Hello Lykkers, are you interested to see cherry blossom but can't travel to Japan for such a view? Don't worry!

While Europe is famously known for its springtime tulips and cultural landmarks, another beautiful phenomenon takes over the continent each year – the delicate, fleeting cherry blossoms.

From Amsterdam to Edinburgh, various cities offer stunning cherry blossom displays that rival those in Japan.

Cherry Blossoms in Amsterdam: Kersenbloesempark

The Netherlands is renowned for its vibrant tulip fields in spring, but the beauty of cherry blossoms is also something not to be missed. A hidden gem located just south of Amsterdam, Kersenbloesempark (Cherry Blossom Park) in the suburb of Amstelveen transforms into a breathtaking spectacle every spring.

Between mid-March and early April, over 400 cherry trees bloom, creating a stunning display of pink flowers. These trees, gifted to the city in 2000 by the Japanese Women's Club, are named after both Dutch and Japanese women. The park is a serene place to enjoy the blossoms, with picnics allowed on weekdays to prevent overcrowding. Visitors can explore the park free of charge, and the best time to see the blossoms is early in the season.

The Gardens of Paris: Jardin des Plantes

Paris is beautiful in every season, but the city’s springtime cherry blossoms are especially enchanting. Among the best spots to experience this are the Jardin des Plantes in the 5th arrondissement, a botanical garden that dates back to the 17th century. This expansive garden is home to some of the oldest cherry trees in Paris.

For another picturesque view, head to the Trocadéro Gardens, where the Eiffel Tower frames the cherry blossoms in the background. The trees are in full bloom in late March or early April, providing the perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of Paris in spring. Admission to the Jardin des Plantes is free, but a small fee may apply to enter certain sections of the garden.

Copenhagen's Sakura Festival

Copenhagen takes cherry blossoms very seriously, with a dedicated Sakura Festival held annually in April. The event, which takes place at Langelinie Park, features around 200 cherry trees that line the pathway leading to the Gefion Fountain. These trees were a gift from the Japanese honorary consul in Denmark.

During the two-day festival, visitors can experience traditional tea ceremonies, workshops on Japanese arts like haiku and origami, and enjoy sakura-themed treats. Entry to the festival is free, and attendees can also take a canal boat tour to enjoy the cherry blossoms from a different perspective. The Sakura Festival typically occurs in mid to late April.

Stockholm: Cherry Blossom Day

Stockholm is home to some of Europe’s most impressive cherry blossoms, with the annual Cherry Blossom Day held in Kungsträdgården, the city's historic King’s Garden. The event celebrates the deep connection between Sweden and Japan, with cherry trees gifted to the city in 1998.

Every spring, the park is covered in delicate pink blossoms, and visitors can enjoy various cultural events such as martial arts performances, Japanese food stalls, and arts workshops. The Cherry Blossom Day usually falls on April 28th, but the trees begin to bloom a week or two before the event, making it a perfect time to visit. Entry to the event is free.

Berlin’s Cherry Blossoms: A Symbol of Renewal

Berlin’s cherry blossoms are symbolic of the city’s renewal, especially considering their planting near the former Berlin Wall site. These trees, a gift from Japan, have been blooming annually for over three decades. The best place to view the blossoms is in Mauerpark, a popular park in the Prenzlauer Berg district.

The area is renowned for its karaoke shows and flea markets, but in spring, it transforms into a cherry blossom haven, offering scenic walks along trails lined with sakura trees. The flowers are usually in bloom from late March to early May, depending on the area. Another great spot to enjoy the cherry blossoms is the World Gardens in Marzahn, where a Japanese garden features over 80 cherry trees.

Prague: A Fairy Tale Spring

Prague, known for being one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, becomes even more magical during cherry blossom season. The Petřín Hill transforms into a vibrant park with trees that are visible from across the Vltava River. For the best experience, visit in the early morning when the light is soft and the crowds are sparse.

The Kampa Island, located along the river, is another picturesque location to see cherry blossoms, with the Prague Castle providing a stunning backdrop. If time allows, a visit to Karlovy Vary, a charming spa town, is highly recommended during the cherry blossom season, as the flowers add even more charm to its pastel-colored buildings.

Edinburgh’s Late Blooming Cherry Trees

In Edinburgh, cherry blossoms bloom a bit later than in most European cities due to the cooler temperatures. The first signs of spring can be seen in early May, with some of the best cherry blossom spots being Meadows Park, where the trees line the walking paths, and Princes Street Gardens, where the Edinburgh Castle is framed by the delicate pink blooms.

For a more tranquil experience, visit the Kyoto Friendship Garden in Lauriston Castle Park, a Japanese-style garden created as a symbol of the friendship between Edinburgh and Kyoto. The garden features some of the best cherry trees in Scotland and is an ideal place to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

Ticket and Opening Information

Kersenbloesempark, Amsterdam: Open to the public during the cherry blossom season, free entry.

Jardin des Plantes, Paris: Free entry, some sections may require a small fee.

Sakura Festival, Copenhagen: Free entry to the festival, open April 20-21.

Kungsträdgården, Stockholm: Free entry to the Cherry Blossom Day event, with blossoms starting in late April.

Mauerpark, Berlin: Free entry to the park, best visited from late March to early May.

Petřín Hill, Prague: Free entry, open year-round with the best cherry blossoms seen in April.

Kyoto Friendship Garden, Edinburgh: Free entry, located in Lauriston Castle Park. Best time to visit is in late April to early May.

Springtime offers the perfect opportunity to witness some of Europe's most stunning cherry blossom displays. These destinations are an ideal choice for those seeking beauty and tranquility without the need to travel long distances.