Every year, as winter fades away and spring sets in, cherry blossom season brings forth a mesmerizing display of pink and white petals around the world. For many people, witnessing the full bloom of cherry trees has become a bucket list experience, attracting travelers from across the globe. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cherry blossom viewing locations around the world and provide all the details you need to plan your perfect springtime trip.
- Seoul, South Korea: Seokchon Lake
- Chiang Mai, Thailand: Khun Chang Khian
- Washington D.C., USA: Tidal Basin
Tokyo, Japan: Meguro River
Japan has long been famous for its cherry blossom season, and Tokyo’s Meguro River is undoubtedly one of the most impressive places to catch the delicate blooms. Every spring, the river becomes a sea of pink as more than 800 cherry trees come into full bloom. Walking along the riverside, you’ll feel like you’re in a dream world surrounded by pink petals. The best time to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo is usually late March to early April.
Seoul, South Korea: Seokchon Lake
Seokchon Lake is a 2.5-kilometer-long artificial lake in Seoul, surrounded by more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees. The lake is a popular spot for picnics and walks, and the backdrop of the Magic Castle Lotte World makes it an even more enchanting location for cherry blossom viewing. The Cherry Blossom festival at Seokchon Lake has been suspended for several years due to COVID-19, but visitors can still enjoy flower viewing in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Khun Chang Khian
While Japan and Korea are the most well-known destinations for cherry blossom season, Thailand’s Khun Chang Khian offers a unique experience that is just as stunning. The area is famous for its fresh mountain air, coffee plantations, and of course, the beautiful Sakura blossom. From December to January, the Prunus cerasoideses trees will bloom, and the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai transform into a sea of pink.
Washington D.C., USA: Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. is one of the most iconic locations for cherry blossom viewing in the United States. Over 3,000 cherry trees were gifted to the city by Japan in 1912, and since then, the blossoms have become an integral part of the city’s identity. The best time to see the cherry blossoms in D.C. is usually late March to early April.
Paris, France: Parc de Sceaux
While Paris is famous for its Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, Parc de Sceaux is a lesser-known gem that offers a stunning cherry blossom viewing experience. The park is home to over 5,000 cherry trees, making it one of the largest collections of cherry trees in Europe. Every spring, the park transforms into a sea of pink and white, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Cherry blossom season is a magical time of year when nature reveals its beauty in the form of delicate pink and white petals. Whether you’re in Japan, Korea, Thailand, the United States, or Europe, there are many places to witness the enchanting display of cherry blossoms.