Cherry Blossom Trees Worldwide: Five Beautiful Locations!

Cherry blossom trees are the perfect heralds of the vernal (spring) equinox, with their delicate flowers that last for a short time. Japan welcomes many tourists who want to see its native cherry trees. However, did you know there are other lovely places where they grow?

We’ve chosen five locations around the world where you can celebrate hanami (flower viewing) with friends and family. We’ve also provided information about these sites and when the blossoms bloom. Are you ready to see them in person? Ikimashou! (Let’s go!)

Branch Brook Park (United States)

Washington, D.C., boasts some of the United States’ best sakura trees and the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the Tidal Basin. However, have you heard about the blossoms in Newark, New Jersey? Branch Brook Park was the first county park open to the public in 1895. It’s home to several historic structures, including the Octagonal Shelter, and part of the 58-km (36-mile) Lenape Trail.

Branch Brook Park has over 5,300 cherry trees representing 18 varieties, including the Kanzan cherry tree, outnumbering Washington, D.C.’s 3800. The Park received its first 2000 trees as a gift from Caroline Bamberger Fuld in 1927 and held its first annual Cherry Blossom Festival in 1976. Taking place a few weeks after the equinox, the festivities include a Bike Race, a 1-Mile Fun Run and Walk, and the popular Bloomfest. The 2025 dates are April 5 to 13.

Stanley Park (Canada)

Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, boasts an array of cherry blossoms. Opening as the city’s first park in 1886, Stanley Park has retained much of its original green space. It’s home to the Vancouver Seawall, the Vancouver Aquarium, and various sports facilities and monuments, including the Japanese Canadian War Memorial.

It’s at this memorial where 500 cherry trees, gifted by Yokahama’s and Kobe’s mayors, were planted in the 1930s. In 1958, 300 additional trees were sent over as a gesture of goodwill from the Japanese consul, some planted at the same site. Today, Stanley Park contains 200 cherry trees, mainly the Akebono and Shirotae varieties. Peak bloom season is mid-April, but you can visit anytime between late February, before the equinox, and early May.

Johannesburg Botanical Garden (South Africa)

Did you know you can find gorgeous cherry blossoms in South Africa? The Johannesburg Botanical Garden is located near the Emmarentia Dam on former farmland donated to the City of Johannesburg in the 1930s. Open since 1968, the 81-hectare (200-acre) site contains several gardens, a wedding venue, a herbarium and library, a restaurant, and other public facilities.

Rows of Japanese flowering cherries surround Johannesburg Botanical Garden’s famous Rose Garden. Not surprisingly, this spot is a popular destination for weddings and photoshoots. Unlike our previous entries, these trees typically bloom around the autumnal equinox between early September and early October. You can catch the outdoor summer concerts and the annual Shakespeare festival if you arrive a little earlier.

Are you looking for great snacks while checking out cherry blossoms around the world? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese treats directly from Japan!

Kungsträdgården (Sweden)

Fancy a fika (coffee break) under Stockholm’s cherries? Kungsträdgården, or Kungsan, offers you this opportunity. Translated to “King’s Garden,” it was initially the royal kitchen garden before being expanded in the 15th century. It earned its reputation as a leisurely spot during the 17th and 18th centuries. Modernized throughout the 19th century, it’s been used to hold parades, protests, and other events. 

Kungsträdgården’s cherry blossoms were planted in 1998 as a sign of international friendship between Sweden and Japan. Primarily ornamental cherry trees of the Prunus “Accolade” variety they produce different colors for each equinox: deep pink flowers in the spring, dark green leaves in the summer, and red bark in the fall. If you’re in Stockholm on April 28, head to Kungsan for the Cherry Blossom Day celebrations.

Gardens by the Bay (Singapore)

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay has your sakura fix if you’re closer to Japan but cannot travel for the vernal equinox. Opened in 2012, it has three waterfront gardens and the world’s largest greenhouse, the Flower Dome, which hosts six to eight annual themed shows. Gardens by the Bay has appeared in several films, including Crazy Rich Asians and the video game Call of Duty: Black Ops III.

The Flower Dome houses over 40 sakura varieties, such as the pink weeping cherry and the Yoshino cherry tree. Every year, the gardens host a unique cherry blossom-inspired display featuring a light installation, booths, and various programs. 2025’s exhibition will focus on Fukuoka; it’s open for viewing between March 8 and April 6 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What is the impact of these locations?

Planting cherry blossom trees at these different locations helps strengthen international ties. This is especially important in countries where Japanese residents have faced discrimination in the past.

These places also help ease the homesickness of recent Japanese immigrants and international students. The familiar sight of flowering cherry trees brings comfort and encouragement, especially during the spring equinox.

Finally, these sites allow Japan to share its beauty with the world. Planting sakura in city parks encourages people to visit local green spaces, saving time and money. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Japanese cherry blossom trees can be found all over the world. From parks in North America to royal gardens in Europe and Africa, they offer beauty and respite to locals and tourists. These locations also host special events teaching folks about Japanese culture.

We hope you get a chance to check them out, especially if you cannot visit Japan for the vernal equinox. Have you gone to any of these beautiful locations? Did we miss any sakura hotspots? Drop your recommendations in the comments.