Seeing cherry blossoms is a magical experience, and if you’re seeking to make it a regularly occurring event, there are plenty of places to find breathtaking views. Every year, hundreds of cities throughout the United States take part in “Cherry Blossom Festivals”, offering a wide variety of activities to their residents and welcoming cherry blossom admirers from all across the country. Whether you’re a traveler or a local, these events offer something for everyone.
The most popular destination for cherry blossom festivals are in the states of California, Washington, and New York. But you don’t have to travel all the way to California to admire beautiful cherry blossoms. Many cities throughout the US host their own cherry blossom festivals, such as Washington D.C. and Portland.
Most cities have different varieties of cherry blossom trees that bloom at different times of the year – usually starting in March and ending in April. This makes it easy to plan your visit based on your desired species, as the bloom date can vary quite wildly depending on the variety. For example, Yoshino cherry blossom trees bloom in late March, while the Sargent cherry blossoms bloom in early April.
If you’re a traveler, a great option is to join a cherry blossom tour in your desired city or country. These tours are intended to give you the complete cherry blossom experience, often taking you to some of the best spots for viewing. Tours usually occur during the peak bloom period, and typically focus on walking and biking paths in parks around the city.
For those on a budget, you can often find free tours that are designed to help you learn more about the history and significance of the cherry blossom tree. Free walking tours are typically staffed by volunteer guides, and include fun activities like games and quizzes that can educate and engage anyone interested in learning more about cherry blossoms.
You can also visit some of the beautiful public gardens that often organize special events and activities centered around cherry blossom viewing. Many of these gardens have stunning displays of cherry blossoms during the peak blooming season. Depending on the garden, some of the activities may include art classes, music, or traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
No matter where you decide to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms, you’re sure to be enchanted. From the United States to Japan, cherry blossom viewing has become a global delight that’s shared by all who can appreciate its aesthetics. As the season approaches, make sure to plan at least one trip to see the cherry blossoms and experience the beauty that comes with this incredible phenomenon.
Viewing Cherry Blossoms by State
If you’re looking to plan an unforgettable cherry blossom viewing experience, consider looking up your state’s cherry blossom festival schedule. Most states have multiple festivals and activities related to cherry blossoms that take place in different cities throughout the year. Depending on the state, you may be able to find a listing of all the events related to cherry blossom viewing.
Each state has its own list of cherry blossom festivals to check out, making it easy to find the perfect location for your cherry blossom viewing experience. For example, in California, you can explore Santa Barbara’s giant Cherry Blossom Festival or San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival. In Washington D.C., you’ll find the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and in New York, you can attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Brooklyn.
By attending these local festivals, you’ll be able to experience a variety of activities, from eating delicious Japanese food to playing interactive games. Be sure to check out your state’s cherry blossom festival provided and plan a special trip to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Choosing a Favorite Cherry Blossom Varietal
Cherry blossoms come in a variety of colors and levels of intensity, making it easy to choose the perfect varietal for your perfect viewing experience. There are usually three main categories of cherry blossom trees: the pink and white varietals, the bright red varietals, and the dark pink varietals. Depending on your preference, you can pick one of these varieties to create the perfect cherry blossom experience.
For a vibrant yet subtle experience, consider the pink and white varietals, such as the Yoshino or Kwanzan cherry trees. These trees are known for their soft, pale pink and white petals that only add a gentle splash of color to any landscape. For a brighter and more eye-catching experience, opt for one of the bright red varietals, such as the Sargent cherry blossom tree. Lastly, for a deeper and more romantic experience, choose the dark pink varietal, such as the Higan cherry tree.
It’s important to remember that each variety has its own bloom date, so be sure to make sure you plan ahead to make sure you get to experience your favorite cherry blossom variety. With a little bit of planning and research, you’re sure to find the perfect varietal for you.
Planting Your Own Cherry Blossom Trees at Home
For a more permanent experience, consider planting your own cherry blossom trees right in your backyard. Planting your own cherry blossom trees can be a great way to enjoy the beauty of these flowers year-round. You can pick any variety of cherry blossom tree that you want, and you’ll have the joy of watching it transition from buds to full bloom each season.
Get your local nursery to help you select the best variety for your location, and prepare your soil for planting. It’s important to remember to give your tree enough sunshine and water, as cherry blossom trees require plenty of sunlight and regular watering. After a few years, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the sight of your own cherry blossom trees in full bloom each year.
If you don’t have a backyard or if you’re looking for a quicker option, consider planting a miniature cherry blossom tree. Smaller trees are perfect for indoor or apartment living, and they’re easy to care for. Be sure to check a local nursery for the best variety for your living space.
Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan
When planning a cherry blossom viewing trip, don’t forget to consider Japan as a destination. With over 200 varieties of cherry blossom trees, Japan truly is a cherry blossom paradise. To make the most out of your trip, try to plan ahead to coincide with Japan’s famous Hanami festival – the traditional cherry blossom viewing celebration – which generally takes place in mid-April.
If you’re planning to visit more than one region of Japan, be sure to check their local bloom dates. For example, regions located in the northern part tend to bloom earlier than those located in the south. Tokyo and Kyoto’s popularity make them the two most popular cities to view cherry blossoms, and they also boast some of the most beautiful sights of these tiny pink flowers.
Koyasan is another popular destination for Kyoto. The area is known for its thousand-year-old Buddhist temple, and its picturesque cherry blossom lined streets provide an unforgettable setting for any traveler. Further south, Okinawa is home to a wide variety of cherry blossom trees, and it offers even more unique sights for visitors to experience.
No matter where you choose to view cherry blossoms, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for an amazing way to reconnect with Mother Nature and the world around you, they are the perfect way to go. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells that come with cherry blossom viewing and create memories that you and your loved ones will cherish for years to come.
