With sakura trees blooming at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore has come down with a serious case of cherry blossom fever. That got us thinking about other places around the world where we’d be able to witness the spectacle aside from taking the well-beaten path to Japan. Here’s what we found.
Alishan, Taiwan
Cherry blossoms bloom in many places around the island but the Alishan National Scenic Area is perhaps the best spot. It’s hosting the Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival until Apr 10.
Hong Kong
There are several spots around Hong Kong to witness the bloom of Taiwanese cherry blossoms including its highest peak, Tai Mo Shan.
London, UK
The Cherry Walk at UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is home to 15 pairs of sakura trees. Check out the bloom schedule here.
Paris, France
See sakura bloom beneath the Eiffel Tower at Parc du Champ-de-Mars.
Seoul, South Korea
The 2016 Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival runs from Apr 4 to 10.
Shanghai, China
The Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival is about to begin in Gucun Park and will last until mid-April.
Stockholm, Sweden
Kungsträdgården, or the King’s Garden, has been a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing since 1998.
Sydney, Australia
The Auburn Botanical Gardens in Sydney’s western suburbs typically welcomes the sakura bloom in August.
Vancouver, Canada
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival runs from Mar 24 to Apr 17 in 2016.
Washington, DC, USA
In 1912, 3,000 cherry blossom trees were given to the city of Washington, DC by the Mayor of Tokyo. This enduring gesture of friendship is celebrated annually as the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Follow the bloom watch here.
