After a long, gray winter, few things can lift my mood like seeing the first pink cherry blossoms of spring fill the sky.
I’m especially lucky. Some of the best buds on the East Coast bloom near me at Branch Brook Park in Newark (yes, that Newark). More than 5,000 trees create a cotton-candy skyline for a week in early April, banishing all thoughts of bleak winter days.
I’m not the only one who feels the flowers’ pull. The Japanese equate sakura, or cherry blossoms, with new beginnings. In early spring, the act of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is met with both reverence and celebration in Japan. Multiple generations spend days and evenings at parties, picnics and festivals lauding this fresh, new start.
Japan may be most closely associated with hanami celebrations, but you can find flowering cherry trees in many destinations around the globe. And while the U.S. has its own fragrant sakura displays (including my beloved Newark bloom), heading abroad for a floral pilgrimage offers the chance to experience how other cultures celebrate the transience of spring.
From Amsterdam to Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seoul, South Korea, here are 12 of the best international destinations to immerse yourself in a cherry blossom bloom this spring. And remember, trees can be temperamental depending on the weather, so build a bit of a buffer into your travels if you’re planning a trip specifically to see the delicate pink and cream flowers.
Taipei, Taiwan
If you’re hoping to get an early jump on cherry blossom (ying hua in Mandarin) viewing, add Taipei to your flower travel schedule. The city’s bloom season starts in late January and slowly rolls on through the beginning of March.
Yangmingshan National Park (famous for its large clock created from flowers) is where to head for the best blossom spotting, with hillsides covered in a rosy mix of blooms that can be explored on scenic walking trails bordered by azaleas. The park’s Flower Festival runs for more than a month, from Feb. 6 to March 15 in 2026; one highlight is the Hushan Light and Shadow Weekends, where trails are romantically lit for evening strolls.
Even if you don’t get to the park, which is about 30 minutes away by car or an hour away by public bus from Taipei Main Station, you can still find blushing ying hua throughout the city.
Where to stay: The W Taipei delivers big on cool factor with an expansive outdoor pool; young, hip clientele; and stylish bars and restaurants. Plus, its large, comfortable rooms, friendly staff and central location make it a great option for travelers heading to the Taiwanese capital. Rooms start at $287 or 65,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
Tokyo
If you’re considering traveling to see spring’s cherry blossom bloom, chances are you have Tokyo in your sights already since sakura are synonymous with this city, where the tradition of hanami dates back 1,200 years. The entire city celebrates the blooms with picnics and events, special sakura-themed menus, and hanami bento and snack spots near viewing areas.
There are multiple locations around Tokyo to view the pink sakura wave. Among the most prominent is Ueno Park, which transforms into a pink wonderland with 1,000 flowering trees that bring millions of visitors to bask in their rosy glow. In the evenings, the park is illuminated for a glowing nighttime visit. Another top stop is Chidorigafuchi Park, home to the Imperial Palace, which is especially memorable for its nearly half-mile tunnel of blooms and a sakura-lined canal you can boat through.
According to Japan’s cherry blossom forecast, Tokyo’s bloom is predicted to start March 20 and reach its peak by March 28, which is very similar to last year’s bloom schedule. (Once again, these dates can wiggle a bit depending on Mother Nature.)
Where to stay: Staying near major transportation hubs will make it easy to see sakura across the city. The Conrad Tokyo occupies the top floors of the Shiodome skyscraper, with stellar views of Tokyo Bay, and is near several train stations. (Its contemporary Japanese restaurant, Kazahana, has spectacular vistas, too, along with one of my favorite kaiseki menus in the city.) It’s also next to Hamarikyu Gardens, a hidden gem for peaceful sakura viewing. During peak hanami in late March, rooms start at $855 or 130,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Related: The best hotels in Tokyo for your next Japan getaway
Kyoto, Japan
It’s not just Tokyo where the sakura are revered: Kyoto is also world-renowned for its cherry blossom season and serves as the central hub for preserving Japan’s vibrant culture. Seeing the sakura among Kyoto’s 2,000 temples and shrines — including Nijo Castle and Toji Temple — truly imbues the ancient practice with a sense of history.
One particularly serene setting for hanami is Philosopher’s Path, which weaves through cherry tree-lined canals between the Ginkakuji and Nanzenji temples. For evening viewing, Maruyama Park is especially popular for its illuminated branches and picnic areas under the bowers.
Current forecasts predict that Kyoto will see its first blooms March 24 and peak April 1. The city sponsors multiple events, including night viewings.
