See 15 Photos Of Cherry Blossoms In Full Bloom Around The World

For a couple of fleeting weeks each spring, cherry blossom trees bloom, painting countrysides and city streets pink and white.

Japan is a bucket list destination for those who want to see cherry blossom trees at peak bloom. The country’s “hanami” (flower viewing) tradition dates back centuries.

But cherry blossoms usher in spring in destinations around the world, their billowy blooms seen in the foreground of castles, parks, and even the Eiffel Tower.

Ahead, see 15 photos of peak cherry blossom blooms from around the world, many of which show the joy they bring to people.

Toronto, Ontario

The Consulate General of Japan gifted the University of Toronto with 70 sakura trees in the early 2005. The trees outside of the Robarts Library are a springtime showpiece and popular spot for photos.

Lviv, Ukraine

Springtime in Ukraine brings famous cherry blossom and magnolia blooms. In addition to Lviv, both Uzhhorod and Kyiv are famous for their Sakura blooms.

Bad Langensalza, Germany

Each April, the Japanese Garden hosts a cherry blossom festival that draws thousands of visitors. The garden also has tranquil ponds, Bonsai trees, tea ceremonies, and more.

Dresden, Germany

Cherry blossoms blooming in front of the Archive of the Avant-Garde, a treasure trove of artwork, furniture, architectural plans from the 20th century artistic movements.

Berlin, Germany

In 1990, out of joy over the reunification of Germany, the Japanese television station TV-Asahi called for a fundraising campaign to collect money for the planting of Japanese cherry trees in Germany. Enough donations were collected for over 9,000 trees, and the area is bursting with cherry blossoms, including several planted on the Berlin Wall Trail, which is considered the TV-Asahi Cherry Blossom Alley.

Paris, France

Springtime in Paris: Cherry blossoms bloom with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

New York City, New York

New York City’s Central Park has two types of cherry trees. The Yoshino cherry trees typically bloom in early to mid-April and the Kwanzan cherry trees follow in early May.

Bonn, Germany

So many cherry blossoms bloom in Bonn that Heerstrasse is known as Cherry Blossom Avenue. The pink blooms over the cobblestone streets makes for magical photos.

Tokyo, Japan

In a city bursting with cherry blossoms, Ueno Park is a popular spot to see the blooms. With more than 1,000 cherry trees, the park hosts a festival each year, with the celebration that continues into the evening when lanterns illuminate the cherry blossom trees.

Washington, D.C.

The National Park Service is cutting down about 150 cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. this spring because it needs to raise its seawall along the Tidal Basin. The Prime Minister of Japan has pledged to gift 250 trees to Washington, D.C. to replace the ones that are being uprooted.

Hangzhou, China

Pops of pink dot the manicured greens at Longjing tea garden in Hangzhou, China.

Kunming, China

Kunming is known as the “city of flowers.” The region is home to more than five dozen varieties of cherry blossom trees.

Nanjing, China

Cherry blossoms were in full bloom in mid-March at Zhongshan Botanical Garden, the first botanical garden in China that opened nearly a century ago.