Spring, marked by the blooming of cherry blossoms and a warming atmosphere, offers an equally beautiful travel experience. Cherry blossoms are also known as sakura in Japan. Cherry blossoms have been a symbol of spring for centuries as many people have become attached to the beauty of these delicate pink and white flowers. Not only do we admire their beauty, but cherry blossoms have also inspired poets, artists, and nature lovers for centuries.

It's no wonder that there are cherry blossom festivals around the world every year. Every spring, people look forward to the arrival of cherry blossoms and celebrate their blooming with festivals and festive events.

For a spring festival, Japan is the answer. But apart from Japan, the various cherry blossom festivals held around the world are also worth a visit. Here are the list.

Japan is perhaps the most famous destination for cherry blossom festivals, known as hanami. Every spring, millions of people flock to parks, gardens, and temples across the country to admire the stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom. Some of the most popular hanami spots include Osaka Castle, Tokyo's Ueno Park, Kyoto's Maruyama Park, and the iconic Philosopher's Path in Kyoto.

During hanami, people gather with friends and family for picnics under the cherry trees, enjoying food, drinks, and lively conversations amidst the breathtaking beauty of the blossoms.

In the United States, Washington, D.C. is famous for its spectacular cherry blossom festival, which takes place every year along the Tidal Basin. The festival is also a day to commemorate the gift of cherry trees from Japan to the United States in 1912, symbolising the enduring friendship between the two countries. This year, the National Cherry Blossoms Festival will be held from March 20 - April 14, 2024.

The festival features a wide variety of events and activities, including cultural performances, art exhibitions, and boat rides along the Tidal Basin to admire the cherry blossoms. Peak cherry blossom viewing usually occurs in late March to early April, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.

There's a story behind South Korea's largest cherry blossom festival. The festival is held to pay tribute to Admiral Yi Sun-shin, a naval hero known for defending the peninsula from Japanese invasion.

Notable spots include Anmin Road, which features a 3.5-mile tunnel of trees ideal for a spring stroll, and Jehwangsan Park, which offers stunning views of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the sea and mountains from the Ilnyeon Gyedan (Stairway of the Year) consisting of 365 steps. Don't miss Yeojwacheon Bridge, which is covered in overhanging trees that create a beautiful atmosphere, especially on windy days when the cherry blossom petals fall like snow.

Canada is also home to captivating cherry blossom festivals, particularly in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. In Vancouver, the Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in April, featuring a series of events, including guided cherry blossom walks, art exhibitions, and cultural performances. Meanwhile, Toronto's High Park boasts a picturesque cherry blossom grove, attracting visitors with its vibrant pink blossoms and scenic surroundings.

This year, the Vancouver Cherry Blossoms Festival will be held from March 29 - April 25, 2024.

Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, hosts its annual "Cherry Blossom Days" festival, which spans a week of festivities. Visitors can take leisurely strolls along Heerstraße, a street adorned with cherry trees in full bloom, creating a picturesque setting.

The festival offers a delightful opportunity to savour German delicacies, including traditional dishes and cherry-themed treats. As evening falls, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, casting a mesmerising glow over the surroundings, providing a captivating sight for visitors to behold.

In Amsterdam, Netherlands, the Amstelpark transforms into a picturesque scene with more than 700 cherry trees, painting the landscape in hues of pink and white.

The city hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival within this park, where visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese music, participate in workshops, and enjoy a vibrant picnic area. This festival serves as a delightful fusion of Dutch and Japanese cultures, offering attendees a unique and memorable experience that celebrates the beauty of cherry blossoms in a multicultural setting.

Georgia City hosts a festival known as "the pinkest party on Earth." The festival, which began in 1952, showcases over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees throughout the city. The festival features various events such as a beauty pageant, a street party, a fireworks display, and a "balloon glow" with illuminated hot-air balloons. One highlight is the Bed Race, where teams race decorated beds on wheels through historic downtown.

In Seoul, South Korea, Yeouido Island hosts the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, where over 1,000 cherry trees paint the island in shades of pink.

Along the banks of the Han River, the scene transforms into a picturesque landscape, drawing visitors with various attractions. Boat tours offer a unique perspective of the blossoms while street performances add to the festive atmosphere. Vibrant food stalls cater to hungry visitors, providing a taste of local delights amidst the blooming cherry trees.

In Stockholm, Sweden, the Cherry Blossom Festival turns Kungsträdgården, the city's central park, into a vibrant pink paradise. Visitors can indulge in Swedish delicacies, immerse themselves in live music, and enjoy traditional Japanese performances amidst the delicate cherry blossoms.

The festival offers a delightful blend of cultural experiences, allowing attendees to savour the beauty of nature while engaging in a diverse range of activities and entertainment.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts a weekend festival featuring over 60 performances and exhibits. Located on the eastern border of Prospect Park, the garden offers a variety of activities amidst its tranquil Japanese Garden, including traditional ikebana flower arranging and contemporary manga exhibits.

Families can participate in origami and floral arrangement workshops using recycled materials. Plein-air painters showcase their work among the cherry blossoms, with some pieces available for purchase. Highlights include the Hanagasa Kai Parade, featuring colourful kimonos and flower hats, presented by the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York.

From the serene hanami picnics in Japan to the vibrant festivities around the world, the cherry blossom season offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, culture, and community. So, pack your picnic basket, for a moment full of joy, and start on your own cherry blossom adventure, a journey that will leave you with memories as beautiful and fleeting as the blossoms themselves. Planning your own cherry blossom adventure? Go to Traveloka to book all your travel essentials, from flights, hotels, to tourist attraction tickets.