Dreaming of cherry blossom season but not planning a trip to Japan? Good news — you can still catch those delicate pink petals in full bloom without flying to Tokyo or Kyoto. From Washington D.C. to Seoul, cherry blossoms have found homes in some pretty unexpected (but equally magical) corners of the world. Let’s cut into the top four most stunning cherry blossom destinations outside of Japan that are totally worth a spring getaway.
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Washington
First up — Washington, D.C. This city goes full bloom every spring, and it all started with a gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan back in 1912. Now, it’s one of the most iconic cherry blossom destinations in the world.
The Tidal Basin is the hotspot, with rows of cherry trees circling the water and offering that dreamy reflection shot everyone posts. Add in the backdrop of the Jefferson Memorial, and it’s an Instagram moment waiting to happen.
Best time to visit: Late March to early April
Top activity: Cherry Blossom Festival & paddle boating
Seoul
If you’re in Asia but skipping Japan, head to Seoul, South Korea. The city goes all out for cherry blossom season with events, lights, and late-night strolls under the petals.
Yeouido Park and Seokchon Lake are two of the best spots. Expect long walking paths lined with trees, local food stalls, and a romantic vibe that’s hard to beat.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
Top activity: Night blossom walks with street food
Paris
Yep, Paris has cherry blossoms — and they’re stunning. From quiet parks to the lawns of the Eiffel Tower, spring in Paris brings a surprisingly beautiful display of pink blooms.
Jardin des Plantes and Parc de Sceaux are the go-to spots. The latter is a bit outside the city but totally worth the trip for a massive sakura grove that feels straight out of Kyoto.
Best time to visit: Late March to mid-April
Top activity: Picnics under the blossoms near iconic monuments
Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada, is a cherry blossom paradise with over 40,000 cherry trees planted all around the city. The blooms here are a big deal — so big they have their own Cherry Blossom Festival every April.
Head to Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park, or even some residential neighborhoods for quiet, flower-filled walks. And don’t miss the poetry and haiku contests during the festival — it’s charmingly extra.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
Top activity: Blossom walks & springtime photo ops
Cherry Blossom Spots at a Glance
| Location | Country | Best Time to Visit | Must-See Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | USA | Late Mar – Early Apr | Tidal Basin |
| Seoul | South Korea | Early – Mid Apr | Yeouido Park, Seokchon Lake |
| Paris | France | Late Mar – Mid Apr | Parc de Sceaux |
| Vancouver | Canada | Early – Mid Apr | Queen Elizabeth Park |
Spring is the season of renewal, and there’s no better way to soak it in than standing under a canopy of cherry blossoms. These stunning locations outside Japan prove that sakura season is a global celebration — and you don’t need to fly halfway across the world to experience its magic.
FAQs
When is cherry blossom season in DC?
Late March to early April is the peak bloom.
Where to see blossoms in Seoul?
Yeouido Park and Seokchon Lake are top spots.
Does Paris have cherry blossoms?
Yes! Try Parc de Sceaux and Jardin des Plantes.
How many cherry trees in Vancouver?
Over 40,000 cherry trees bloom each spring.
