There is a universal way to tell when it’s Springtime: flowers bloom. Cherry blossoms are some of the most common and recognizable flowers. Several festivals are held in April to celebrate cherry blossoms.

One of the most recognized festivals in the US for cherry blossoms is the cherry blossom viewing held in Washington DC. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a citywide celebration commemorating the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to Washington, DC by the mayor of Tokyo. During the festival, there are usually only a few days when most of the cherry blossoms are blooming, known as peak bloom. The National Cherry Blossom Festival starts with the Opening Ceremony, followed by the Blossom Kite Festival and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, and finishing with the Petalpalooza, which features “live music on multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, family-friendly hands-on activities, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River” (Washington.org).

Cherry Blossoms are known as ‘sakura’ in Japanese, a word that has come to be associated with cherry blossoms around the world. Japan also has an unmatched connection with these flowers, easily being the primary destination for tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms that only bloom for a week. Himeji Castle is a Japanese national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sea of pink cherry blossoms set against the white walls of the castle is said to be a beautiful setting to view the flowers. In Kitakami Tenshochi Park, an event takes place along the Kitakami River, where rows of cherry blossom trees create a two-kilometer-long tunnel of pink and white blossoms. Visitors can enjoy various cultural performances and events, such as traditional Japanese music and dance performances. There are also lanterns at night that create a magical atmosphere. In Japan, they don’t just look at the cherry blossoms but use them for food as well. To learn more about how cherry blossoms are made into delicious foods, visit NHK World Japan using the sources at the bottom of the article.

The place most people go to see cherry blossoms in France is Paris. The cherry blossom trees at the Champs de Mars are right in front of the Eiffel Tower, allowing people to get both in their pictures. The Jardin des Plantes is the main botanical garden of France and one of the largest in the world (Salut From Paris). Home to probably the largest cherry tree in the city, the cherry blossoms in the Jardin des Plantes range in color from white to bright pink. Created for the Universal Exposition in 1937, the Trocadéro Gardens is a green space with beautiful cherry trees and a traditional carousel. Parc de Sceaux is a great spot for a picnic, a walk in the park, or even a visit to the castle located there, all while surrounded by cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms are beautiful, fragrant flowers that many cultures around the world celebrate for their relation to the start of Spring.

Sources

“Get Ready to Be Blown Away by Japan’s Breathtaking Cherry Blossom Festivals in 2023!: Live Japan Travel Guide.” LIVE JAPAN, livejapan.com/en/article-a0004909/

Hussain, Amar. “The Ultimate Guide to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan.” UpgradedPoints.com, 17 Jan. 2023, upgradedpoints.com/travel/japan-cherry-blossom-festival-guide/

Lena. “Cherry Blossom in Paris: Quick Location Guide 2023.” Salut from Paris, 13 Feb. 2023, www.salutfromparis.com/cherry-blossom-in-paris/

“National Cherry Blossom Festival Events in Washington, DC: Washington DC.” The Best, washington.org/visit-dc/national-cherry-blossom-festival-events-washington-dc

Paris, World in. “Quick Guide to Cherry Blossom Paris 2023.” World In Paris, 4 Mar. 2023, worldinparis.com/cherry-blossoms-in-paris

“Sakura – Trails to Oishii Tokyo: NHK World-Japan On Demand.” NHK WORLD, www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/2054149/