It's that beautiful time of year again, when cherry blossoms begin to bloom in their all-too-short season. Some cities, like D.C. and Tokyo, are known for their incredible blooms, while others like Vancouver and Stockholm surprise with their impressive collections. And though these cities vary incredibly, what they all have in common is the cherry blossom, which chooses to show its face for a maximum of two weeks a year.
Predicting blooms is a science all to itself: The date when cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year and can only be predicted about 10 days before the peak time. Weather further complicates predictions, making planning trips to see the blossoms more like a waiting game. If you miss the precise peak bloom date, don't worry. For at least two days before and at least two days after, the trees will look fully developed to the untrained eye. To help easy the process, we've gathered information on the top expected (and unexpected) places to find cherry blossoms this year, and when you can expect to see the national flower of Japan appear in full force.
Tokyo
Blossoms will begin to bloom this weekend in Tokyo, but for the best hanami (cherry blossom viewing), wait until March 28. Ueno Park is a fan favorite to see the floral trees, with 800 spread throughout the park. If it's too crowded, head to Koganei Park for a quieter cherry blossom experience. To follow the bloom across Japan, check the National Tourism Organization's website.
Washington D.C.
One of the hotspots for North American cherry blossoms, D.C. will see a peak bloom March 23 extending through March 28. But, the National Park Service has been continually updating that prediction, after cooler temperatures delayed the initial dates. Keep up with the latest dates on D.C.'s cherry bloom watch site. Plan to visit the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park for the best view.
Macon, Georgia
D.C. has the better-known blooms and Japan has the history, but neither can claim the title of cherry blossom capital of the world. Macon, Georgia takes that prize, with more than 300,000 cherry blossom trees of different varieties in bloom each year. Home to the International Cherry Blossom Festival, the southern city outside of Atlanta will see blooms during its fest, which runs March 17 through April 3.
Brooklyn, New York
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden has one of the most specific cherry blossom watches around. Visitors can check the status of each of the 116 flowering cherry trees in the Cherry Esplanade to plan their trip to see the maximum amount of blossoms in peak bloom. Make sure to look for the double-flowered Prunus ‘Kazan’ trees, one of the most beautiful types of cherry trees.
Stockholm
Thanks to its cooler climate, the Swedish capital has a late bloom season, usually early to mid April. This year, the city's Kungsträdgården (King's Tree Garden) will celebrate Cherry Blossom Day on April 16. The park is home to 63 Japanese cherry trees that were planted in 1998.
Vancouver
While Vancouver's Cherry Blossom Festival lasts from March 24 through April 17, some of the city's cherry trees are already blossoming. Take a drive through the neighborhoods in bloom, using the information on their site to see the hundreds of trees sprinkled throughout the city. Head out as soon as you can, as some areas have already cycled through their bloom.