Spring is a magical time of year when the world bursts into bloom with stunning displays of flowers. And perhaps no flower is more iconic than the cherry blossom, or sakura, which blooms in shades of pink and white across Asia, Europe, and North America. Here are six countries with some of the most beautiful cherry blossom displays in the world.
Japan
Japan is perhaps the most famous country for cherry blossom viewing, with thousands of sakura trees blooming across the country each spring. The blossoms typically start to bloom in late March or early April, with peak bloom lasting for about a week. Some of the top places to see cherry blossoms in Japan include Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, and the parks around Osaka Castle.
South Korea
South Korea is another country with a strong cherry blossom culture, with festivals and celebrations held throughout the country each spring. The blossoms typically start to bloom in late March or early April, with peak bloom lasting for about two weeks. Some of the top places to see cherry blossoms in South Korea include Seoul’s Yeouido Park, Gyeongju’s Bomun Lake, and Jeju Island’s Seogwipo.
Taiwan
Taiwan is home to some of the most vibrant cherry blossom displays in the world, with trees blooming in shades of pink and white against a backdrop of mountains and ocean. The blossoms typically start to bloom in late February or early March, with peak bloom lasting for about two weeks. Some of the top places to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan include Taipei’s Yangmingshan National Park, Taichung’s Wuling Farm, and Tainan’s Anping Tree House.
United States
The United States is home to several cherry blossom festivals, with the most famous being the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. The blossoms typically start to bloom in late March or early April, with peak bloom lasting for about a week. Other places to see cherry blossoms in the United States include Brooklyn’s Sakura Matsuri Festival, San Francisco’s Japantown, and the University of Washington campus in Seattle.
China
China is home to several species of cherry blossoms, with different varieties blooming at different times throughout the country. Some of the top places to see cherry blossoms in China include Shanghai’s Gucun Park, Wuhan’s East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, and Hangzhou’s West Lake.
Germany
Germany may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of cherry blossoms, but the country is home to several beautiful displays each spring. Some of the top places to see cherry blossoms in Germany include Bonn’s Heerstraße, Hamburg’s Alster Lakes, and Berlin’s Kirschblütenallee.
These are just a few of the top countries to see cherry blossoms around the world. No matter where you go, the sight of these delicate flowers in bloom is sure to take your breath away.