Cherry Blossoms: When Do They Bloom and Where Can I See Them
- There’s something magical about the delicate white and pink flowers that take over the trees when cherry blossoms bloom. It’s the possibility of viewing this magical event that draws visitors to hot spots around the world.
- Popular places to view cherry blossoms in bloom include Washington, D.C., Tokyo, Paris and New York City — all of which offer unique learning experiences.
- You can search for cherry blossoms on many adventures with Road Scholar in these cities, and you can also learn more about horticulture on additional garden programs!
There’s no better way to welcome spring than experiencing cherry blossoms in bloom. In many places, cherry blossoms are a sure sign that spring has arrived, filling the landscape with fragrant pink blooms. Here’s what to know about cherry blossom season, including when the blooms peak and some of the best places to see them.
When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom?
Cherry blossoms are the delicate pink or white blooms of several types of cherry trees, including Japanese cherry, Akebono and Yoshino varieties.
Cherry blossoms usually bloom in late March and early April and are most often found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Japan, parts of Europe and areas of the United States such as Washington, D.C. Depending on the weather, blooms may appear as early as February in warmer climates or as late as early May in colder regions such as Canada.
The bloom period typically lasts about two weeks, though timing varies with the weather. Warm temperatures can cause flowers to fade quickly, while unexpected frosts and cold spells can shorten the season.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms
At peak bloom, cherry blossoms transform parks, streets and gardens into a wash of pink and white. If you’re wondering where to see them, here are some of the best places around the world to experience cherry blossom season, from Japan and Europe to the United States.
1. Washington, D.C., USA
Washington, D.C., is known for its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival in late March and early April, when the city’s famous trees begin to bloom. The National Park Service closely monitors their progress and forecasts peak bloom, when about 70% of the blossoms are expected to open.
The festival includes parades, cultural performances, fireworks and the annual Cherry Blossom 10-Miler. One of the most popular viewing spots is the Tidal Basin near the National Mall, where hundreds of cherry trees gifted by Japan in 1909 symbolize friendship between the two nations. Road Scholar’s springtime. Washington, D.C., programs offer the chance to see them at their best.
2. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is one of the world’s most iconic places to experience cherry blossom season, known in Japan as sakura season. Typically arriving between late March and early April, the blooms are celebrated across the city with festivals, picnics and evening illuminations.
Cherry blossoms hold deep cultural significance in Japan, and Tokyo offers many memorable places to enjoy them, including Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Sumida Park and the Meguro River. On explorations of Japan, travelers may experience traditional hanami picnics, seasonal celebrations and other customs that mark this much-anticipated time of year.
3. Paris, France
Paris offers a quieter but equally beautiful way to experience cherry blossom season in Europe. In spring, the city’s parks and gardens fill with pale pink blooms that signal the arrival of warmer days.
Among the best places to see them are Parc de Sceaux, in the southern suburbs, where rows of cherry trees line grand avenues, and Square Jean XXIII, the small garden behind Notre-Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité. On springtime educational programs in France, Road Scholars may encounter cherry blossoms while strolling Paris’ parks, boulevards and historic neighborhoods.
4. New York City
New York City offers a dynamic setting for cherry blossom season, with blooms appearing across parks and gardens in late March and early April. Central Park is a favorite, with spots like Cherry Hill and the Reservoir Loop lined with flowering trees.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is another highlight, home to several hundred cherry trees representing 26 varieties. Its annual Sakura Matsuri festival celebrates Japanese culture and the arrival of spring with performances, food and music. Road Scholar programs in New York City in the spring offer opportunities to experience the blossoms throughout the city.
View Cherry Blossoms With Road Scholar
At Road Scholar, our learning adventures take you around the world to explore cultures, history and cuisine. From Vancouver to France to Japan, springtime programs offer opportunities to experience cherry blossoms in a variety of settings.
Want to discover more adventures where learning flowers? Explore our Homes & Garden collection!
