[2021] Cherry Blossom | The Spring Muse Makes Her Way To Earth 

Every year in Japan, hundreds upon hundreds of sakura trees blossom, flowering and showering cities in the delicate white-petal rain. With treetops and canopies exploding in swaths of pink and white, the scenery will take your breath away for seconds. Given their beauty, it is no surprise that sakura abounds in Japanese art and culture.

While cherry blossoms are the symbol representing the Japanese culture, this beautiful springtime splendor has made its way to many other cities worldwide. As spring season knocks on the door, millions of sakura admirers fulfill their hearts and minds with all the lovely cherry season memories. 

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10 BEAUTIFUL CHERRY BLOSSOM SPOTS AROUND THE GLOBE

A list that takes you onto a virtual Hanami tour all over the world.

Gion Shirakawa, Kyoto, Japan

A 3-minute walk from the Gion-Shijo Station of the Keihan line takes you to the stone-paved streets of Gion, the famous area of Kyoto. The most popular cherry tree is the shidare-zakura, or weeping cherry tree—also known as the yozakura, or “the night-time cherry tree”. By day, the tree stands elegantly, with light pink flowers embracing its long branches. Illuminated after dark, lovely and sublime, the cherry blossoms’ grandeur stands out against the majestic starry night sky.

Mie Prefecture, Japan

When the white wintery colors leave, spring takes place with its beautiful spring shade in Mie. 

From Mitake in Tsu City to Iga Ueno Castle in Iga City, Mie Prefecture is filled with many famous spots where travelers can enjoy the sakura’s beauty. Let’s not miss out on the Yokowa Sakura, a variety of cherry trees unique to the Yokowa-cho district of Ise City. The vibrant color and the obvolute petals of these lovely flowers will surely make any traveler’s heart skip a sweet beat. 

Jukkokubune, Kyoto, Japan

No place could bring back the nostalgia of thousands-year-old spring in Kyoto like this place. When the petals rain down the river surface, it signals warm days coming to the old city as it has for centuries. Too beautiful to be true. 

Otogawa Riverbank, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

As one of the 100 best places in Japan to see cherry blossoms, Okazaki Park has roughly 800 cherry trees scattered throughout the park and around Okazaki Castle.

The riverbank is where so many youthful memories are stored and treasured. Days of walking back home with groups of high school friends. Moments cycling along the blossoming cherry street with tons of emotions inside. That time, when someone bursts into happy tears after a proposal.

Springtime on Otogawa Riverbank. 

Seoul Forest Park, Seoul, South Korea

As winter comes to an end, Seoul starts to thaw from the cold. The streets become more and more crowded with people. The plants begin to come to life, including the magnificent cherry trees. Getting lost in the beauty of the forest might make you forget that you’re still in the middle of Seoul, a bustling city!

Jeonnong-ro, Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island, also known as ‘The Hawaii of Korea’, lies in Korea Strait. Thanks to the location and the warm weather, spring comes first here in the nation. Korea’s cherry trees also see their first bloom on this beautiful island.

There is no need to rush into adventure trips to find great hanami spots in Jeju. Simply take a walk around the neighborhood, you could easily find a sweet corner like this anywhere all over the island. It’s hard to describe in words or even pictures the feeling of walking with those delicate pinks (or whites) all around you. 

The island might be a fairyland, and you may want to believe in magic once you see that unbelievable beauty.

South End, Boston, U.S

Throughout Boston, the cherry flowers have begun to offer a splendid burst of powdery pink puffs that peak now and fade away in May. The South End is a culturally rich neighborhood with restored Victorian row houses surrounding charming English-style squares. Strolling down the South End street on a spring day will take you into that poetic ‘La La Land’ world. 

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg’s cherry trees turn pink for spring. The trees were gifts from the Japanese community. A yearly cherry blossom celebration is organized to honor the special relationship between the Japanese and German communities. Alsterpark is the best place to find long lines of blossoming trees. Alsterkrugchaussee, Kennedy Bridge, and the Altonaer Balkon are where you could find the best spots for a hanami picnic.

One day in May, Japanese performances and a spectacular fireworks display take places in Alster over the night.

Washington D.C, U.S

In early spring, the warm weather adds a jolt of energy to the buds. When the right time comes, the cherry blossoms lining Washington DC’s Tidal Basin burst into color in a beautiful display of floral fireworks. Wake up early in the morning, take a stroll along the quiet street, admire the moment when the beautiful new-day sunlight is imbued into the gorgeous pink shades of cherry blossoms. 

Fulham, London, U.K

London’s springtime sky is colored in pink with branches of cherry blossom and magnolia going into full bloom. For a few short weeks, the petals rain down on the streets, signaling warmer days ahead.

“Blossom by blossom the spring begins.”
 — Algernon Charles Swinburne