More than just a pretty view, the cherry blossom is a fragile flower that only blooms during Springtime and holds historical significance in Japanese culture about the precariousness and beauty of life.

During the World War II, these blooms were also used to encourage the Japanese, with aims of promoting nationalism and to uplift the spirit of militarism across the nation.

Today, the cherry blossom enjoys immense popularity by everyone in the world. Captivated by the beauty of the cherry blossoms, thousands fly to Japan every Spring to enjoy these ephemeral flowers.

However, the cherry blossoms are not just unique to Japan. Here are 8 places around the world where you can unexpectedly find cherry blossoms that you can visit, to chase that cherry blossom dream.

Photo Credit: Why So Japan

#1 KING’S TREE GARDEN / SWEDEN

Situated in central Sweden, the King’s Tree Garden or Kungsan is home to Sweden’s largest display of the cherry blossoms. During springtime, the cherry trees transform into a beautiful umbrella of pink cherry blossoms that line the perimeter of the fountain in the park.

As the flowering will only last for approximately a week, seize the opportunity to see these stunning cherry blossoms and bask in the beauty of the flowers while they last.

King’s Tree Garden
Jussi Björlings allé 5, 103 91 Stockholm, Sweden
When to visit: Mid to late April

#2 HIGHFIELDS PARK / NOTTINGHAM

For those who are studying around the East Midlands of the UK and are dying for the chance to experience the cherry blossoms during springtime, you would be surprised to discover that the University of Nottingham offers amazing sights of the cherry trees that are not to be missed.

These cherry trees are planted along the Highfields Park in front of the University of Nottingham and the flowers bloom every Spring.

During springtime, you would be sure to find groups of students and locals lounging on the green lawns and having picnics at the park, enjoying the gorgeous views of the cherry blossoms.

Highfields Park
University Blvd, Lenton NG7 2RD
When to visit: April or in Springtime

Photo Credit: Farfelue

#3 CHAMPS DE MARS-PARIS / FRANCE

The Champs de Mars in Paris, France, is a large public greenspace in close proximity to the Eiffel Tower.

In Spring, the Champ de Mars boasts brilliant views of cherry trees blossoming against a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, which is perfect for those who have a keen interest in photography, nature as well as historical monuments.

A trip down to one of the most beautiful cities in the world to enjoy these sights during spring time is definitely not to be missed. 

Champ de Mars
2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris, France
When to visit: Springtime

Photo Credit: DNA Info

#4 BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN / NEW YORK

Although the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York is home to a number of speciality flowers and plants, the Garden hosts the Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival every year in late April where visitors can look forward to seeing the cherry trees in full bloom.

During the Sakura Matsuri, visitors would be enthralled by over 60 events and performances focused on both reflecting and celebrating traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA
When to visit: 29 – 30 April 2017

Photo Credit: Cits

#5 GUCUN PARK / SHANGHAI

Considered as one of Shanghai’s most gorgeous parks, the cherry trees in Gucun Park can be found in these four primary areas for viewing, namely, Suburban Forest Garden, Children’s Forest Carnival, Forest Leisure Sports Garden and the Forest Roaming Garden.

These blooms can also be found in various other areas in the park, and amount up to more than 10,000 cherry trees in total.

During their bloom, visitors are guaranteed to be entranced by the spectacular view of the flowers and the park will practically be a photography bonanza!

Gucun Park
4788 Hutai Rd, Baoshan Qu, Shanghai Shi, China 201906
When to visit: Through April

Photo Credit: Connect LA

#6 CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL / VANCOUVER

Held this year from 30 March to 23 April 2017, the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival seeks to sustain and renew Vancouver’s cherry tree heritage whilst encouraging people to celebrate and most importantly appreciate, the cultural significance behind the precious bloom.

This year, the festival has plenty of activities planned for visitors, ranging from the Sakura night on 2 April 2017 at 6.30pm at the Stanley Park Pavilion, and hands-on pre-festival workshops such as the Spring Lights Lantern Workshops held on a couple of dates in February.

Do not forget to also scrawl the Big Picnic into your calendar! The picnic will be held at 12pm to 3pm on 01 April 2017 at the Queen Elizabeth Park where participants would be picnicking and celebrating the blooms under the park’s iconic cherry blossom canopy.

Queen Elizabeth Park
4333 Rue Sherbrooke O, Westmount, QC H3G 1E2

Stanley Park Pavilion
610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4

Photo Credit: Flickr

#7 BOTANICAL GARDEN OF CURITIBA-CURITIBA / BRAZIL

It would be safe to say that not many would think of Brazil, as a place that would be home to the cherry blossom. However, you would find these blooms in the Botanical Garden of Curitiba-Curitiba which is located in the Jardim Botânico district in the capital of southern Brazil, Parana.

About 30 cherry trees are planted every year in July, in a path that would lead from the parking to the portal entrance of the park.

As the city is home to many Japanese immigrants since the first half of the century, cherry blossoms are not rare in Brazil and can be presently found in various parts of the city’s streets and squares. 

