Avoid the packed parks and see amazing cherry trees in bloom elsewhere

Washington with cherry blossoms — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Every spring, Japan becomes a cherry blossom dreamscape. But you know what else it becomes? Packed. Overcrowded. An Instagram battleground where getting a clean shot of a blossom without someone else’s phone in the frame is a miracle. If you love cherry blossoms but want to skip the madness, you’re in luck. There are stunning alternatives worldwide where you can bask in the beauty of sakura without the tourist swarm.

South Korea: Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

If you’re set on an Asian cherry blossom experience but want to sidestep Japan’s crowds, South Korea’s Jinhae is a game-changer. The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, held in early April, transforms this coastal city into a pink wonderland.

The highlight? Yeojwacheon Stream. This fairytale-like canal is lined with cherry trees that form a tunnel of petals, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the country. Gyeonghwa Station is another must-visit, where cherry blossoms arch dramatically over railway tracks, creating a scene straight out of a movie.

Beyond these hotspots, head to Jangboksan Sculpture Park, a lesser-known yet equally stunning location where you can enjoy cherry blossoms without the thick crowds. The hillsides are carpeted in pink, and the tranquil setting makes for a more immersive experience.

Pro tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid local crowds and get that picture-perfect view with the morning light hitting the blossoms just right.

Taiwan: Alishan National Scenic Area

Train travelling under Cherry Blossoms — AaronChenPS2 / Shutterstock

Japan might get all the sakura love, but Taiwan’s cherry blossom season is seriously underrated. Alishan, a mountainous region known for its tea plantations and jaw-dropping sunrises, also happens to have incredible cherry blossoms.

The high-altitude setting means blooms last longer here, often from late February to early April. You’ll find clusters of cherry trees along the Alishan Forest Railway, adding a magical touch to train rides through the misty mountains. Unlike Tokyo or Kyoto, where you’ll be dodging selfie sticks, Alishan offers a more tranquil experience, surrounded by nature.

For a more secluded experience, check out Wuling Farm. Located in Taichung, this scenic farm is home to vast cherry orchards set against Taiwan’s mountainous backdrop, offering an idyllic retreat from city life.

Sweden: Kungsträdgården, Stockholm

Think cherry blossoms are exclusive to Asia? Think again. Stockholm’s Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden) bursts into bloom every April, turning this elegant European city into an unexpected sakura hotspot.

Unlike the controlled chaos of Japan’s hanami parties, Stockholm’s cherry blossom scene is relaxed. Grab a coffee from Cafe Söderberg (within the park), take a slow stroll under the pink canopy, and soak up the Nordic charm. The contrast of soft pink flowers against Stockholm’s cool, clean architecture makes for an unforgettable sight.

For a quieter alternative, visit Luma Park in Hammarby Sjöstad, an underrated urban green space where cherry blossoms bloom with fewer onlookers.

The blossoms peak slightly later than in Asia, making this a great option if you missed the earlier blooms elsewhere.

Spain: Valle del Jerte

Cherry tree blossom in Spain — agsaz / Shutterstock

For an off-the-radar European sakura experience, head to Spain’s Valle del Jerte. Nestled in the Extremadura region, this valley erupts into bloom with over two million cherry trees each spring.

Unlike Japan’s more compact hanami spots, Valle del Jerte offers a vast, rolling landscape covered in pink and white blossoms. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival here is a more relaxed, nature-focused alternative to Japan’s city-based celebrations. Expect hiking trails through blossom-laden orchards, local food markets, and even cherry-infused delicacies.

The region also offers guided cherry blossom hikes, where you can explore lesser-known trails and viewpoints for a more immersive, nature-filled experience.

Washington D.C., USA: Tidal Basin

Japan gifted thousands of cherry trees to Washington D.C. in 1912, and today, the U.S. capital rivals some of Japan’s best sakura spots. The Tidal Basin is the centerpiece of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, where the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial stand proudly against a backdrop of pastel petals.

Yes, D.C. can get crowded, but here’s the trick: visit at sunrise. Not only will you get the best lighting for photos, but you’ll also beat the masses that flood the area by mid-morning. Plus, there’s something poetic about watching the first light of day filter through the blossoms.

For an alternative, head to the National Arboretum, where cherry blossoms bloom in a more serene setting, away from the festival frenzy.

New Zealand: Hagley Park, Christchurch

If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere and still want a taste of cherry blossoms, Christchurch in New Zealand has you covered. Hagley Park is the city’s sakura sanctuary, with rows of cherry trees putting on a stunning show every September.

Since New Zealand’s spring arrives when the Northern Hemisphere is transitioning to autumn, this is a perfect option if you missed cherry blossom season elsewhere. Plus, Christchurch’s relaxed vibe means you won’t be fighting for a viewing spot.

For a truly unique experience, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where cherry blossoms mix with New Zealand’s diverse plant life, creating a one-of-a-kind floral spectacle.

Bonus: Sakura Beyond the Usual

Beyond these major locations, there are plenty of other places where cherry blossoms thrive, without the tourist mobs. Canada’s Vancouver, Georgia’s Macon (which has more cherry trees than Washington D.C.), and Germany’s Bonn are just a few more destinations worth considering.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, check out Brazil’s São Paulo, where cherry blossoms bloom in July, offering a rare mid-year hanami experience. Or head to Istanbul, Turkey, where Emirgan Park provides a striking fusion of Ottoman history and cherry blossom beauty.

So, if the idea of jostling through Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Kyoto’s Maruyama Park doesn’t appeal to you, there’s no shortage of alternatives. Cherry blossoms are spectacular no matter where you find them—so why not find them somewhere unexpected?