In Japan, the blooming of Sakura, a type of cherry blossom tree, is celebrated as a symbol of spring, renewal and beauty. From March through early May, the flowers blossom briefly throughout Japan’s mainland islands during hanami, or flower watching, a cherished period. Sakura Hanami is now recognized worldwide with a variety of cherry blossom tree species found in gardens and displays. Festivals celebrate the end of winter and the radiance of Sakura.

In the U.S., the most renowned place to view cherry blossoms is in Washington D.C., on the Tidal Basin of the Potomac River, where blooms usually last until early April. But if you’re not near the capitol and want to have a spring getaway, check out these other gorgeous, less known places in the U.S. to enjoy Sakura Hanami. You’ll mostly see blooms from late March and early April, until late May.

Portland, Oregon

Both solemn and beautiful, the Japanese American Historical Plaza was dedicated in 1990 to Japanese-Americans interned during World War II. The park’s cherry blossoms bring color to the memorial plaza every spring, highlighting famous works by Japanese-American poets engraved on 12 granite stones in the park.

Brooklyn, New York

The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a beautifully curated gem, featuring traditional Japanese architecture, flora and landscaping. The garden is home to 26 flowering cherry species. Visit during Weekends in Bloom or Hanami Nights for live music.

Macon, Georgia

This southern city is graced by 350,000 cherry trees that color the city pink. Get the full experience by following The Cherry Blossom Trail, which begins at the visitors center in downtown Macon. If you want to be sure you’re in time to catch the blooms at their most magnificent, check out this live cam.

Nashville, Tennessee

Cherry blossoms have taken over Nashville. From 2008 to 2018, the city planted 100 cherry trees annually, a total of 1,000. The pink and white blossoms are seen at landmarks such as Public Square Park and the Tennessee State Capitol. For maximum flower power, visit during the 2023 Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival on April 15.

Dallas, Texas

Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to view 100 gorgeous cherry blossom trees and other lovingly tended plant species. Named one of “The Best Places to See Stunning Spring Blooms Across the South,” the destination hosts Dallas Blooms, the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest.

Boston, Massachusetts

Stroll along the Charles River Esplanade for views of the waterfront and cherry blossoms. Explore five miles of walking and biking trails underneath the trees. The green space is also home to the architecturally intriguing Edward A. Hatch Memorial Shell outdoor amphitheater. If you’re on the Esplanade shortly after enjoying Hanami this spring, give back by participating in the Charles City River Cleanup for Earth Day.

Saint Louis, Missouri

The Missouri Botanical Garden is home to 230 individual trees from the genus Prunus — which includes Sakura and flowering fruit trees producing nectarines, plums, cherries and more. The destination’s 14-acre Japanese garden also contains 20 trees which were first cuttings from the trees on the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C., gifted to the U.S. by Japan in 1912.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love also received a gift from Japan of a Sakura forest in Fairmount Park planted in 1926. From April 15-16, you can celebrate the trees at the Shofusu Cherry Blossom Festival, which honors Japanese culture through music, demonstrations and community events.

Newark, New Jersey

Head to Branch Brook Park, the nation’s first county park, to see 4,000 cherry trees in bloom —1,000 more than the famous display in Washington D.C. The park will host the 2023 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival from April 1 - 16, culminating in Bloomfest!, a celebration of Japanese culture.

San Francisco, California

Head to the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park to view cherry blossoms amid pagodas, bridges and a Japanese-style teahouse. From April 8-16 this year, celebrate the blooms at the annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown.

Huntington Beach, California

The Orange County Cherry Blossom Festival, held between April 14-16 beneath bright blossoms, features traditional Japanese arts such as taiko drumming and ikebana ceremonies. You can also enjoy modern cultural practices such as cosplay and video game tournaments. And of course, you can munch on plenty of Japanese food.

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