If there’s one plant that best symbolizes the rejuvenation of spring, then surely the cherry blossom deserves to be everyone’s favorite darling. With petals gradually shifting from white and light red to deep red, they embody the vitality of the season. When it comes to cherry blossom viewing, most people instinctively think of Japan and Korea. But in fact, places like Thailand, the United States, Spain, Australia, and Germany also have popular cherry blossom spots. So, let me introduce to you some equally stunning global cherry blossom destinations—both domestic and international.
Thailand
Khwae Chang Kian | Chiang Mai
Located in northern Thailand, about an hour and a half’s drive from downtown Chiang Mai, Khwae Chang Kian is known as the “Valley of Cherry Blossoms” and is a great place for flower viewing in Thailand. When the flowering season arrives, the blooming cherry blossoms along the road transform the area into a pink tunnel—absolutely picture-perfect. Also, a friendly reminder: the mountain road to Khwae Chang Kian is narrow and rugged, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, remember to bring some medication.
? Cherry Blossom Variety: Himalayan Wild Cherry
? Blooming Period: Late January to February
? Viewing Location: Suthep Pui National Park, Maung, Chiang Mai
Canada
Stanley Park | Vancouver
Vancouver is a city home to over 40,000 cherry trees of more than 50 varieties, and among its over 100 parks, Stanley Park is the most renowned. Boasting multiple types of cherry blossoms, Stanley Park puts on a stunning display of pink and white hues every March to April. Whether you bring your own food for a picnic or join the events held during Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival, it’s a truly delightful experience.
? Cherry Blossom Varieties: Excelsa, Somei Yoshino, Ojochin, and others
? Blooming Period: March to April
? Viewing Location: Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 1Z4, Canada
United States
Brooklyn Botanic Garden | New York
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York is one of the city’s most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing, featuring 42 varieties and over 200 cherry trees. Every April to May, it attracts many cherry blossom enthusiasts with its sea of pink blooms. The garden also houses a Japanese garden that has stood for over a century, primarily planted with Somei Yoshino cherry trees—making it a prime spot for blossom viewing. Paired with its traditional Japanese landscaping, it feels like you’ve been transported to Japan.
? Cherry Blossom Varieties: Somei Yoshino, Kanzan, and others
? Blooming Period: Late April to Early May
? Viewing Location: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY
? Admission: Adults $15 / Seniors 65+ and Students 12+ (with ID) $8; Free for under 12 (Currency: USD)
Tidal Basin | Washington
Washington D.C.’s cherry blossom history dates back to the early 20th century. On March 26, 1912, 3,020 cherry trees gifted by the Mayor of Tokyo arrived safely in D.C., and the next day were planted at the Tidal Basin by First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Iwa Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador. Every March and April, D.C. hosts the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which lasts about 20 days, featuring parades, Japanese cultural performances, and opportunities to enjoy cherry blossom-themed desserts. It draws a large number of tourists each year. If you plan to visit during the cherry blossom season, be sure to plan ahead to avoid missing out.
? Cherry Blossom Variety: Somei Yoshino
? Bloom period: March to April
? Cherry blossom viewing address: 701 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC
France
Parc Monceau | Paris
As the world’s capital of romance, how could Paris be absent from this cherry blossom special? Parc Monceau is located in the southern part of the city and boasts the largest cherry blossom grove in the Greater Paris area. The park features two cherry blossom sections: Bosquet Nord, where pink cherry blossoms bloom, and Bosquet Sud, where white ones flourish—visitors can choose their favorite to admire. Every April during cherry blossom season, not only Japanese expats in France, but also locals and tourists from around the world come prepared with bread, wine, and more for picnics on the grass, immersing themselves in the romantic scenery.
? Cherry blossom variety: Somei Yoshino (Yaezakura)
? Bloom period: April
? Cherry blossom viewing address: Domaine départemental de Sceaux, 8 Avenue Claude Perrault, 92330 Sceaux
★ Recommended attraction: Palace of Versailles
Germany
Cherry Blossom Avenue | Bonn
Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and birthplace of the Romantic composer Beethoven, is also home to a sea of cherry blossoms. Bonn boasts one of the most beautiful cherry blossom tunnels in the world. The cherry trees line both sides of the road so densely that when you look up, there’s a pink sky overhead, and when you look down, a pink carpet beneath your feet. With the Rhine River beside you, strolling hand-in-hand with your loved one down this street will transport you into a pink wonderland without any need for special effects.
? Bloom period: Mid to late April
? Cherry blossom viewing address: Heerstraße 20A, 53111
Spain
Valle del Jerte | Cáceres
Cáceres is located in western Spain, and its Valle del Jerte is a beloved spring pilgrimage site for locals. With about 200 cherry trees covering the mountains, when the blossoms are in full bloom, the pale pink petals envelop the valley like a fairyland.
? Bloom period: March and April
? Cherry blossom viewing address: Cáceres, Spain.
North Island, New Zealand
Fo Guang Shan | Auckland
Two rows of cherry blossom trees line the Buddha’s Path at the Fo Guang Shan Monastery on North Island. Paired with the temple’s quintessentially Chinese architectural style, the view exudes a serene Zen atmosphere. Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, cherry blossoms bloom in spring around November. The monastery also hosts a Cherry Blossom Feast during this time, welcoming flower lovers to come and admire their beauty together.
? Cherry Blossom Variety: Yoshino Cherry
? Blooming Period: October to November
? Viewing Location: 16 Stancombe Road, Flat Bush, Manukau 2016
South Island, New Zealand
Ashburton Domain | Ashburton
It’s about a one-hour drive from Christchurch to Ashburton. Right beside the highway sits Ashburton Domain, a garden that ranks among the top cherry blossom viewing spots on the South Island. Though regularly maintained, this garden is free to enter. If you happen to be passing through in spring, don’t forget to stop and take a break while admiring the lovely pink blooms!
? Blooming Period: October to November
? Viewing Location: Walnut Ave, Ashburton
Australia
Auburn Botanic Gardens | Sydney
Auburn Botanic Gardens features a Japanese-style garden with a large red torii gate and various traditional Japanese landscape elements. Every August and September, as Sydney’s weather begins to warm up, cherry blossoms are ready to burst into full bloom. There are four cherry blossom avenues here—Cherry Arbour, Hanami Lawn Cherries, Cherry Alley, and The Lakeside Cherries—where visitors stroll among the pink blossoms. In the evening, night cherry viewing events are held, with colorful lights highlighting the blossoms' beauty, offering a uniquely lovely experience!
? Blooming Period: August to September
? Viewing Location: Chisholm Rd & Chiswick Rd, Auburn NSW 2144
So apart from Japan and Korea, there are so many other places where you can enjoy cherry blossoms. Isn't that a lovely surprise? With cherry blossom season just around the corner, if you missed the blooms earlier this year, you can still catch them in New Zealand later this year. Head over to Tripresso travel cafe to find great deals and plan your next holiday leave!
By Aimee Hung | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team