Experience cherry blossom season around the world
Clouds of billowing flowers in every shade of pink add another layer of beauty to a seasonal city break.
By Joanna Tweedy | March 1, 2022 (Updated: January 22, 2026)
The arrival of spring offers spectacular photo opportunities during cherry blossom season in Japan and other destinations where these ornamental trees thrive. Tourists from across the globe flock to Tokyo to experience cherry blossom season in Japan’s fabled floral window, known as Hamami, but other cities around the world can often rival it for bursts of color. These are some of our favorite destinations for admiring these pink-hued florals.
Tokyo
The riot of pink petals that erupts on Japanese soil has made Tokyo the world’s leading destination for cherry blossom sightseeing, with locals and visitors alike oozing with excitement. While Japan’s cherry blossom season (known as sakura) varies from year to year, late March and early April are typically the best times to spot flowering cherry trees. Tokyo’s Ueno Park is home to more than a thousand cherry blossom trees, serene ponds, historic temples, and a clutch of fascinating museums, and is just a short drive from Conrad Tokyo, which offers spectacular city lus easy access to experience the sakura magic. Have your Conrad Concierge organize an itinerary for you, combining must-visit sights with local favorites.When you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to the hotel for high-end cuisine. Kazahana is a must-try restaurant serving sushi, kaiseki, and teppan dishes in a sleek, contemporary setting.
Washington, D.C.
Washington’s famous cherry trees usually produce giant cotton balls of vivid color toward March’s end, with the spectacular blooms lasting around two weeks. The most famous spot to really savor this pink-petal extravaganza is the Tidal Basin, a peaceful reservoir fringed by more than 3,700 trees and sandwiched between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. It’s ( from March 20 to April 12, 2026 which celebrates the wonder of this spring phenomenon. Checking in at the central Conrad Washington DC or Waldorf Astoria Washington DC ensures you're perfectly placed to see both a city in bloom and some of Washington’s most iconic tourist attractions, including the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums. A 32-minute walk from Conrad Washington DC’s doors will get you to the Tidal Basin, while Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is an equally scenic 24-minute walk from the colorful cherry blossom displays.
Paris
Short Description: The French capital, already one of Europe’s most beautiful cities takes its aesthetics to another dimension come springtime. The theatrics start in March with the eye-catching ivory and pink magnolia flowers and reach a crescendo a few weeks later with pops of cherry blossoms. Square Jean XXIII, a pretty park next to Notre-Dame, has long been a favorite of cherry blossom-seeking photographers, while the Jardin du Palais-Royal is another famous horticultural hot spotthat’s just a five-minute walk from the Louvre. Versailles (45 minutes from Paris’ center by car) is a delight at any time of the year, but this decadent 17thcentury palace and perhaps at their most thrilling in spring. Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Place, is enviably placed for exploring both the Palace of Versailles and The Grand Trianon. It also promises Michelin-starred dining, via Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, and pampering at the indulgent Spa Guerlain. The Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup, on the royal estate, is among the best places to see the cherry trees blaze pink.
Joanna Tweedy
Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former U.K. national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.
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