🌸 Top 10 places to admire cherry blossoms
Japan gave the world karaoke, sushi and high-speed trains. However, most often the land of the rising sun is associated with sakura. Every year the soft pink carpet of fragrant flowers becomes one of the most impressive sights in all corners of the planet. However, the famous trees grow not only in Asia. Read our selection of the best places with cherry blossoms and plan your trip before the start of the long-awaited season.
Japan
Time: March-April
Japan gets the right to open our rating. This country considers sakura to be its symbol and attaches great cultural significance to it. You can find bright flowers on numerous souvenirs, clothes and even in national cuisine. At the same time, the Japanese themselves organize entire festivals and holidays dedicated to cherry blossoms.
Of course, you can feel the local flavor and become familiar with the beauty even on an ordinary walk along the street in Japan. But for more impressions and emotions, we recommend heading to one of the following places.
The park in Hirosaki will cause a wow effect, even if you are sure that nothing will surprise you. Just imagine a landscape in which 2.5 thousand flowering trees surround a 400-year-old castle with a rich history. Would you believe that this is the reality of Hirosaki City? By the way, we recommend renting a boat, exploring this amazing place from the water and plunging into the sea of fragrant petals.
You can also see the blossoms in the medieval castle of Coty. Just a 45-minute drive away is the magnificent Nishigawa Park, where you will find not only sakura, but also colorful rapeseed. But if you are planning to stay in Japan for a week, study our route and discover the land of the rising sun from an unusual side.
Washington, USA
Time: end of March – beginning of April
We guarantee that you definitely did not expect this from the US capital. Even at the beginning of the 20th century, Asians sought to establish contacts with other states and gave them cherry seedlings as a friendly gift. Washington received more than 3,000 trees, which became a real calling card of the city.
Year after year, thousands of people come to the District of Columbia to see the iconic plants at famous sites, including the Roosevelt and Jefferson memorials. Moreover, the Americans have established an official cherry blossom festival, which in 2024 will take place from March 20 to April 14. Incredible landscapes, memorable souvenirs and, of course, the best views of the city await you.
In 2019, I arrived in Washington at the height of cherry blossom, as the Americans themselves call this period. To tell the truth, I didn’t have high hopes for sakura, because I dreamed of seeing the White House, the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, which are featured in all tourist guides and Hollywood films. However, reality exceeded expectations several times.
Over the 10 days in the USA, it was the flowering trees that made the greatest impression and became the main symbol of the “American Dream”. Every corner of the city was literally buried in pink cherries, and the number of people wishing to take a photo with them clearly exceeded the queue for a photo near the White House.
By the way, the main attractions of the capital have been greatly transformed thanks to sakura and have reduced the degree of officialdom. Several years later, I remember what I saw as a real miracle, and the emotions from cherry blossom do not subside even now. I sincerely wish you to see blooming Washington in person. And, of course, I leave a few photos.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Time: July-August
Today, Sao Paulo is home to one of the largest Japanese communities in the world. During emigration, people took with them not only household items, money and documents, but also sakura seedlings. At the same time, these species began to be cultivated in Brazil at the beginning of the last century.
Just imagine that Sao Paulo is the second city with the most cherry trees outside of Japan, leaving even Washington out of business. For an unforgettable experience, head straight to Karmu Park, where more than 4 thousand plants delight visitors every year during the summer months.
Don't miss the chance to join the themed festival that Hisayoshi Kataoko organized many years ago. During the festival, you will hide from the sun in the shade of powerful trees, watch traditional Japanese dances and listen to songs. Try national cuisine and immerse yourself in the cultural life of an entire nation! Don't miss the first events starting on July 31st in Tartu! But our previous text will help you prepare for your trip to Brazil and not forget anything important.
Dublin, Ireland
Time: April-May
Sakura appeared in the capital of Ireland not thanks to Japanese emigrants and not as a gift. Local residents fell in love with flowering trees so much that they could not leave the main city of the country without this miracle of nature. During the 1950-1960s, the Irish independently planted cherry seedlings throughout the capital. True, such zeal had to be corrected later, since many trees grew in not the most favorable places. As a result, the authorities moved the plants to specially designated locations where the root system and fans of Asian trees would be equally comfortable.
Where is the best place to watch the flowering carpet? Feel free to look for the famous Trinity College, Herbert's Park, the historic St. Stephen's Park and the National Botanic Gardens on the map. But if you have the opportunity to travel just an hour from Dublin, then you are truly lucky. Be sure to make time for the Irish National Stud in Kildare. It has been operating for over 100 years, and its gardens contain unique Japanese cherry trees that will definitely not leave you indifferent.
Because of the climate, the season in Ireland starts in April. However, if weather conditions permit, the first flowers can delight local residents as early as March.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Time: January-February
Many travelers choose Thailand as a winter destination. This decision is completely justified: a pleasant climate, warm sea and affordable prices. However, few people know that one of the most beautiful places with sakura is hidden here. Bangkok gradually turns pink as early as January, but don't think all the best is in store for the capital. How do you like the idea of getting to know the northern part of the country? In addition to new locations, you will see flowering earlier than others, because thanks to the high temperature, the season here begins already in the last days of December.
Where we go? To Chiang Mai! Don't be alarmed if you haven't heard of this region before. Welcome to the unique hiking trails and mountain roads, which are surrounded on all sides by pink plants. By the way, every February a famous thematic festival with a 40-year history takes place here. In 3 days, see how much the locals are inspired by sakura, visit exhibitions and become part of a large-scale street parade with a variety of flower floats.
You already know that it is best to come to blooming Thailand in winter. But in January and February, sakura reach their peak and show all their beauty. Do not forget to apply for a visa, the details of obtaining which are left here.
Cowra, Australia
Time: September-October
What to do if it’s approaching autumn, and the desire to see sakura is greater than ever? Buy tickets to Australia! To be more precise, look for the town of Cowra in New South Wales on the map. We guarantee that at first glance you will not distinguish this place from the historical homeland of cherry trees.
The locals have such a love for plants that they created a Japanese themed garden, where the large-scale Sakura Matsuri festival is held annually. It celebrates the arrival of spring, seasonal blooms and Japanese culture. Moreover, it starts in September, so you have every chance to catch it live.
In addition to the trees themselves, you will be completely immersed in Japanese culture, try yourself in traditional dances, sumo and join the mysterious tea ceremony. Moreover, we recommend buying a ticket to the taiko drumming show and checking out the craft market.
If you come to Cowra at the beginning of September, you will still enjoy pink fragrant flowers for about a month. Don't forget to take a walk deep into the garden to observe the apricots, plums and amazing magnolias that are ready to reveal themselves to every visitor.
How to see cherry blossoms?
We have no doubt that you have dreamed of touching cherry blossoms in person at least once in your life. Admit it, how many times have you saved pictures from the Internet and secretly reviewed them? Give yourself a long-awaited gift, go on a trip and live the best moments of your life. Tiqets.com is ready to help with air tickets and visa applications in order to carry out your plans as quickly as possible.