5 Best Places To View Cherry Blossoms Around The World

Each year as the world heads into spring, the beautiful cherry blossoms put on an amazing show, turning cities around the world into a pink-and-white display. Among the most famous are the cherry blossom displays in Japan. However, closer to home, the iconic Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, also dresses up to signal the arrival of spring. This invites visitors to partake in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, or blossom viewing.

Best locations to experience cherry blossoms in the world

Many destinations around the world put on a spectacular display of cherry blossoms each year. However, the peak blooming season lasts only for a short period, so knowing where and when to go is key to experiencing these natural displays at their best. The following are five of the best destinations for cherry blossom spotting in this wide and beautiful world.

– Kyoto, Japan

One of the most famous places to experience cherry blossoms in Kyoto, with its historic temples and gardens adorned with pink and white flowers. Here, the tradition of hanami, or flower viewing dates back more than 1,000 years.

One of the best spots to view them is Maruyama Park, which is home to the city’s iconic weeping cherry tree, which draws crowds for daytime picnics and nights with lights illuminating the display. While this location is busy, a quieter place to enjoy the view is the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful canal walk, and more. It’s best to visit Kyoto between March 29 and April 6, 2025.

– Washington, DC

Closer to home, Washington, DC, puts on a spectacular pink and white display in the springtime. Meanwhile, the cherry trees were famously gifted to the city by Japan in 1912 as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. More than 3,000 trees were planted around the Tidal Basin, which has become the main centerpiece of Washington, DC’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Visitors can enjoy a stroll around the two-mile promenade, offering the most stunning views against the Jefferson Memorial. A quieter and more out-of-the-way location to experience the spring phenomenon is Hains Point in East Potomac Park, which offers scenic waterfront walking trails lined with blossoms. Meanwhile, the US National Arboretum offers a more spacious and peaceful setting to view the cherry blossoms. Here, it’s best to visit in the last week of March through the first week or so of April 2025.

– Seoul, South Korea

Returning to Asia, Seoul in South Korea offers a beautiful floral spectacle each year in many major locations in the city. One is Yeouido Hangang Park, which hosts more than 1,600 cherry trees along the riverside.  This location is also known for the lovely Yeouido Spring Flower Festival.

A quieter spot to experience the cherry blossoms is Namsan Park, which offers scenic trails heading to the Namsan Seoul Tower, featuring spectacular city views with beautiful blossoms.  Moreover, Seokchon Lake features cherry trees wonderfully reflected on the water. Peak bloom here is typically early to mid-April.

– New York City, New York

New York City is popular throughout the year, but as spring happens, a burst of color brightens up the Big Apple. One of the best places to see the blooms is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, with its famed Cherry Esplanade, filled with rows of pink and white blossoms. Meanwhile, Manhattan offers the blooms around Cherry Hill and the Reservoir.

For a peaceful experience, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens features beautiful cherry blossoms, set against the backdrop of the Unisphere. Moreover, Randall’s Island Park hosts a cherry blossom grove along the waterfront as a relaxing way to enjoy the city. Visit the Big Apple between mid to late March.

– Paris, France

The City of Light is beautiful all year round, but when spring arrives, the blossoms add a floral beauty to many of Paris’ favorite sites. One popular destination is Square Jean XXIII, located in front of the newly fixed Notre Dame Cathedral.

Another great location for the spring blossoms is Parc du Champ de Mars, where travelers can enjoy the blossoms along with a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower. However, a quieter spot is Parc de Sceaux on the city’s limits, which hosts one of the most beautiful displays in the region. Here, travelers and residents alike can see huge groves of pink and white trees celebrating the coming of spring at around mid-March to late April.