Many travelers have Japan and Washington DC on their bucket lists for cherry blossom viewing, but there are numerous places across Europe with equally impressive blooms to enjoy in the spring. One such destination is Amsterdam, where Kersenbloesempark, or Cherry Blossom Park, in Amstelveen showcases 400 trees donated by the Japanese Women’s Club. These trees, each with a Japanese or Dutch female name, provide a stunning view between mid-March and early April, with picnicking allowed only on weekdays to reduce overcrowding.
In Paris, spring is a particularly enchanting time to visit, with cherry blossoms adding pops of pink to various locations across the city. The Jardin des Plantes and the Tuileries Garden are popular spots to admire the blooms, while the Eiffel Tower framed by cherry blossoms in the Trocadero Gardens offers a truly iconic photo opportunity. The city is even more picturesque in the spring, with the cherry trees enhancing its already stunning vistas.
Copenhagen in Denmark takes cherry blossom season seriously, hosting an annual Sakura festival in Langelinie Park that features around 200 pink cherry blossom trees donated by the Japanese Honorary Consul of Denmark. Visitors can enjoy free entry to the festival, which includes traditional Japanese cultural activities like tea ceremonies and origami workshops, as well as delicious food offerings. The pink blooms are a key part of Copenhagen in the spring and can even be seen from boat tours.
Stockholm in Sweden celebrates Cherry Blossom Day every year in Kungsträdgården, where cherry trees gifted by Japan to King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1998 cover the 15th-century park. The day’s festivities include martial art displays, workshops on Japanese culture, and a variety of Japanese food options. The strong relationship between Sweden and Japan is reflected in the beautiful cherry blossoms that grace the city in the spring, creating a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy.
Berlin’s cherry blossom trees, gifted by Japan after the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolize rebirth and new beginnings in the city. Various areas in Berlin, such as Mauerpark and the Gardens of the World park in Marzahn, offer opportunities to walk or cycle under the blossoming trees. The cherry blossoms enhance the city’s vibrant atmosphere in the spring and provide a serene setting for visitors to enjoy while learning about Berlin’s history.
Prague, known for its affordable charm and fairytale-like ambiance, is particularly beautiful in the spring when cherry blossoms adorn Petřín Hill and other locations throughout the city. The park’s abundant cherry trees offer picturesque views alongside impressive architecture, creating a dreamy atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Nearby Kampa Island and Prague Castle also boast stunning cherry blossoms, adding to the city’s already captivating allure in the spring.