Botanical Garden of Curitiba-Curitiba
R. Engo. Ostoja Roguski – Jardim Botânico, Curitiba – PR, 80210-390, Brazil
When to visit: Through July

Photo Credit: Holidays SG

#8 ALISHAN FOREST RECREATION AREA / TAIWAN

For those who love travel in East Asia, do consider dropping by the Alishan Forest Recreation Area which is considered one of the most scenic spots in Taiwan.

Alishan Forest boasts a collection of more than 10 types of cherry trees, including the Fuji cherry tree and Yoshino cherry tree to name a few. The forest is particularly famous for its large population of 1,900 Yoshino cherry trees, which is the largest area where these cherry trees bloom in Taiwan.

Also, the forest runs the Cherry Blossom Festival sometime in March and April when the flowers are in full bloom.

Alishan Forest Recreation Area
No. 17 Shunling village, Chiayi Country, Alishan Township, Taiwan
When: Early Spring, sometime in March

About the writer:
A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets—to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.

Sakura is a beautiful variety of cherry blossoms that bloom in Spring. They are infinitely gorgeous in shades of pinks and whites, and Japan sees an influx of tourists every Spring; people from all over the world fly to Japan for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

And in the recent few years, the Japanese have been using sakura as an enhancing ingredient. You’d be surprised how sakura can be consumed in so many ways!

Generally, sakura is used as a flavour, as a light pink food colouring or as a garnish in modern cuisine. Here are 8 Sakura Foods You Must Try During The Cherry Blossom Season.

Photo Credit:

#1 THE SAKURA MOCHI

A light pink-coloured rice cake, the sakura mochi envelops a pickled cherry blossom. The sakura mochi is a popular sweet that is predominantly eaten during Springtime and at flower viewing parties. The leaf is also usually pickled in salt to lengthen the dessert’s shelf-life.

Here in Singapore, you can purchase the sakura mochi at Dezato Dezato at J Cube!

Dezato Dezato 
J Avenue, #02-95, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731
Tel: +65 6566 7128
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: Hub Japan

#2 SAKURA DAIFUKU

Somewhat similar to the sakura mochi, the sakura daifuku is a small dessert that is made up of Japanese glutinous rice cake that has been infused with sakura, and is stuffed with a sweet filling (usually red or white bean paste).

Photo Credit: YouTube

#3 SAKURA WAGASHI

Wagashi is a generic term for traditional Japanese desserts, and the sakura wagashi spots a beautiful appearance. Japanese often send them to family or friends as a seasonal greeting or gift.

In Japan, you can also find sakura wagashi served at restaurants, temples, and teahouses during Spring. For those of us in Singapore, you can find sakura wagashi at the Minamoto Kitchoan at Takashimaya.

Minamoto Kitchoan
391-A Orchard Road, Takashimaya Department Store, #B206-1, Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 6735 1315
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Ito En

#4 SAKURA TEA

When we talk about sakura tea, this refers a combination of dried sakura leaves and sencha leaves. Just imagine unwinding to a hot cup of sakura tea after a long day of work—this will definitely sooth your senses and revitalise your weary soul.

Photo Credit: Le Manger

#5 SAKURAYU

The direct translation of Sakurayu is “cherry blossom tea”. As compared to the regular sakura tea, Sakurayu is a Japanese infusion that is made of seeping, pickled cherry blossoms soaked in water.

Preparation of the pickled cherry blossoms involves picking cherry blossom petals that are thereafter pickled in plum vinegar and salt before being dried. Also, did you know that the Sakurayu is usually served at weddings as it symbolises the ‘beginning’?

Photo Credit: Noon Post

#6 SAKURA ANPAN

Relying on the same concept of anpan (Japanese soft bun with sweet fillings), the sakura anpan is bread that is filled with a sweet bean paste combined with cherry blossoms.

If you cannot get your hands on a sakura anpan, why not try to make your own version of the Sakura Anpan at home? Give this recipe by Washoku a shot, and let us know how your baking goes!

Photo Credit: Proudly Petite

#7 SAKURA MACARONS

Macarons have always been the rage in Singapore, and this small and delicate dessert complements the fragile Sakura flower perfectly. Used as a flavouring for the macaron shell, the sakura flower is also used as a topping for the macaron, which makes it such a gorgeous sight to behold.

For those who are feeling slightly adventurous, consider baking your own Sakura macarons with this recipe from Bento Monsters!

If you are not feeling too confident of your baking skills, fret not, because TWG Tea and the Bonheur Patisserie have sakura macarons up for grabs during the cherry blossom season.

TWG Tea
ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #02-21, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6735 1837
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Orchard

Bonheur Patisserie
#B1-72, 252 North Bridge Rd, Raffles City Robinsons, Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6336 3104
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Japanese Cooking 101

#8 HANAMI DANGO

A popular sweet during the cherry blossom season is the Hanami Dango—a sweet Japanese Mochi dessert which has three chewy Dango balls skewered on a stick.

They are mildly sweet, but very very pretty.