5 Places To See Cherry Blossoms

Spring has arrived! Many people around me are traveling in Japan and flaunting lovely photos of cherry blossoms.

If you are on the prowl for some cherry blossoms goodness, here is a list of countries where you could admire the seasonal blooms!

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Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo [Image credit: Japan Times]

#1: Japan

Japan is a good place to start, with various areas experiencing full blooms at different dates. In fact, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) has compiled a list of dates and forecasts of full blooms at different parts of Japan.

Looking at the list, Okinawa leads the pack with full bloom as early as late January. Northern Japan (Hokkaido) heralds the cherry blossom season later than the rest of the region in late April/early May.

#2: Korea

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Cherry Blossoms in Seoul

Common spots for cherry blossoms would be at Seoul (Yeouido Park towards National Assembly Building), as well as Jeju Island.

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Missed the full bloom when I was in Seoul.

#3: London

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Full bloom at St James’s Park!

Yes there are cherry blossom trees at the parks in London and I was quite fortunate to catch full bloom at St James’s Park. It was such a sight!

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Cherry blossom at St James’s Park

Other than St James’s Park, you could also sight cherry blossoms at Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens, Alexandra Palace, Greenwich Park and Kew Gardens.

#4: Washington DC, USA

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Cherry blossoms in DC

Washington DC received the cherry blossom trees from Tokyo in 1912. Therefore every year, the city celebrates Cherry Blossoms Festival.

#5: Vancouver, Canada

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Full bloom at Stanley Park in Vancouver [Image credit: The Guardian]
Apparently, Vancouver boasts 40,000 cherry blossom trees that would burst into full bloom to usher the beginning of Spring. The City has a Cherry Blossom Festival during this period. Best places for flower sightings include Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden.


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