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I may be alone here, but before we moved to Europe I was under the impression that Cherry Blossoms were a Japan only thing. However, it turns out I couldn’t have been more wrong. As our first spring in Switzerland arrived trees I had not even noticed in winter seemed to turn in to blossoming beauties overnight. And in amongst the tulips, daffodils, daisies and magnolias there they were – the illusive cherry blossoms!
If it was not already exciting enough that I could walk down my street and see real life cherry blossoms, Jase also found a cherry blossom trail we could hike from home! A cherry blossom trail! I’d never been keener for a hike in my life. Then I learned that our little home town of Zug is known as ‘Switzerland’s cherry country’. Zug is famous for their cherry cake and ‘Chriesisturm’ – a 300-year-old tradition that sees teams race through the streets of the Old Town carrying long ladders. Afterwards, there’s cherry sausage, cherry cream and cherry beer for all. Too. Much. Excitement.
So last weekend we set off on our cherry blossom adventure and we were definitely not disappointed. As well as cherry blossoms our hike was inundated with paragliders, cows (yes with the Swiss bells), goats, meadows of daisies, llamas, farmers rolling hay, pine tree forests and incredible lake views. We felt like we were in a Swiss wonderland! If you ever happen to be near Zug in early April I would recommend you give this hike a go – you can find all the details here.
After all this cherry blossom excitement, I felt inspired to put together a list of places around the world where cherry blossoms can be found. Who knows, perhaps you are closer to these pretty little blooms than you realise. Or maybe you’ll be inspired to plan a trip somewhere new and go on your very own cherry blossom hunt.
THE BEST PLACES AROUND THE WORLD TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN FULL BLOOM
Asia
China
Where: Beijing, Shanghai, Wuxi, Hangzhou
Peak bloom: Early April
India
Where: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu, Kashmir, Sikkim, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Meghalaya
Peak bloom: Mid November
Japan
Where: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka
Peak bloom: Early April
South Korea
Where: Jeju Island, Seoul, Gyeongju
Peak bloom: Early April
Australasia
Australia
Where: Blue Mountains, Danenongs, Adelaide Hills
Peak bloom: Mid October
New Zealand
Where: Christchurch, Auckland, Upper Hutt, Nelson
Peak bloom: September
Europe
France
Where: Paris
Peak bloom: Late March to early April
Germany
Where: Bonn, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Dortmund
Peak bloom: Late April to early May
Holland
Where: Amsterdam
Peak bloom: Early April
Spain
Where: Jerte Valley
Peak bloom: Late March
Sweden
Where: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo, Körsbärsdalen (near Lund), Sundsvall
Peak bloom: Mid April to early May
Switzerland
Where: Basel, Zurich, Zug
Peak bloom: Early April
Turkey
Where: Istanbul
Peak bloom: Late March to early April
North America
United States
Where: Washington, New York City, Philadelphia, Nashville, Macon, Urbana, St. Louis, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle
Peak bloom: Early April
Canada
Where: Vancouver, Victoria, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa
Peak bloom: Early April
South America
Brazil
Where: Sao Paulo, Curitiba.
Peak bloom: Late June to early July
A lot of these places also have cherry blossom festivals, so be sure to research your chosen spot before you go. If I’ve missed anywhere on my list, I’d love to hear from you below so I can add it in!
Wow! You’re so right. I also only thought of cherry blossoms being in Japan. I’ve visited Switzerland but never really thought they would be there. I will definitely consider these other countries to visit to see beautiful cherry blossoms! Great photos too.
Aw so happy to hear you have been inspired to visit cherry blossoms Alexandra!
Jayde x