Cherry Blossom Chasers: Best Non-Japan Spots to See Spring Bloom
Think Japan is the only place to catch cherry blossoms? Think again. While Tokyo and Kyoto might be on every blossom-seeker’s bucket list, spring paints the world pink in more places than you’d expect. If you're dreaming of sakura magic without the Japan crowds or price tags, these underrated destinations should be on your radar this April.
✍️ Ava · April 6, 2025
🇩🇪 Bonn, Germany
Season: Early to mid-April
Vibe: European fairytale meets pink explosion
Why go: Bonn’s Altstadt (Old Town) becomes a tunnel of cherry blossoms — especially Heerstraße, dubbed “Cherry Blossom Avenue.” It’s quiet, romantic, and straight out of a postcard. Plus, you're just a train ride away from Cologne or the Rhine Valley.
🇰🇷 Jinhae, South Korea
Season: Late March to early April
Vibe: Festive and photogenic
Why go: While Seoul has its bloom spots, Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is South Korea’s cherry blossom king. Train tracks, bridges, and riverside walks are framed with 360,000+ cherry trees. At night, lanterns turn it into a magical dreamland.
🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., USA
Season: Late March to mid-April
Vibe: Political monuments + pastel petals
Why go: The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the trees gifted by Japan in 1912 — a cultural tie-in with serious photo ops. The Tidal Basin offers the best views with monuments like the Jefferson Memorial as your backdrop.
🇫🇷 Paris, France
Season: Early to mid-April
Vibe: Romantic with a side of sakura
Why go: Cherry blossoms make Paris even dreamier. Best spots? Parc de Sceaux, Jardin des Plantes, and under the Eiffel Tower. Mix florals with fresh croissants — yes, please.
🇳🇿 Rotorua, New Zealand (Southern Hemisphere Twist!)
Season: September (Spring down south!)
Vibe: Off-season + off-beat
Why go: Okay, it's not April — but for true bloom chasers, New Zealand’s southern spring offers a second round in September. Cherry trees blossom in Rotorua’s Government Gardens with thermal pools nearby. A win-win.
🏞️ Honorable Mentions:
Vancouver, Canada – 40,000+ cherry trees, especially around Queen Elizabeth Park.
Stockholm, Sweden – Kungsträdgården turns cotton-candy pink in April.
Copenhagen, Denmark – Bispebjerg Cemetery is unexpectedly beautiful during cherry blossom season.
💡 Trippl Tips for Blossom-Hunting:
Check bloom forecasts – They change yearly with weather patterns.
Go early – Both for time of day and season. Sunrise strolls = fewer crowds.
Pack layers – Spring can be unpredictable, especially in Europe.
Book flexible flights – Just in case the bloom is early (or late). Use TripplAI for smart planning!
📸 Ready to Go Pink?
Spring’s short — make it sweet. With fewer tourists and equally stunning views, these cherry blossom destinations bring all the magic without the clichés. Wherever you go, don’t forget to stop and snap the blossoms.
✍️ This blog was written by Ava.
