Tokyo's dazzling cherry blossom season officially begins

Washington, D.C. offers one of the most established cherry blossom experiences outside Japan. The Tidal Basin area is the focal point, with bloom tracking managed by the National Park Service. Peak bloom usually falls between the last week of March and the first week of April.

The city’s infrastructure supports high visitor numbers, and travellers can combine blossom viewing with museums, monuments and waterfront walks.

Vancouver’s cherry blossoms are spread across neighbourhoods rather than concentrated in one landmark location. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival typically runs from late March through mid-April.

Different varieties bloom at different times, extending the viewing window. Parks, residential streets and green spaces provide multiple viewing points across the city.

Spain’s Jerte Valley offers a rural cherry blossom experience marked by hillsides filled with blooming trees. The bloom period usually falls between late March and early April, depending on weather conditions.

Unlike urban settings, this destination centres on valley views, scenic drives and hiking routes during a short but visually expansive bloom season.

Amstelveen’s Cherry Blossom Park, also known as Bloesempark, is situated near Amsterdam. The bloom period typically lasts around two weeks in March and April.

The park provides a contained viewing space that works well for a focused blossom visit combined with a broader Amsterdam itinerary.

Located in the Paris region, Parc de Sceaux is known for its grove of Japanese cherry trees. The park hosts seasonal Hanami celebrations, generally taking place in early to mid-April.

The large grounds allow visitors to spread out, making it suitable for a relaxed day trip during peak bloom.

Bonn is known for its cherry blossom-lined streets, particularly in the Altstadt district. Rows of trees create a canopy effect when in full bloom, usually in early to mid-April depending on temperatures.

The compact setting makes it easy to explore on foot, and visitors can combine blossom viewing with local cafés and historic sites in the former capital city.