If you are a fan of sakura or cherry blossoms, plan a trip to European cities where it blooms no less spectacularly with pink flowers.
1. Sakuras in the city of Bonn, Germany
Pastel-pink cherry trees were first planted in the former capital of Germany, Bonn, in 1980 as part of an urban reconstruction project. Usually, sakuras bloom in the first two weeks of April (this year it may be earlier due to the early spring).
Where to see sakuras in Bonn:
- For a short time, these trees turn the cobblestone lanes of the Nordstadt neighborhood into brightly pink tunnels.
- You can also visit Breite Strasse and Heerstrasse, which is also called the Cherry Blossom Avenue because of its candy canopy. Both are located a few minutes’ walk from Bonn’s main train station, less than an hour by train from Cologne Bonn Airport.
- Other interesting places to see and photograph the trees are Dorothenstrasse, Michaelstrasse, and Maxstrasse.
2. Sakuras in Amsterdam
The Netherlands in spring is known to everyone for its millions of tulips. But you shouldn’t limit yourself to just these flowers. You can also enjoy the magnificent sakura blossom here.
Where to see sakuras in Amsterdam:
- From mid-March to early April, sakuras bloom in the suburb of Amstelveen, south of Amsterdam. The local park known as Kersenbloesempark (“Cherry Blossom Park”) contains 400 thriving trees, offering visitors pink views. The trees were donated to the municipality of Amstelveen by the Japanese Women’s Club in 2000, and now each has a Japanese or Dutch female name. It’s an untouched place where on weekdays you can picnic under the blooming trees and take beautiful photo shoots.
- You can also go to Jozef Israëlskade – a street lined with cherry trees planted along the canal, which also makes for wonderful photographs.
- Visit Museumplein and Westerpark to see a few more cherry trees.
3. Sakuras in Paris
Paris offers different charms every season, but spring is an especially beautiful time to visit this city.
Head to the capital of France at the end of March or early April. At this time, you are most likely to see and be thrilled by pink trees blooming everywhere.
Where to see sakuras in Paris:
- Jardin des Plantes in the 5th arrondissement of Paris is one of the best places to see Japanese cherry blossom. This botanical garden, planted in the 17th century, boasts some of the oldest cherry trees in the city. It’s loved by both locals and tourists—company is guaranteed.
- Sakuras also bloom in the Tuileries garden—a landmark and well-known park located by the Louvre Museum.
- Trocadéro Gardens, offering a great view of the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop for your photos.
- Petit Palais also has several beautiful pink trees outside and inside the garden courtyard.
4. Sakuras in Copenhagen
Of all European countries, Denmark probably takes cherry blossom season the most seriously. Every year, they hold a two-day sakura festival in Copenhagen.
Where to see sakuras in Copenhagen:
The festival is scheduled for April 20 and 21, 2024 in Langelinie park, where you can see about 200 powder-pink cherry trees in full bloom. The trees were a gift from Denmark’s Honorary Consul of Japan and are planted along the path to the Gefion Fountain. The Sakura Festival offers free entrance. Visitors can enjoy tea ceremonies, haiku and origami workshops, and tastings of sushi and mochi, as well as other favorite Japanese foods.
5. Sakura blossom in Stockholm
While in Scandinavia, you can visit Stockholm, where some of the most beautiful sakuras in Europe grow.
Where to see sakuras in Stockholm:
This year’s annual Japanese Cherry Blossom Day will take place on April 28. Its center will be the Royal Garden – Kungsträdgården. Sweden and Japan have a special relationship, as Japan gave the trees to King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1998. The nation embraced the culture of the Asian country, and this year’s Cherry Blossom Day will include martial arts demonstrations, workshops dedicated to Japanese culture, and lots of food to try.
6. Sakura in Berlin
If you like sakura, then Berlin is the ideal place to visit in the spring. Berlin is home to several varieties of these trees. You will be able to see them blooming from late March through early May.
Where to see sakuras in Berlin:
- Mauerpark is the best place to see cherry blossoms. Known for its Sunday flea market and karaoke, it was also where the Berlin Wall once divided the city. Find the blooming sakura at the north end of Schwedter Strasse and along Wolliner Strasse near the west side of the park. The nearest Ubahn is Eberswalder Str.
- A little north of Mauerpark, there’s a long narrow park along the train tracks where many cherry trees blossom. There are also a few at street level on November 9th Square. This border crossing was the first to open after the Wall fell on November 9, 1989. The nearest transport is Bornholmer Str Sbahn station.
- Another long section of blooming cherry trees is in Kirschbaumallee park, on the border between Berlin and the surrounding state of Brandenburg. When the Wall stood here, this was the border between West Berlin and East Germany. They are located a few minutes’ walk from Lichterfelde Süd Sbahn station.
