The cherry blossom season has begun. While the first places in Japan have to give way to the rush of visitors, the pink-colored natural spectacle can also be experienced at many other - closer - destinations. Falstaff TRAVEL shows you where to find the best spots.
The Japanese eagerly await the time of sakura, the cherry blossom, and the opportunity to enjoy hanami - the viewing of the blossom. The first buds are already turning into full blooms in these early days of spring, not only in Japan, but also in many places in Europe. Falstaff TRAVEL went in search of clues.
In 2026, the cherry blossom season in Japan will start earlier than the long-term average. In Nagoya, the big bloom began around March 17, closely followed by Tokyo and Fukuoka around March 19, 2026.
In the Kansai region, the cherry blossom is expected to begin at the end of March: in Kyoto and Osaka, the first blossoms could appear around March 23rd-24th, and full bloom is currently expected in early April. Hiroshima is also likely to be ready from around March 20.
Further north, the natural spectacle is significantly delayed: In Aomori, meteorologists expect flowering to begin in mid-April, in Sapporo on Hokkaido not until the end of the month - with full bloom following shortly afterwards.
Anyone planning a trip for the cherry blossom season should inform themselves well in advance; some places are now responding to the large crowds. In Fujiyoshida at the foot of Mount Fuji, for example, a popular cherry blossom festival was canceled due to overtourism.
Bonn is always worth a surprise. The city recently took first place on the "Bradshaw Score" as the cheapest city for singles, and in spring it becomes a popular meeting place for hanami enthusiasts.
That's why Bonn hotels have now set up the cherry blossom ticker. It follows how the buds develop and when the famous flowering avenue reaches its full splendor. Heerstraße and Breite Straße in particular are among the most famous cherry blossom photo spots and attract numerous visitors to the former German capital every year. Status on March 19, 2026: Tender buds can already be seen.
The Bloesempark in Amstelveen, located in the Amsterdamse Bos, is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in the Netherlands. The 400 or so sakura trees - a gift from the Japanese Women's Club - bear the names of Japanese and Dutch women and represent a special connection between the two cultures. Surrounded by meadows and canals, the freely accessible park invites you to take a stroll all year round. During the blossoming season, spring is celebrated here with a cherry blossom festival, and picnics are also permitted during the week.
Sweden's capital Stockholm also enchants visitors with pink and red heralds of spring between March and April. At this time of year, the Japanese cherry trees in Kungsträdgården (King's Garden), one of the city's oldest parks, are in full bloom and attract tourists from all over the world. Concerts, art exhibitions and festivals are regularly held here. With the temperatures getting warmer, this is the perfect destination for a day out. Surrounded by cute cafés and great restaurants, you can spend an exuberant day in the splendor of the cherry blossoms right in the center of Stockholm.
Precisely because the cherry blossom season passes as quickly as it arrived, a quick short trip within Europe is the perfect way to admire them.
In this sense, the British capital London also delights in spring. Whether on a stroll through Notting Hill or in Greenwich Park, the pink splendor can be admired in many places in London. However, a visit to Kew Gardens during the sakura season is a particular highlight, as the botanical garden promises a great view of the lush pink blossoms around the "Cherry Walk" during the cherry blossom season.
To commemorate the 100. To commemorate the 200th birthday of Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, over 200 Japanese cherry trees were planted in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in 2021. This gift from the Japanese government is dedicated to the man who saved around 6,000 Jews from Lithuania, Poland and Germany. Since then, a veritable sea of flowers can be admired in Sakura Park, which was created next to the National Art Gallery.
