Can’t make it to Japan? Rather take a trip in Europe or North America or Europe instead? No worries, the cherry blossom festival is still within reach!
Japan may get most of the attention, but it is definitely not the only place where you can see cherry blossoms. Cherry trees are grown all around the world, and some other countries even have festivities planned around the yearly bloom, just like those of Japan.
Korea
Seoul
Like Japan, South Korea also has an annual tradition of cherry blossom celebrations. In Seoul, the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, held around the Han River in mid-April, celebrates the arrival of Korea’s cherry blossoms with street performances and exhibitions. There are around 1,900 cherry trees in the area, which, as well as azaleas, forsythias and other seasonal blossoms, will be illuminated for nocturnal viewing.
Flights to Seoul
Jeju
As Korea’s best nature preserve, Jeju is a wonderful place to view the cherry tree in bloom, particularly those of the endemic King Cherry Tree, a species known for having the largest cherry blossom petals. The entire island is a tropical wonderland, but if cherry trees are what you’re after, check out central Seogwipo and the Jeju Sports Complex for a plethora of pink.
Flights to Jeju City
Gyeonghwa station & Romance Bridge, Jinhae
Jinhae Gunhangje is home to one of the most famous cherry blossom festivals in Korea. The cherry blossoms are literally everywhere, but don’t miss the 800-metre cherry blossom tunnel running along the train tracks from Gyeonghwa station. This railway line is no longer in regular use and is only opened each spring specifically for the romantic “cherry road” tour – all aboard!
Flights to Busan
Taiwan
Yangmingshan, Taipei
Cherry blossoms in Taiwan typically flower from January to late March. For February flowers, visit the Yangmingshan Flower Festival at Yangmingshan National Park, where you’ll see not only sakura but also an array of other flowers such as azalea and camellia.
Flights to Taipei
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, Nantou
This Culture Village is one of the most well-known cherry viewing spots in Taiwan. There are around 5,000 cherry trees in the village, as well as a ‘sakura market’ and other festival celebrations.
Copenhagen
The annual Copenhagen Sakura Festival, held at the Langelinie Park in Copenhagen, will be held on 29-30 April. Langelinie Park features 200 cherry trees, donated by Denmark’s honorary consul in Hiroshima. During the festival, these special trees are bedecked in white blossoms, giving them a fresh, cottony look.
Flights to Copenhagen
Washington DC
Washington DC’s pale pinkish cherry blossoms can be seen all around the Tidal Basin and in East Potomac Park. It may be far from Japan, but this city place takes its cherry blossoms seriously. There is be a National Cherry Blossom Festival, including an opening ceremony, a parade, and even a kite flying festival. Selected ‘Cherry Picked Restaurants’ will be offering their creative takes on a spring cherry blossom menu as well!
Flights to Washington DC
Vancouver
Canada may be best known for its maple trees, but at least one city has cherries worth a visit. During March and April is the Vancouver Sakura Festival, allowing you to admire the city’s 40,000 cherry trees. The trees are easy to see, usually being planted along avenues and boulevards, such as West 22nd Avenue, West 16th Avenue in Burrard, and West 7th Avenue in Fairview. Burrard Station and Stanley Park are well-known spots as well.
Flights to Vancouver
