Cherry blossom season is underway: while some destinations in Japan are already struggling with visitor numbers, the pink spectacle can also be experienced in many other—closer—locations across Europe. Falstaff TRAVEL takes a closer look at where to find the most beautiful spots.
Each year, Japan eagerly awaits the arrival of sakura season—the time of cherry blossom—and the tradition of hanami, the appreciation of the blooms. In 2026, the first buds are already opening earlier than usual, marking the start of one of the most anticipated natural spectacles of the year. But it’s not only Japan that turns pink in spring—many places across Europe offer equally beautiful settings.
Cherry Blossoms in Japan
This year, cherry blossom season in Japan has begun slightly earlier than average. In Nagoya, the first blooms appeared around 17 March, followed by Tokyo shortly after, with peak bloom expected within days.
In the Kansai region, including Kyoto and Osaka, blossoms are expected to open towards the end of March, with full bloom forecast for early April. Further north, the season arrives later: in Aomori, flowering is expected in mid-April, while in Sapporo on Hokkaido, it may not begin until the end of the month.
The cherry blossom season moves gradually from south to north and typically lasts only a short time—often just about a week at peak bloom. Travellers are therefore advised to plan carefully and check forecasts in advance, as popular destinations are increasingly affected by overtourism.
Stockholm in Bloom
Stockholm also embraces the season between March and April. In Kungsträdgården, one of the city’s oldest parks, rows of cherry trees burst into bloom, drawing both locals and international visitors.With cafés, restaurants and cultural events nearby, the park offers an ideal setting for a spring day in the city—combining nature, culture and urban life.
Because cherry blossom season is so short-lived, a spontaneous city trip within Europe is often the perfect way to experience it.
Amsterdam’s Sakura Park
The Bloesempark in Amstelveen, located within the Amsterdamse Bos, is one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful cherry blossom spots. Around 400 sakura trees—gifted by the Japanese Women’s Club—symbolise the connection between Japanese and Dutch culture.
Surrounded by open meadows and waterways, the park is accessible year-round. During blossom season, it becomes a popular place to celebrate spring, with picnics allowed on weekdays and a relaxed, open atmosphere.
Cherry Blossom Spots in London
London, too, turns pink in spring. From Notting Hill to Greenwich Park, cherry blossoms can be found throughout the city. One of the highlights is Kew Gardens, where the famous Cherry Walk offers a particularly striking display during sakura season, with dense rows of blossoms creating a vivid spring landscape.
Bonn’s Blossom Tracker
Bonn has become one of Europe’s most popular cherry blossom destinations. Each spring, the city’s famous blossom-lined streets attract visitors from across the continent. To help visitors plan their trip, local hotels have introduced a cherry blossom tracker that follows the development of the buds and indicates when the trees reach full bloom. Heerstraße and Breite Straße are among the most photographed locations, transforming into a tunnel of soft pink blossoms. As of mid-March, the first buds are already visible.
A Sakura Tribute in Vilnius
In Vilnius, cherry blossom season also carries historical meaning. In 2021, more than 200 Japanese cherry trees were planted in honour of Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, who saved thousands of lives during the Second World War.
Today, the Sakura Park—located next to the National Gallery of Art—offers a striking display each spring, combining natural beauty with cultural remembrance.