- In the “Gardens of the World” park in Marzahn, there’s a whole Japanese garden with about 80 sakura trees. Every year the Cherry Blossom Festival is held here (the dates for this year’s celebration are still unknown).
Berlin in three days – what to see in the capital of Germany
7. Prague’s sakuras
Prague is well known as one of the most affordable places in all of Europe, but it is also one of the most beautiful, especially in spring.
Where to see sakuras in Prague:
- To see sakuras, head to Petrin Hill, which is planted not only with these trees but also with cherries that bloom a bit later. In fact, there are so many trees in the park that you can spot the pink color from the other side of the Czech capital’s river, the Vltava.
- If you go down closer to the Vltava, you’ll find yourself on Kampa Island, where blossoms are also among the first to appear against the river backdrop.
- Prague Castle is a must-visit on your trip to the city, and it has also become one of the most famous places to observe sakura bloom. The 9th-century historic structure is surrounded by gardens filled with sakura.
- Riegrovy Sady on Malá Strana – a huge beautiful park, where some of the first sakuras in Prague bloom (they have already started to blossom).
- If you have more time in the Czech Republic, we also recommend a trip to nearby Karlovy Vary. Famous for its thermal springs and pastel-toned buildings, it is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season. The trees make its beautiful streets even more stunning.
8. Sakuras in Edinburgh
While most flowers have already fallen by the end of April, covering nearby areas with pink petals, Edinburgh is quite different at this time. Due to lower temperatures than in most European countries, cherry trees bloom a bit later. So if you haven’t yet seen a single pink beauty by then, head to Scotland.
Even at the beginning of May, a visit to the Scottish capital is likely to reveal the city in rosy-pink hues – and it really transforms all of Edinburgh.
Where to see sakuras in Edinburgh:
- The first stop should be Meadows Park, a large public space with always beautiful paths lined with cherry trees and a view of the famous Arthur’s Seat.
- Next, head to Princes Street Gardens, located right in the city center. There you will see Edinburgh Castle framed by cherry branches, creating a truly breathtaking sight.
- Kyoto Friendship Garden is one of the finest Japanese gardens in the UK. Located on the grounds of Lauriston Castle, it was given as a gift by Kyoto to Edinburgh after the two cities became sister cities in 1994 to celebrate their ongoing relationship. Thanks to the Japanese influence, it has some of the best sakura in all of Scotland, and it is worth adding to your itinerary for your trip to Edinburgh.
9. Sakuras in London
London has many parks where you can enjoy the blooming cherry trees.
Where to see sakuras in London:
- Kew Gardens – one of the best places to see blooming cherry trees in London. The only downside to Kew Gardens is that the entrance ticket costs £15. But it is a place of complete relaxation as well as meditation.
- Kensington Gardens. The main landmarks are near Lancaster Gate and by the Albert Memorial. Many varieties of cherry trees grow here.
- St. James’s Park. In this park, the trees are a little scattered. I really enjoyed those I found by the pond.
- Regent’s Park. I literally fell in love with those in the south at the end of Avenue Gardens.
- Greenwich Park. In this wonderful park, there is a beautiful cherry blossom path that leads to the rose garden at the Ranger’s House (on the top of the hill, not far from the observatory). For me, it is the most romantic park for sakura lovers.
10. Sakuras in Hamburg
Hamburg is one of the best places for spring in Germany. Since 1968, the city has celebrated its friendship with Osaka, Japan, through the annual Cherry Blossom Festival known as Kirschblütenfest.
Where to see sakuras in Hamburg:
The festival is held at several locations in the city, such as Alsterpark, Kennedy Bridge and Alsterkrugchaussee etc.
- The highlight of the festival is a fireworks display that takes place every Friday evening of the festival weekend at 8:30 p.m. by the Aussenalster. The fireworks show is organized and financed by Nihonjinkai eV, an association of Japanese companies based in Hamburg. Visitors can also experience the festival from the water by renting a canoe or boat and enjoying the culinary Alsterrundfahrt.
- Kirschblütenkönigin or Cherry Blossom Queen is also a major event of the festival, and the winner represents Hamburg in Japan as a special ambassador. Hamburg is only one of two cities in the world, along with Washington, D.C., to have the privilege of selecting a cherry blossom queen by the influential Japanese Sakura Foundation.
Useful articles and links:
- Carnivals in Europe – unknown, but very bright and interesting
- Disneyland in Paris – how to prepare for a visit, what you should know in advance
- Uzhhorod – guide to the capital of Zakarpattia
- Rome introduces a fee for visiting the Trevi Fountain
Green card for traveling by car abroad – online at HotlineFinance
Hotel bookings and apartments – Booking.com
Bus routes and tickets – on InfoBus.ua
