Where to See Cherry Blossoms 🌸
The cherry blossom (sakura) is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and appreciation for the natural world. Across the diverse landscape of Japan’s main islands, the sakura buds between March to early May.
The flowers’ full bloom only lasts for only about two weeks in each area, which is why they’ve become symbolic of fragility of life. But their arrival also signals spring’s optimism and renewal. Millions travel to Japan to spend time admiring nature's parade of pink, but it is possible to catch the cherry blossom in the United States as well.
After the brief full bloom, the small, delicate flowers start to flutter gracefully from their trees. The blossoms are said to be the most beautiful in this final stage as the white and pink petals gently float to the ground. 🌸
In Japan, the cherry blossom is honored by festivals and locoals having ‘flower watching’ parties known as hanami. In places like Hirosaki Castle in Aomori the trees are illuminated at night and the parade of falling petals is mesmerizing.
How to Travel Japan to See Sakura
Featured Itinerary: Princess Cruises 20-Day Sea of Japan & Hokkaido Spring Flowers
April 7th, 2024 🌸
Cruising is one of the best ways to see all of Japan during sakura season. When you book a cruise with MVT your receive added Virtuoso amenities. On Princess Cruises for example, enjoy free specialty dining for two on your 20-day Sea of Japan Spring Flowers mini-suite or stateroom.
Featured Itinerary: Holland America Line 14 Nights Discovery Trip To Japan 🌸
Take off from Yokohama and discover the profound beauty of Japan’s dynamic cities. Book Holland America Line's Have It All fare to receive our best amenities - Shore Excursions, Beverage Package, Specialty Dining, and Wi-Fi - and get a FREE stateroom upgrade, 50% reduced deposit, bonus onboard credit and more.
While Japan has opened back up for international travel, you can still celebrate sakura season closer to home. There's many places across the US that boast nature's display of the cherry blossom. 🌸
Where to See Sakura in the United States 🌸
As far as where to see the magical cherry blossom tree, Washington DC comes to mind first with 3,000 cherry blossoms along the tidal basin. This year the National Cherry Blossom festival runs March 20-April 16 and it's free and open to the public!
Hilton is proud Premier Hotel Provider of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. With over 100 properties in the D.C area, Hilton properties makes it easy for you to experience nature's rare display.
📍Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
You stay at this stunning landmark hotel includes the Signature Suite, Cherry Blossom welcome amenities, and a personalized Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea in Peacock Alley. 🌸
Switching coasts, you can even spend time admiring the pink flowers in Los Angeles! Descanso Gardens is considered a museum of living collections and is known for its seasonal horticultural displays. The even have a "What's in Bloom" website to help you plan your trip.
Then there is Traverse City Michigan, where the blossoms blanket the miles of rolling hills throughout the area. Take a tour of the Great Lakes on Viking to complete your spring celebration.
Featured Itinerary: Viking 15-day Great Lakes Collection Expedition
With Viking Inclusive Value, the price you pay covers most everything—port charges, Wi-Fi, meals, lectures, activities and shore excursions--plus hotel accommodations on cruisetours.
