If there’s one reason to get excited about spring (aside from warmer weather), it’s cherry blossoms. Those fluffy pink trees can transform a city—washing streets, parks, and waterfronts in pastel light. In the U.S., sakura begin to appear as early as mid‑March (Washington, DC; Portland), while cities like Kyoto typically hit peak bloom in early April. Below are seven distinctive ways to chase cherry blossoms at home and abroad.
When you’ve seen the cherry blossoms in Central Park, take the train to Newark
Late March brings blooms across New York City—from Brooklyn Botanic Garden to Riverside Park’s “Sakura Park”—and Central Park is a perennial favorite. For a quieter, impressive display, hop the train from Penn Station to Newark and visit Branch Brook Park. Designed by the duo behind the New York Public Library, it hosts the largest collection of cherry trees in the U.S., with more than 18 varieties (full bloom often arrives in early April). Spend a half‑day wandering the trails and peek at the nearby Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Embark on scenic train rides through Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka
Hanami is huge in Japan. Instead of staying only in Tokyo, travel by rail through Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka—Kintetsu Railway links many of these spots. In Kyoto, stay near traditional gardens (the Four Seasons Kyoto’s Shakusui‑en is an 800‑year‑old private garden with sakura) and walk the Philosopher’s Path and Maruyama Park. Take the Kintetsu line to Nara to explore Mount Yoshino—famed for more than 30,000 cherry trees. Finish in Osaka at Osaka Castle Park; Nishinomaru Garden often features evening illuminations for a nocturnal hanami. Patina Osaka offers castle views plus seasonal sakura treatments and teas in March and April.
Take a tour of DC’s cherry blossoms with a retired park ranger
Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin fills with Yoshino trees in March–April. In 2026, Japan marked the U.S. 250th anniversary with an additional gift of 250 trees. Stay within walking distance to enjoy early‑morning blooms before crowds—Hotel Washington is conveniently close. For context and history, join a guided tour led by a retired park ranger to learn about the trees’ history and the U.S.–Japan relationship (and the quirky “Cherry Tree Rebellion” of 1938). Use the BloomCam to monitor peak bloom timing.
Stroll through the gardens of Portland, Oregon
Portland lights up in pink between late March and early April. The Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park is particularly lovely—views from the Moon Bridge over the Strolling Pond Garden are especially photogenic. Downtown Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Japanese American Historical Plaza also bloom, and over a hundred cherry trees line the Willamette River. Staying at The Hoxton, Portland places you a short walk from the waterfront and offers free Hox Bikes to pedal between parks and riverside views; college campuses such as Reed and the University of Portland provide more quiet, scenic spots.
Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia
Macon calls itself the cherry blossom capital of the world. The story began in 1949 when William A. Fickling matched a Yoshino cherry in his yard to those he’d seen in DC and later donated many trees; the town now celebrates with an annual festival that began in 1982. Events range from a Pink Pancake Breakfast to a royal court pageant and a hot‑air balloon finale. The festival continues to draw locals and visitors each spring—if you attend, consider staying in the Historic District (the 1842 Inn is a classic option) and drive scenic stretches from Carolyn Crayton Park down Bass Road for standout views.
See the blooms by boat in Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s sakura tend to bloom in late March at Langelinie Park near the Little Mermaid statue, and the Copenhagen Sakura Festival (typically mid‑April) adds tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and cultural programming. One easy way to enjoy Copenhagen’s spring is by canal: classic boat tours glide past Langelinie so you can relax and take in riverside trees. For a quieter, storybook scene, visit Bispebjerg Cemetery when the petals fall—Copenhageners often treat cemeteries as peaceful parks. Vesterbro offers charming apartment stays within easy reach of the blooms.
Drive through a pink and yellow road on Jeju Island
Jeju Island—known for volcanic landscapes and tangerine farms—also breaks into blossom in spring. The island’s Jeonnong‑ro Cherry Blossom Road and Noksan‑ro Road in Jeju City are highlights; when timed for late March or early April, you’ll see pink cherry trees paired with bright yellow canola fields for a striking contrast. Rent a car or book a guided driving tour of the island’s east side to take in volcano views, rural scenery, and the spring floral show.
Timing tips and etiquette
– Peak bloom varies by year and location; check local forecasts and webcams (like DC’s BloomCam) and plan a flexible trip window.
– Early mornings and weekdays offer fewer crowds and softer light for photos.
– Respect local customs during hanami—dispose of trash, avoid picking blossoms, and give space to ceremonies and festivals.
Spring’s cherry blossoms reward travelers who mix well‑known sites with quieter detours. Whether you stroll a city park, ride a canal, join a festival, or drive a coastal road, the season offers memorable ways to see the world in pink.
