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*Most cherry blossoms peak for just a few days to two weeks, depending on weather conditions.*

There's something magical about cherry blossom season—a fleeting explosion of pink and white petals that transforms entire cities into storybook landscapes. Whether you're dreaming of wandering through Japan's famous sakura-lined streets or strolling beneath the blooms in Washington, D.C., knowing when and where to go makes all the difference in catching these delicate beauties at their peak.

If cherry blossoms are on your bucket list this spring, here's everything you need to know about when to see them, where to find them, and how to make the most of your trip.

When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom?

Cherry blossoms have a notoriously short bloom season, typically lasting one to two weeks once they hit peak bloom. The exact timing depends on weather conditions, location, and variety of trees.

Estimated Peak Bloom Dates for 2025:

Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka): March 24 – April 4, 2025
Washington, D.C.: March 28 – April 6, 2025
Macon, Georgia: March 21 – 30, 2025
Vancouver, Canada: Late March to Mid-April
Paris, France: Late March to Early-April
Bonn, Germany: Late March to Late April

For the most accurate and updated bloom forecasts, many cities provide real-time tracking—be sure to check the official websites before planning your trip!

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms Around the World

Japan – The Ultimate Sakura Destination

Best Time: March 24 – April 4, 2025

Best Spots: Kyoto's Philosopher's Path, Tokyo's Ueno Park, Mount Yoshino

Japan perfected the art of cherry blossom viewing, known as "hanami." Locals gather under the trees for picnics, tea ceremonies, and evening light displays, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Cherry Blossom Highlights in Japan:

Kyoto's Philosopher's Path: A dreamy canal walk lined with hundreds of cherry trees.
Ueno Park, Tokyo: Over 1,000 trees and vibrant festival stalls.
Mount Yoshino, Nara: One of the most breathtaking cherry blossom spots in Japan.

For guided experiences, consider exploring Viator tours in Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond.

*In Japan, yozakura refers to viewing cherry blossoms at night, often with lanterns illuminating the trees.*

Washington, D.C. – A Classic Cherry Blossom Experience

Best Time: March 28 – April 6, 2025

Festival Dates: March 20 – April 13, 2025

Best Spots: Tidal Basin, National Mall, U.S. Capitol Grounds

Washington, D.C.'s National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most famous sakura celebrations outside of Japan. With over 3,000 cherry trees gifted by Tokyo in 1912, the blooms transform the Tidal Basin into a dreamy sea of pink.

Festival Highlights:

Blossom Kite Festival: March 29, 2025
Petalpalooza: April 5, 2025
Cherry Blossom Parade: April 12, 2025

For more details, visit the official National Cherry Blossom Festival website.

Consider some of these experiences from Viator if you’re headed to Washington, D.C. this spring.

*Japan gifted over 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C., in 1912 as a symbol of U.S.-Japan friendship.*

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Macon, Georgia – "The Cherry Blossom Capital of the World"

Best Time: March 21 – 30, 2025

Festival Dates: March 21 – 30, 2025

Best Spots: Central City Park, Wesleyan College, Downtown Macon

Macon boasts over 350,000 cherry trees—more than any other city in the world—earning it the title "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World." The Macon Cherry Blossom Festival is a true Southern celebration, complete with parades, concerts, hot air balloon rides, and pink-themed events across the city.

Festival Highlights:

Cherry Blossom Ball: March 21, 2025
Pink Pancake Breakfast: March 22, 2025
Cherry Blossom Parade: March 23, 2025

For more details, visit the official Macon Cherry Blossom Festival website.

Vancouver, Canada – A Hidden Gem for Cherry Blossoms

Best Time: Late March to Mid-April

Festival Dates: March 26 – April 28, 2025

Best Spots: Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden

Vancouver may not be the first place you think of for cherry blossoms, but with over 40,000 cherry trees, it's one of the best spots to catch the blooms in North America! The city even hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival with walking tours, photography workshops, and cultural performances.

For more details, visit the official Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival website.

*While Japan and D.C. are famous for their cherry blossoms, you can also see stunning blooms in Macon, Georgia; Vancouver, Canada; Paris, France; and even Stockholm, Sweden!*

Paris, France – Cherry Blossoms & Eiffel Tower Views

Best Time: Late March to Early April

Best Spots: Jardin des Plantes, Parc de Sceaux, Trocadéro Gardens

There's nothing more romantic than seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Parc de Sceaux, just outside the city, offers some of the most picturesque cherry blossom groves in France.

Bonn, Germany – A European Cherry Blossom Wonderland

Best Time: Late March to Late April – Expected Bloom is the first weekend of April.

Best Spots: Heerstraße & Breite Straße (Altstadt, Old Town)

Bonn, a charming city along the Rhine River, might not be the first place you think of for cherry blossoms—but it boasts one of the most picturesque cherry blossom tunnels in Europe. Heerstraße, often called “Cherry Blossom Avenue,”bursts into color every April, creating an enchanting pink canopy over the cobblestone streets.

Unlike the large parks in Japan or the U.S., Bonn’s cherry blossoms feel tucked away in a fairytale setting, making it a perfect hidden gem for travelers looking for a unique spring experience.

How to Make the Most of Your Cherry Blossom Trip

Since cherry blossom season is short and unpredictable, here are a few tips to ensure you have the best experience possible:

Check Bloom Forecasts Before Booking: Use official trackers for Japan, D.C., and other major cities to time your visit.
Arrive Early for the Best Photos: Popular spots get crowded fast, so plan for an early morning visit.
Bring a Good Camera: Capture the magic with a quality camera for stunning, high-quality shots.
Pack for Unpredictable Weather: A compact travel umbrella is a must-have for spring showers!
Plan a Picnic Under the Blossoms: Bring a travel picnic set and enjoy the full hanami experience.
Add a Personal Touch: Cherry blossom-themed luggage tags can add a fun and personalized touch to your travel gear.

Where Will You See Cherry Blossoms This Year?

Whether you're heading to D.C., Japan, or a hidden gem closer to home, cherry blossom season is one of the most beautiful times of the year to travel.

Have you ever experienced cherry blossoms in full bloom? Drop a comment and share your favorite sakura spots!

Travel Well,

Cherry Blossoms: When & Where to See Them in 2025