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Traveloka PH

18 Feb 2020 - 5 min read

Cherry Blossom Forecast 2020: 12 Best Places to See Sakura Around The World

Oh, spring. Many of us anticipate this lovely season for its fresh breeze and moderate climate⁠—not too hot and not too chilly. Apart from the perfect weather, spring is the time for flowers to bloom. Travelers count on the possibility of seeing cherry blossoms every spring. A significant icon of the season, this sakura flower symbolize that life is fleeting. In fact, they only blossom for around one to two weeks.

Cherry Blossoms Around The World

Image Credit: tripuraindia.in (Meghalaya)

Peak blossom viewing differs per location, but cherry trees usually turn pink in the latter part of March to mid-April. If you're planning to see these IG-worthy blooms, check out these magnificent places around the world that you can visit. Some of these even hold festivals dedicated to these precious petals. Check out our Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2020:

1. Jinhae, Changwon, South Korea

Cherry blossoms in Jinhae, South Korea

Jinhae may be a four-hour drive from Seoul, but the things that await you here are worth the trip. The district's Naval Port Festival is the largest cherry blossom festival in Korea, which this year takes place on March 27, 2020.Aside from taking photos of the scenic Romance Bridge that is filled with pink blossoms, you'll get to try the tasty stuffed squid and delicious Korean pancakes.

2. Kyoto, Japan

Cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Japan

Japanese cherry blossoms are ever-present at multiple Japanese animés. If you're an animé fan, it will especially be nice to fly to Japan and see cherry trees in full bloom. You can easily find these photogenic pinks anywhere in Japan, but Kyoto has some of the best prime spots for viewing.When in Kyoto, don't miss the trees at the Philosopher's Path and the tall shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree) at Maruyama Park. The latter is even lit up at night.

3. Taipei, Taiwan

Cherry blossoms in Taipei, Taiwan

The nearest option on this list (if you're from Manila), the Yangmingshan National Park in Taipei features cherry blossoms with beautiful mountain ranges as the backdrop. This national park in Taiwan also boasts of hiking trails, hot springs, and sulfur lakes. Go here if you want to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan!Top Taiwanese Destinations for Cherry Blossoms

4.Washington, D.C., USA

Cherry blossoms in Washington DC

The US capital gets the loudest cherry blossom hype in the Americas. More than a century ago, a former mayor of Tokyo gifted the city with thousands of cherry trees.The National Cherry Blossom Festival, happening from March 20 to April 12 this year, is held here. There will be a dance parade and a kite festival, among other events.

5. San Francisco, California

Cherry blossoms in San Francisco, California

Another city in the US that puts high recognition to the season of cherry blossoms is San Francisco, California. They even celebrate the occasion by holding the annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.This year, it will be held on two consecutive weekends, April 11 to 12 and April 18 to 19. You can try various Japanese-American dishes and join the Grand Parade during the fest.

6. London, England

Cherry blossoms in London, England

Head over to Kew Gardens in London to witness some of the best blooms in the United Kingdom. This park features the Chokushi-Mon, a replica of the famous Gate of Nishi Hongan-ji in Kyoto.It is said that the first cherry trees in London were planted near King William’s Temple more than a hundred years ago. A few more were added in 1935.

7. Bonn, Germany

Cherry blossoms in Bonn, Germany

Expect to see one of the prettiest pink streets in the world in Bonn during spring. Walking below the trees can feel surreal—as if you're in a fairy tale.Time your visit during the first weeks of April to take part in the annual Altstadt Cherry Festival.

8. Jerte Valley, Spain

Cherry blossoms in Jerte Valley, Spain

You'll know it's spring when the Jerte Valley is completely covered in pink. Thanks to about two million trees planted there, it's so mesmerizing—you have to see it.A festival called Fiesta del Cerezo en Flor happens every April to celebrate the occasion. Expect musical performances, cooking workshops, and guided tours during the event. You can also buy goodies and local treats at the craft market.

9. Paris, France

Cherry blossoms in Paris, France

Regardless of the season, Paris remains to be one of the most romantic cities in the world. Taking the charming vibe a notch higher are the cherry trees in the French capital.Get inside the courtyard at the Petit Palais, take your feet in front of Notre Dame's south facade, or visit the Square Gabriel Pierné to enjoy a view of the exquisite blooms. What was believed to be the largest cherry tree in all of Paris can be found at the Jardin des Plantes.

10. Stockholm, Sweden

Cherry blossoms in Stockholm, Sweden

Prepare to be amazed by the interlocking trees at the Kungsträdgården (The King’s Garden) in Stockholm. There are 63 trees in total, all planted in 1998.The city will also be celebrating Sakura Day in late April. Food stands, bonsai exhibits, calligraphy displays, and more will fill the garden that day.

11. Curitiba, Brazil

Cherry blossoms in Curitiba, Brazil

South America's sole entry on this list is Curitiba, the capital and the largest city of Paraná, Brazil. Unlike most of the locations featured in this article, this city is located in the southern hemisphere. This means that springtime happens in a different month.You may visit the city in July to see the blooms firsthand at Jardim Botanico de Curitiba (Botanical Garden of Curitiba). Aside from the pink blossoms, it features an Art Nouveau-style greenhouse.

12. Meghalaya, India

Cherry blossoms in Meghalaya, India

You might be surprised to know that cherry blossoms also exist in India. In fact, they celebrate a cherry blossom festival from late October to early November, the first festival of its kind that happens in autumn.The areas of Lawmali, Seng Khasi College, Shillong, and Pine Walk Cantonment are where you can take a stroll below the gorgeous cherry trees.

You don't want spring to end without seeing the cherry blossoms yourself, do you? Traveloka can take you to any of these locations—you just have to book flights, take advantage of our deals, and have your suitcase ready!

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