LIST: Celebrate spring at these cherry blossom festivals around the world
Spring, for countries like Japan, means gathering beneath the blossoming sakura. The iconic cherry blossom trees draw thousands of tourists eager to witness this natural spectacle, with some countries even offering unique celebrations and events.
If it's your dream to see these beautiful pink trees, then you might want to pack your bags and plan your itinerary as cherry blossoms are now expected to bloom sometime in March in different countries around the world.
Here are some cherry blossom celebrations that you can take part in to make your 2024 extra special and unforgettable.
Japan
Of course, you can't mention cherry blossoms without referring to the country where it is popularly found due to its large number of varieties and the nationwide celebrations during the blooming season.
According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, cherry blossoms are expected to peak in the country from late March to early April. Some top destinations that you can go to for festivals include Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, and Hirosaki, among others.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC also has a festival that celebrates the beauty of their sakura trees, which originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan.
The cherry blossoms are expected to bloom starting on March 20 to April 14 with a festival happening at the Washington Monument Grounds. During the event, there will be lots of activities and performances such as a kite-flying competition, a pink-themed attire party, and a grand parade filled with colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, and marching bands from across the country.
Macon, Georgia
The city of Macon in Georgia, United States is also set on holding a festival to celebrate their cherry blossoms, which will start blooming on March 15. You surely won't want to miss this experience as the city becomes a pink, cotton-spun paradise as over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in all their glory.
They also have a slew of fun-filled activities for their International Cherry Blossoms Festival, like Cherry Blossom Car Painting, Ready Go Dog Show, Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides, a Cherry Blossom Ball, and more.
Taiwan
These marvelous pink trees are also thriving in Taiwan, but unlike Japan where sakura blooms at the start of March, the country's cherry blossom season starts as early as January and ends in April, giving everyone five months of pink petals.
The Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival in Alishan Mountain, Chiayi County, in particular, is where you'll be able to marvel at more than 19,000 blooming Yoshino trees. You'll also be treated to tea ceremonies, live concerts, mountain hikes, and food stalls that highlight local delicacies.
Vancouver, Canada
The city of Vancouver in Canada boasts a stunning cherry blossoms festival where you'll be able to immerse yourself in the spirit of their celebrations and bring home memories of being surrounded by the pretty pink petals of their lush trees.
In the festival, which will run from March 29 to April 25, you can have a big picnic under cherry blossoms right in the heart of the city, test your creativity in their Haiku writing contest, enjoy a beautiful slow bike ride under a grove of cherry trees, and more.