You can get a discount if you have a valid reason. excited about spring Cherry blossoms are a promise (apart from warmer weather). It’s amazing how much a city can be refreshed by the sight of these fluffy, pink perennials. Across the US—from Washington, DC, to Portland, Oregon—you’ll start to spy those sakura beauties as early as mid-March, while international destinations, like KyotoThe peak blooming season is early April. The botanical splendor of these cities makes for a truly unique springtime stroll. There are many ways to enjoy the season, including walking along cherry blossom-lined roads.You can also see the trees from a boat or on a river. canal tour Through Copenhagen Here are seven ways to chase cherry blooms at home or abroad.
After you’ve seen Central Park’s cherry blossoms, take the train to Newark
You’ll see cherry blossoms in New York City in March. From the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens to Riverside Park in Morningside Heights, there are many spots to enjoy the blooms. Central Park is perhaps the most popular site, where selfie-snapping visitors encircle the reservoir—and if you treat yourself to a park-facing room at a hotel like The PierreYou might even see patches of pink above. If you want to see cherry blossoms in a less-trodden area, hop on the train at Penn Station. Get off at Newark and explore. Branch Brook ParkThis stunning natural stretch was designed by the architect duo responsible for the New York Public Library. This New Jersey park is home to more than 18 different types of cherry trees, the largest in the US. Full bloom is expected in the first or the second week of the month of April. Spend a half-day winding through the trails, then take a gander at the Gothic church nearby, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart—Jersey’s version of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Enjoy scenic train rides in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
Hanami, or the custom of viewing cherry blossoms, is a big deal in Japan—so much so that the country welcomed a record-breaking 3.9 million tourists last April alone. Rather than focus your sights on Tokyo, consider branching out to greater Japan and hopping through various flower-friendly cities via train—Kinetsu Railway, for instance, connects destinations across Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. To get a taste of a typical itinerary, begin in Kyoto. Four Seasons Shakusui en, an 800-year-old, private garden, is the best place to view the sakuras. Then, take the train to Nara and Mount Yoshino. This is one of Japan’s top cherry blossom destinations, with more than 30,000 trees. Head to Osaka from Nara and visit Osaka Castle ParkNishinomaru Garden’s evening illuminations offer a unique hanami experience. Stay at Patina Osaka For views of Osaka Castle, plus sakura-themed spa treatments and afternoon teasAvailable in March and April.
A retired park ranger will give you a tour of DC cherry blossoms
Washington, DC, is known for its cherry blossom tourism during the months of April and March, when Yoshinos trees line the Tidal Pool, the reservoir that’s located near the National Mall. Japan gave the city 250 additional cherry blossoms as a gift to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. Stay at the hotel to enjoy proximity to Tidal Bay. Hotel WashingtonTo enjoy the blooms in the morning before crowds arrive, you can walk for approximately 25 minutes. If you want to have a more in-depth experience, then consider visiting a tour guided by a retired park rangerYou can learn about DC’s cherry trees, including the Cherry Tree Rebellion, which took place in 1938, as well as the relationship between Japan and America. Be sure to watch the district’s BloomCam Track when trees are at the peak of their growth.
Portland gardens are a great place to stroll through.
If you are unable to visit Japan, then you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of Japan from other parts of the world. Portland Japanese GardenThe Washington Park is covered in pink flowers between March and April. This view is best enjoyed from the Moon Bridge that hovers over the Strolling Pond Garden. Japanese American Historical Plaza is also a great place to experience spring at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The stay at The Hoxton, Portland, will put you less than a 10-minute walk away from the waterfront—be sure to take advantage of the free Hox Bikes available during your stay and plan a ride along the scenic Willamette RiverYou can also stroll around the campuses of Reed College or University of Portland, where you’ll see even more blossoming beauties. If you prefer a more collegiate experience, stroll through the Reed College or University of Portland campuses to find even more beautiful blossoms.
Visit the Cherry Blossom Festival at Macon, Georgia
Did you know that the cherry blossom capital of the world—yes, the world—is Macon, Georgia? William A. Fickling – dubbed “Macon’s Johnny Appleseed” – discovered a Yoshino tree in his yard and compared it with those he had seen on a DC trip. A few years later he donated 150,000 Yoshino trees to this sleepy Southern city. In 1982, Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission organized a festival to commemorate the tree, which became synonymous with Macon. It’s still going strong, but in that charming small town style, with annual events including a Pink Pancake Breakfast with a royal court and a balloon finale. If you are in town for this year’s festival (March 20–29, 2026), book one of the 18 rooms at the 1842 InnA Greek Revival Mansion in Macon’s Historic District, this mansion promises a stay with a touch of the past. While you are in town, make sure to drive from Carolyn Crayton Park down to Bass Road to see the most beautiful blossoms.
Copenhagen is the place to see the blooms from a boat
The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us Denmark’s capital cityLangelinie Park is home to the Little Mermaid, a famous statue, and cherry blossom trees that bloom in March. The park is home to the Copenhagen Sakura Festival, taking place this year from April 18–19, during which you can expect everything from tea ceremonies to calligraphy workshops. You can also enjoy the beautiful canals of Copenhagen from a distance. book a classic boat tour Langelinie is a short ride away, allowing you the opportunity to relax while enjoying the fresh spring scents.
Danish people love to walk through a cemetery in a calm and peaceful manner. There is nothing more magical than a pink-petalled cemetery, or a sakura lined pathway. Bispebjerg Kirkegård The cemetery is a great place to stay. If you want to find a place for your stay, consider former Traveler Lara Kramer, editor of the magazine, is a huge fan. cozy Copenhagen apartmentVesterbro, a hip neighborhood in the north.
Drive along a road with a yellow and pink color on Jeju Island
Jeju Island—the South Korean stunner known for volcanic mountains, lava tubes, and tangerine farms—is also home to a multitude of cherry blossom trees. Megan Spurrell is senior features editor. favorite Airbnb on the islandThe house is a 50 year old, airy home that has views of the Volcano. After you have settled in, take a look at booking a driving tour through the east side of the island, where—if you time it to late March or early April—you’ll experience the beauty of Jeju in the spring, notably the Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Road in Jeju City, as well as Noksan-ro Road, where vibrant yellow canola flower fields line up with pink cherry blossom trees—an unforgettable color combo worth traveling for.
