Cherry Blossoms: When Do They Bloom and Where Can I See Them

When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom?

Cherry blossoms are the flowers found on various types of cherry trees, such as the Japanese cherry, Akebono and Yoshino cherry trees. These trees are prized for their delicate blossoms characterized by their pale pink or white petals. 

So, when do cherry blossoms bloom? Cherry blossoms tend to bloom in late March and early April, and are typically found in temperature regions of the Northern Hemisphere, such as Japan, parts of Europe and in areas of the United States like Washington, D.C. Depending on the weather patterns for a particular year, cherry blossoms may begin to bloom as early as February if the temperatures are warm, or in colder regions, such as Canada, as late as early May.

The blooming period of cherry blossoms typically lasts around two weeks, although the exact time frame can vary depending on weather conditions. For example, warmer weather can cause the blossoms to fade early, while unexpected frosts and cold spells can also cause the blooms on cherry blossoms to fall.

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms

During peak cherry blossom season, regions light up in a beautiful hue of white and pink, creating an awe-inspiring landscape that’s hard to forget. If you’re wondering where to see cherry blossoms, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve rounded up the best places to see cherry blossoms across the globe, including areas in Japan, Europe and the United States.

1. Washington, D.C., USA

If you’re wondering where to see cherry blossoms in the USA, the top destination is Washington, D.C. America’s capital is known for its annual cherry blossom festival in late March and early April, when the cherry blossoms burst into bloom. The National Park Service closely monitors the status of the cherry blossoms. It forecasts the peak bloom period when about 70% of the city’s trees are expected to open.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a major event in Washington, D.C., with various events like parades, cultural performances, fireworks and its annual road race, The Cherry Blossom 10-Miler. The most popular viewing spot is along the Tidal Basin, located near the National Mall, where hundreds of cherry trees gifted by Japan in 1909 as a symbol of friendship between the two nations come to life. Washington, D.C., tours during the spring give you the opportunity to view the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

2. Tokyo, Japan

Perhaps the best place to see cherry blossoms in the world is Tokyo, Japan, where cherry blossom season, known as Sakura season, is a highly anticipated and celebrated time of year for Tokyo. Similar to Washington, D.C., the cherry blossoms in Tokyo typically bloom at the end of March to early April, depending on the weather conditions for that year. 

Japan is one of the top places to view cherry blossoms because of its cultural significance, with several festivals being held throughout the season to showcase these beautiful blooms. On tours of Japan, visitors can view nighttime illuminations of cherry trees, enjoy traditional hanami picnics, known as flower-viewing picnics, and watch performances celebrating Japanese culture. There are several parks throughout the city, such as Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Sumida Park and the Meguro River, where viewing the cherry blossoms is easy.

3. Paris, France

If you’re wondering where to see cherry blossoms in Europe, Paris is the place to be. During cherry blossom season in late March and early April, the city’s many gardens burst into blooms, signaling an end to winter. What makes the City of Lights an exceptional destination to view cherry blossoms is its many parks that allow visitors to easily admire cherry blossoms in bloom.

Parc de Sceaux, located in the southern suburbs of Paris, is famous for its cherry blossom displays, with rows of these delicate trees lining grand avenues for a spectacular showcase. Square Jean XXIII, located behind Notre-Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité, is another great viewing area for cherry blossoms in Paris, as this quaint park offers visitors a quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. Through educational France tours, participants can stroll the city’s many parks and avenues to take in the beauty of cherry blossom season.

4. New York City

For those wondering where else to see cherry blossoms in the USA, another excellent destination is one of the largest cities in the world, New York City. The Big Apple puts on a spectacular display of cherry blossoms during the peak season of late March to early April. Overall, the best area of the city to view the cherry blossoms in all their glory is Central Park, where places like Cherry Hill and the Reservoir Loop, adorned with cherry trees in bloom, are easy to access and view the flowering buds.

Another area to view NYC’s cherry blossoms is the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, home to an impressive collection of several hundred cherry blossom trees in 26 varieties. The annual Sakura Matsuri festival pays homage to Japanese culture and the blooming of cherry blossoms during the season, with live performances and food vendors. Explore New York City tours to find a springtime program to view the cherry blossoms in person.

View Cherry Blossoms With Road Scholar

If you’re looking for the best place to see cherry blossoms, turn to Road Scholar. At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of experiential learning programs where you can find unique guided tours around the world to discover cultures, history, cuisine and more. Whether you’re looking at Canadian travel programs to view the cherry blossoms in Vancouver or tours in Europe to go overseas, we have one-of-a-kind learning adventures for everyone.