Cherry blossoms may be synonymous with Japan—and there’s good reason to add a visit Tokyo during sakura season to your bucket list—but the soft pink blooms have taken root far beyond the country’s borders. Each spring—usually from early March to early April—cities across the globe welcome cheery blossom season with festivals, picnics, and other outings to see the fleeting bursts of color.
You’re likely already familiar with some of the soft-pink hotspots in the US. For example, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, draws more than 1.5 million visitors to its famed displays, which span from the tidal basin to the National Mall. There’s even a 360-degree virtual view for cherry blossom lovers who can’t visit in person. Similarly, New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Central Park offer one of the country’s most beloved urban sakura experiences.
But these notable locations are just the beginning. Here are 10 more destinations where cherry blossom season shines.
Taipei, Taiwan
Cherry blossoms in Taipei, Taiwan
Photo: Nicholas Han/Getty Images
Cherry blossom season in Taiwan arrives earlier than in much of the northern hemisphere, with blooms beginning as early as January and lasting through mid March, depending on elevation. In Taipei, you can spot cherry trees in city parks, but some of the most impressive displays are just beyond the urban core. Yangmingshan National Park, less than an hour north of the city, is a favorite for its rolling hills dotted with pink blossoms, while Wuji Tianyuan Temple, just to the west of Yangmingshan, has dense clusters of flowering cherry trees surrounding its pagoda.
Newark, New Jersey.jpg)
Cherry blossoms in Newark, New Jersey
Photo: Bob Didner/Getty Images