Where to stay: The Park Hyatt Kyoto is in the Higashiyama ward and combines modern luxury with ancient pagoda guesthouse-style accommodations. (TPG staffers also love its French-inspired teppanyaki dining at Yasaka and its convivial bar, Kohaku, where craft cocktails are served with classic Kyoto views.) The property is a Category 8 World of Hyatt hotel, with rates during hanami starting at $3,119 per night. In theory, rare redemptions can be found starting at 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night, making it a great option for World of Hyatt loyalists, if you can find availability.
Stockholm
Get ready for “friluftsliv,” or “fresh air living,” when cherry blossom season arrives in Sweden. After the dark and cold winters in Scandinavia, when the pink wave arrives, usually in mid-April, the city is ready to celebrate. It’s the perfect time to head to Kungstradgarden, or the “King’s Garden,” next to the Royal Palace, for an alfresco “fika,” or coffee break, under the blossoms or to Rosendal’s Garden on peaceful Djurgarden island.
If you can, plan to visit Kungstradgarden for Cherry Blossom Day during the last week in April (the date is not yet confirmed, but based on previous years, it will likely be April 27 or 28), which is celebrated with Japanese culture workshops, hands-on activities, martial arts demonstrations, taiko drums and a performance by a Japanese orchestra.
Where to stay: Immerse yourself in nature just north of central Stockholm at Hagastrand, Autograph Collection, which opened at the end of 2025 in Haga Park. In addition to being home to Crown Princess Victoria, the royal park is also known for its collection of cherry blossom trees surrounding the palace. The new hotel has a pared-back Scandinavian vibe and an expansive wellness center with an indoor pool and saunas. Rooms start at $152 or 37,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a night in mid-April.
Copenhagen
The highlight of spring in Copenhagen is when the 200 cherry trees in Langelinie Park froth into pink flowers in April. These sakura were a gift from Japan to Denmark in 2005 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen’s birth and symbolize friendship between the two countries.
This April 18 to 19, the trees will be the centerpiece of the lively Copenhagen Sakura Festival, a two-day celebration at Langelinie Park featuring traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, music and cultural performances.
Another must-see hanami spot: Bispebjerg Cemetery, where a long avenue of cherry trees creates a serene blush tunnel.
Where to stay: 1 Hotel Copenhagen, opened this past September in one of the city’s oldest — and most central — neighborhoods, occupies a heritage-listed building dating to 1928 that was originally a department store. Expect huge, open spaces with enormous windows that let light stream in and even several mature trees dotting the public areas, giving the space a chic greenhouse feel in keeping with the brand’s eco-friendly persona. Room rates start at $309 a night in April.
Seoul, South Korea
The cherry blossom spectacle at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul is a must-see, and it doesn’t have the same influx of foreign travelers that you’ll find in Tokyo, so you can avoid some of the flower-viewing crush that’s become part of the experience there. Some of the top viewing spots are Yeouido Park and Gyeongbokgung Palace, both offering stunning views of the blooms.
Related: A highly curated guide to the best things to do in Seoul, South Korea
It’s also worth making the trek to the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in South Korea. It takes place from late March to early April and features parades and performances, including a magical night lantern parade. Though it’s not in Seoul, it’s possible to do a one-day excursion with Klook, where a bus will pick you up in the morning, take you to the festival and then bring you back in the evening.
Where to stay: The stylish Andaz Seoul Gangnam is centrally located, making it easy to walk to most of Seoul’s main attractions; plus, there’s direct access to Apgujeong station to reach the cherry blossom sites. Expect design details like bojagi, a traditional Korean cloth used to create textile art. The hotel has an array of hot tubs, plus a sauna and a lap pool. The property is a Category 5 World of Hyatt property; rooms start at $619 or 40,000 Hyatt points per night during the first week of April.
Related: 3 hotels, 1 megacity: Experiencing Seoul through everything from urban cool accommodations to an ultraluxe hotel
Jeju Island, South Korea
Another top spot in South Korea for a spring bloom immersion is Jeju Island, known for its native king cherry blossoms. These flowers are fluffier and have a deeper pink hue than Japanese varietals, and you can spot them all over the island. Popular viewing spots include Halla Arboretum and Jeonnong-ro, a nearly milelong stretch of road that weaves through Jeju City and turns into a bubble gum tunnel of blossoms.
The blossoms typically bloom from late March to early April; the 2026 peak dates are expected to be March 29 to April 1. There’s an accompanying festival where Jeonnong-ro road is closed, and there’s entertainment both during the day and at night.
Where to stay: The JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa is a stylish luxury resort set on a scenic cliff on the southern end of Jeju Island. Don’t miss dinner at The Flying Hog restaurant, where pork from prized Jeju black pigs is cooked over a wood-fired grill. Late March and early April rates start at $724 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Paris
I am solidly in the camp that thinks Paris is always a good idea, especially in late March and at the beginning of April when cerisiers (cherry trees) paint the town pink.
