Cherry Blossom Season in the USA

Cherry Blossom Season in the USA

While nothing can quite compare to cherry blossom season in Japan, where people gather to eat and drink beneath the blooming trees, lucky for us, the Japanese have generously shared these stunning cherry trees across many cities and gardens in the United States. Spring here is equally vibrant, with a plethora of cherry blossom festivals taking place throughout the month. Here are seven fantastic spots in the U.S. where you can marvel at these beautiful blooms.

Washington, DC

As you stand before the hundreds of Yoshino cherry trees that bloom around the Tidal Basin, with their delicate pink and white flowers contrasting against the iconic landmarks of DC, it’s easy to see why the entire city turns pink every spring. The National Cherry Blossom Festival attracts over a million visitors each year, featuring exciting activities ranging from kite flying at the National Mall to a grand parade stretching ten blocks down Constitution Avenue. Restaurants in DC, Virginia, and Maryland join in the fun with cherry blossom-themed desserts and drinks.

The connection to cherry trees in the capital has been over a century in the making, thanks to a gift of 3,020 cherry trees from Tokyo in 1912. This year, Japan has gifted an additional 250 trees to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. If you want to catch the stunning sights at the Tidal Basin, the best blooming period usually occurs from late March to early April. Admission is free, but it’s wise to use public transportation as traffic can get quite congested on weekends.

Brooklyn, New York

At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the "Cherry Walk" and "Cherry Esplanade" transform into a vibrant sea of pink. The famous ‘Kanzan’ cherry trees, known for their lush, deep pink flowers, line this path beautifully. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, and you can even enjoy the blossoms at night during the Hanami Nights event.

The garden also features the Hill-and-Pond Japanese Garden, one of the oldest and most renowned Japanese gardens outside of Japan. With 26 different varieties of cherry trees, from the weeping Higan to the greenish-yellow Ukon, you can track the blooming status of these varieties via the Cherry Watch map. Visit around late April to early May to see the Kanzan trees in full bloom. Admission is $22 for adults, $16 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12.

San Francisco, California

In San Francisco, more than 220,000 people attend the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival each year, making it the second largest festival in the U.S. after the one in DC. This festival spans two weeks in mid-April, featuring a grand parade and a variety of cultural programs, including tea ceremonies and Japanese sword displays. The historic Peace Plaza in Japantown usually serves as the festival’s centerpiece, although it is currently undergoing renovations to plant even more cherry trees.

The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, where cherry blossoms bloom in March and early April, is another excellent spot to admire the flowers. Admission to this garden ranges from $3 to $16. Additionally, you can explore various other cherry blossom viewing spots outside the city, from the Hakone Estate and Gardens in Saratoga to the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival at the end of April.

Seattle, Washington

At the University of Washington, every spring, students create a welcoming space for thousands of visitors to admire the famous Yoshino cherry trees. The fluffy blooms create a stunning landscape against the gothic architecture of the campus, with petals carpeting the green lawns. There are various theories about the origin of these trees, one of which suggests they were planted as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Regardless, these trees have become a symbol of spring in Seattle.

The U District Cherry Blossom Festival also takes place, featuring participation from around 90 local businesses. If you want to visit during the peak blooming period (usually mid-March), it’s best to use public transportation as parking can be quite scarce.

St. Louis, Missouri

The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest Japanese gardens in North America, featuring 14 acres of woodland, decorative bridges, and waterfalls. The garden is home to several cherry trees, particularly the impressive weeping Higan trees. Many of the Yoshino cherry trees in this garden are descendants of grafts from the trees in Washington, DC. The blooming period typically occurs from late March to April, and the garden often streams live on YouTube for those who can’t make it in person.

Admission to the garden ranges from $4 to $16 per person.

Buffalo, New York

In Buffalo, spring seems to arrive a little later, especially after a harsh winter. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival has been held to celebrate the cultural connection with the sister city of Kanazawa, Japan. This festival began over ten years ago to highlight the cherry blossom grove in the six-acre Japanese garden behind the Buffalo History Museum. With its manicured hills and planned islands, it’s a perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing. The blooming season usually occurs from mid to late April. Entrance to the garden is free, and the festival on the weekends features various activities like tea ceremonies, bonsai and origami lessons in the museum, or even pink boat rides to enjoy the flowers.

The blooming cherry blossoms are a sight that many Buffalo residents eagerly anticipate throughout the chilly winter months.