as extensive as Washington D.C.’s collection, Central Park features notable groves, particularly around the Reservoir and Cherry Hill.
The park’s cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to early May, with peak bloom lasting about 10 days. Visitors can enjoy these blossoms during guided tours or by strolling through the park’s scenic paths.
🌸 Paris, France
Paris’s cherry blossoms bloom from late February to April, with iconic spots like the Tuileries Garden, Jardin des Plantes, and Champ de Mars. These areas offer stunning displays of pink and white blossoms, attracting visitors during spring. The city’s cherry blossom season is a celebration of beauty and culture, blending Parisian charm with Japanese tradition.
🌸 Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s cherry blossoms bloom from late March to May, with peak bloom typically in April. Notable spots include Bornholmer Straße, where over 200 trees line the former Berlin Wall path, and the Gardens of the World, featuring a beautiful Japanese garden. Berlin offers over 50 cherry blossom viewing spots, making it a vibrant spring destination.
🌸 Seoul, South Korea
Seoul’s cherry blossom season typically occurs from late March to mid-April, with peak bloom usually around the first week of April. Popular viewing spots include Yeouido Park, home to about 1,600 cherry trees along the Han River, and Seokchon Lake, where pink blossoms reflect beautifully on the water.
🌸 The Stray, Harrogate
The Stray in Harrogate, England, is a 200-acre parkland renowned for its spring cherry blossoms. Created in 1778 to link Harrogate’s mineral springs, it features long lines of cherry trees that bloom in iconic pink hues, following crocuses and daffodils. This historic greenbelt offers space for picnics, games, and seasonal events like funfairs and bonfires, remaining a cherished public treasure protected by parliamentary acts to preserve its size and legacy.
🌸 Queenstown, New Zealand
Chantecler, located in Queenstown, New Zealand, is a stunning 40-acre property featuring 12 acres of mature, themed gardens. Developed by Mike and Maureen Henry since 2006, this garden of national significance offers a diverse horticultural experience.
🌸 Japan
Japan’s cherry blossom season, or sakura, is a celebrated cultural event symbolizing renewal and fleeting beauty. Blossoms typically bloom from late March to early May, starting in southern regions like Kyushu and moving northward to Hokkaido. Iconic viewing spots include Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, and Osaka Castle Park, drawing locals and tourists to enjoy hanami (flower viewing) under the pink canopies.
🌸 Switzerland
Switzerland’s cherry blossom season typically occurs from late March to early April, with variations depending on location and climate.
Cherry blossoms in Switzerland are both ornamental and cultivated for fruit production. The blooming period is brief, typically lasting only 10 to 14 days. Climate change has been affecting bloom times, with trees generally flowering earlier in recent years.