If you think that cherry blossom festivals are only celebrated in Japan, you are quite wrong! There are plenty of places beyond Japan that you can visit – and trust us that it will definitely be worth it! Here are some of the best cherry blossom festivals outside Japan that you can be a part of.
Best Cherry Blossom Festivals Outside Japan
Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, South Korea
The Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated in the Yeouido Han River Park in Seoul, South Korea. The festival dates depend on the cherry blossom season, but it’s usually celebrated in the first or second week of April. There are about 1,700 king cherry blossom trees here and you’ll find them neatly lined in the park premises. The park is just perfect for a cozy family picnic or stroll with your friends.
During the festival, you’ll find several artists on the streets, drawing caricatures, singing music, and entertaining the crowd. Plus, there are plenty of street food vendors during the festival, so all your cravings are taken care of. From rice cakes to corndogs and sweet corn, you can grab a variety of quick bites here.
Dates: First or second week of April, announced each year
Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea
National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington D. C.
If you’re in the USA and want to celebrate the Sakura season locally, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. is an excellent option! The cherry blossom trees in the city were a gift from the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912 as a token of the bonds forged between the two countries. The blossoms bloom between late March to mid-April, and the season lasts for about 14 to 15 days when you can get the best views possible.
The 3,000-plus cherry blossom trees here provide a beautiful backdrop for the ultimate family picnic. The National Cherry Blossom Festival doesn’t just include watching the pretty pink blossoms, but there are plenty of activities organized during this time. This includes the Blossom Kite Festival, Sakura Matsuri, the Petalpalooza, and the annual Pink Tie Party fundraiser.
Dates: 20th March to 13th April 2025
Address: Various locations in Washington D. C.
Copenhagen Sakura Festival, Denmark
For our next spot on the list of best cherry blossom festivals outside Japan, we’ll be heading to Copenhagen, Denmark. The city hosts its annual Sakura Festival at Langelinie Park. Every year, towards the end of April, the 200 cherry blossom trees in this park bloom in beautiful shades of pink, making the place a major tourist attraction.
The festival hosts plenty of cultural events highlighting Japanese culture, as well as contests and workshops. You have the Japanese Taiko drum performance, traditional Taishokoto performance, calligraphy workshops, martial arts performance, manga drawing workshop, and plenty of other events. So, if you are planning to visit Denmark this summer, make sure to not miss out on this festival!
Dates: 26th and 27th April, 2025
Address: Langelinie 25, Langelinieparken, 2100 København, Denmark
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, India
Are you surprised that India’s Shillong also hosts its annual cherry blossom festival? Well, if you can’t find the time to set out on an international tour, you can do so in India itself – there are plenty of places in India where you can see cherry blossoms!
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is organized every year in the month of November, based on the cherry blossom bloom. In 2024, the festival was organized on the 15th and 16th of November.
The festival is a vibrant extravaganza filled with the most scrumptious food stalls, cosplay competitions, and souvenir stalls. Besides, you have celebrated Indian artists and performers performing at the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival. Not just Indian music, but the festival also has a dedicated segment for Japanese music, so make sure you don’t miss out on that!
Dates: Mid-November, announced each year
Address: Announced each year
Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival, France
One of the best cherry blossom festivals outside Japan, the Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated in the Parc de Sceaux in France every year between March and April.
There are plenty of cultural events and interesting activities that you can do when at the Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival. From a blossom exhibition, mini concerts, and card-painting workshop to Japanese dance, Ikebana and Origami workshops, there is something for everyone. You can also simply come to the park and host a cozy picnic with family and friends.
Dates: March to April, announced each year
Adresse: Parc départemental de Sceaux, 38 Av. Alphonse Cherrier, 92330 Sceaux, France
Summing Up
Here are the 5 best cherry blossom festivals outside Japan that you can visit to get a Japan-like experience. From Washington D. C.’s famous National Cherry Blossom Festival to Shillong’s fun-filled Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, these festivals celebrate not just the blooming of the sakura flowers, but also provide a reason to come together, enjoy music, have food, and have a fun time!
FAQs
Which Country Is Best For Cherry Blossoms?
There’s no doubt that Japan, the land of the sakura, is the best country to view cherry blossoms. However, other countries such as Taiwan, India, South Korea, and France too have a pleasant cherry blossom season.
Are There Cherry Blossoms Outside Japan?
Yes, there are cherry blossoms outside Japan too. While some may assume that they grow only in Japan, cherry blossoms are found on almost all continents on Earth (except Antarctica!).
Can Sakura Grow In India?
Yes, indeed! The trees are found in the cold states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
