Discover nature's delicate splendour and fleeting beauty as we explore the enchanting allure of cherry blossoms across the globe. From Paris to Japan, prepare to be captivated by the timeless charm of these ephemeral wonders.
CHAMP DE MARS, PARIS, FRANCE (pictured above)
Mark two items off your bucket list at once by visiting the Eiffel Tower in Spring and bask in all things fleur de cersier. The iconic landmark is home to a stretch of scattered sakura trees ideal for taking part in Hanami; the centuries-old Japanese practice of picnicking under a blooming sakura. The blooms surrounding the Eiffel Tower are some of the first to flower in Paris, usually around the last two weeks of March, so it’s the perfect time and place to enjoy some springtime joie de vivre.
When to visit: Mid-March – April
Where to stay: La Reserve Paris
HIROSAKI PARK, HIROSAKI, JAPAN
Sakura (Cherry Trees) are synonymous with Japan and if the locals are claiming Aomori Prefecture’s Hirosaki Park to be one of the best scenic spots in the country, then it’s guaranteed to be something of remarkable beauty. Located in northern Japan, Hirosaki Park is home to the world’s most beautiful sakura trees that produce more flowering buds than any other species in the world. Whether it’s the Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry) or the most popular and pretty spectacular Somei Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry) tree, there are many vantage points around the gardens for you to view some of the 2,600 varieties. Hirosaki Park also boasts cherry blossom tunnels, petal filled moats that surround Hirosaki Castle, picnic areas and rowing boats, and if you’re staying after sunset, the grounds become illuminated until 10.00pm offering the opportunity to see nature’s wonders in a different light. Entry to the park costs around $3.50 for adults and $1.15 for children.
When to visit: Late March – early April
Where to stay: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel
KUNGSTRÄDGÅRDEN PARK, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Perhaps not the first location that comes to mind when you think of cherry blossoms but that’s what makes Kungsträdgården Park even more spectacular. The nation’s infamous körsbärsträd (cherry trees), planted in 1998 are located right in the heart of Stockholm in the grand park known as Kungsträdgården (the King’s Garden) – one of the city’s most popular parks. In full bloom, the roofing of pink and white flowers over the entire park and its parallel boulevards is nothing short of breathtaking.
When to visit: Mid – late April
Where to stay: Lydmar Hotel
JERTE VALLEY, EL TORNO SPAIN
Every year beginning in March, Spain’s Jerte Valley becomes blanketed in Shogetsu (white blossoms) from some of the two million sakura trees. Ironically so, it is Springtime that sees the hills take on a faux-winter wonderland look that acts as a welcome moment of stillness and contemplation away from the commotion of the city. Be sure to attend Fiesta del Cerezo en Flor, the annual cherry blossom celebration festival in April for a weeks’ worth of activities including live cooking workshops, musical performances, guided tours and craft markets.
When to visit: March – April
Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Casa del Poeta
BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDENS, BROOKLYN, U.S.
Approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees were gifted to the U.S. in 1912 from Japan and while most were planted in Manhattan’s Sakura Park and Washington DC’s Tidal Basin, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden received a great portion of nature’s lagniappes. Brooklyn’s Botanic Garden is a grand cynosure that is home to fortytwo varied species of sakura trees. Be sure to join the celebrations during the last weekend in April for Sakura Matsuri a popular cherry blossom festival with over sixty events in celebration of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.
When to visit: Late March – mid-May.
Where to stay: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
KERSENBLOESEMPARK (AMSTERDAMSE BOS), AMSTELVEEN, NETHERLANDS
Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is something quite special and so too is Kersenbloesempark where sakura trees make up the park surrounds. Not only is the sheer sight magnificent but so too is the origin of these special sakuras. Four hundred trees were gifted to the park by the Japan Women’s Club in the year 2000 with each being individually named; two hundred trees have female Dutch names, while the other two hundred were given female Japanese names. Each Sakura represents a year of cultural ties between the two countries. Take a stroll with these florescent ladies in early April when the park hosts its annual Hanami Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival).
When to visit: Late March – April
Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
YOUNG, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
What could be more opulent than strolling under cherry blossoms amongst some of Australia’s most charming countryside? How about incorporating sumptuous local food and award-winning cool-climate wines at a long and lazy lunch for good measure? Spring in Young sees the annual Cherry Blossom Long Lunch come to life. Boasting long tables to gather friends, and an even longer list of exquisite food and wines, all the while nestled amidst the rustic charm of one of the country’s most picturesque orchards. Take your time and experience Young, a town in the South West Slopes region of Australia. Enjoy tasting juicy cherries at local orchards, visit wineries and vineyards, and explore its colonial gold rush heritage.
When to visit: Sunday, 24 September 2017
Where to stay: Clifton House and Gardens
This article was originally published under the title Beneath Cherry Blossoms in Issue 1 – Inspiring You. You can purchase this issue and enjoy more enchanting content here.