You’ll find pockets of the pink flowers all around the city. Some top spots include near the Louvre at the Jardin du Palais-Royal, where you’ll also spot spring daffodils filling the flower beds. You can also catch the pink wave along the Champ de Mars leading to the Eiffel Tower and in the Trocadero Gardens (the ultimate Instagram selfie with the tower and the pink petals). And now that Notre Dame has fully reopened, you should be able to spot cherry blossoms at one of my favorite spots in Paris, too: Square Jean XXIII, next to the cathedral.
Unlike other destinations where you’ll find cherry blossom events, there are no organized festivals in the City of Light. Do as the Parisians do, and plan a picnic under the flowering bowers.
Where to stay: The Hotel du Louvre, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is tucked in between the Louvre and the Jardin du Palais-Royal, so you’ll have cherry blossom views no matter which way you turn when you walk out the door. Early April rates at this Category 7 property start at $651 or 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Related: The best hotels in Paris
Amsterdam
Though it might not be the biggest display in Europe, the cherry blossom season in Amsterdam has something that no other city can claim: a distinctly feminist feel. At Kersenbloesempark (Cherry Blossom Park) in Amstelveen, a suburb of Amsterdam about 5 miles south of downtown, the park’s 400 trees, a gift from the Japanese Women’s Club, are all named after women, with half in Dutch and half in Japanese.
There are no exact dates yet for peak bloom, but it usually falls during two weeks in late March or early April, aligning with the beginning of Amsterdam’s famous Tulip Festival. Note that picnicking is only allowed during weekdays, and there are no restrooms in the gardens (check out the Amstelveen website for nearby restaurants).
Where to stay: From the centrally located Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, it’s easy to explore Amsterdam and hop on the tram’s Line 5 to reach Amstelveen (about a 25-minute ride). Late March rates start at $258 or 62,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. And as part of Kimpton’s Plant Pals program, the hotel will deliver a plant, which has a name and a name tag, to your room and also plant a tree in your honor (talk about a win-win).
Related: The best hotels in Amsterdam
Jerte Valley, Spain
Sure, it’s impressive to see hundreds of cherry blossom trees together. And when you view thousands in one place, it’s quite a sight. But how about millions of trees? That’s what awaits in the Jerte Valley in the Extremadura region of Spain (about three hours west of Madrid), where more than 2 million cherry trees create a sea of petals in late March and early April.
During the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place from late March to early April, you’ll find everything from special marketplaces to medieval fairs, plus music, cultural and culinary events centered around the blooms. Unlike the ornamental varieties of Japanese cherry trees, the ones here produce prized fruit. If you return in May or June, you can even join the cherry harvest.
Where to stay: The Jerte Valley enjoys a rural setting, and there are no opportunities for points redemptions with major brands here. However, there are some authentic and welcoming places to spend the night, including Hotel Valle del Jerte, which has a historic exterior but modern rooms. There are an outdoor pool, a full breakfast and fantastic views of the valley, all for around $152 per night.
Vancouver, British Columbia
With more than 43,000 cherry trees, many of which came directly from Japan, Vancouver becomes a veritable puff of pink in spring.
With so many trees comprising multiple varieties, the blooming period spreads over nearly two months, so if you’re visiting in March or April, you will likely be able to spot some petals on the trees. Some of the best viewing can be found at Queen Elizabeth Park, Van Dusen Botanical Garden and David Lam Park, where 100 Akebono cherry trees blossom each year.
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 27 to April 12 at venues across the city, with a mix of arts and culture events, including a Japanese Sakura Days Fair, a Blossom Block Party and a Blossoms After Dark event for illuminated evening viewing.
Where to stay: Keep your stay green with a visit to the Fairmont Waterfront, where an organic rooftop garden grows everything from vegetables to fruit trees; you can try the honey from its beehives at the ARC restaurant in signature cocktails and desserts. Room rates start at $206 a night in early April and can also be booked through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, which offers perks such as daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit and guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout to select American Express cardholders.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria’s location on the southern tip of Vancouver Island provides Canada’s mildest climate year-round, and, as a result, it’s a haven for spring florals. Starting at the end of February and going until May, the city offers an extended and impressive cherry blossom bloom.
Related: Vancouver Island road trip: Victoria, British Columbia, and the Gulf Islands
One of the most popular places to see the tapestry of pink hues is along aptly named View Street in the heart of downtown Victoria. It’s usually the first area to explode in a sea of pink flowers, so this is a stop for early birds.
Though there’s no formal festival, Victoria does have an interactive cherry blossom map, so you can find the blooms around the city whenever you visit in spring.
Where to stay: The Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour has availability starting at $153 or 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a night in March. There are cherry blossoms around the harbor area for easy viewing, and the hotel has an indoor pool for posthanami relaxation.
Related reading:
Source link
Add Comment