“Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.” – Gérard de Nerval
In 1912, the city of Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the people of Washington, D.C., as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States. They were planted around the Tidal Basin and have since become the heart of a beloved tradition: the National Cherry Blossom Festival, held each year. A true, living testament of beauty transcending borders!
There’s something quietly magical about the flower season—the way a place can transform almost overnight, bursting into colour, beauty, and joy. For travelers who find peace in nature or want to experience beauty in full bloom, the arrival of spring is an invitation to go somewhere special this year.
This April, cherry blossoms and tulips are painting entire cities in shades of pink, white, red, and gold. From the gentle blossoms of DC to the vibrant, golden-red tulips of the Netherlands, the flower season is global—and simply breathtaking.
Here are some of the best destinations to experience the floral displays of spring 2025.
Japan: The Timeless Allure of Sakura
Cherry blossom (Sakura) season is one of Japan’s most breathtaking displays. From late March into early April, cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are awash in soft pinks and whites. Locals and visitors alike gather in parks for hanami (flower viewing picnics), soaking in the fleeting beauty of the blossoms.
Top viewing spots:
- Ueno Park, Tokyo – Over 1,000 cherry trees with a lively atmosphere.
- Maruyama Park, Kyoto – Magical at night with lit-up trees and street food stalls.
- Mount Yoshino, Nara – A hillside layered in over 30,000 flowering cherry trees.
Pro tip: Always check the sakura forecast, as blooms vary by region and can last only about a week.
The Netherlands: A Sea of Tulips
When it comes to tulips, no place does it quite like the Netherlands. Every spring—from mid-March to early May—the Dutch countryside transforms into a dazzling display of colour. Think endless fields of red, yellow, purple, and pink, neatly lined up like brushstrokes on a giant canvas. A magnificent feast for the eyes.
At the heart of this bloom is the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, the largest flower garden in the world, and often referred to fondly as the Garden of Europe. Open for just 8 weeks every year, Keukenhof is home to more than 7 million tulip bulbs, each planted by hand.
What to do at Keukenhof:
- Wander through the meticulously designed gardens, featuring over 800 tulip varieties.
- Visit the historic windmill inside the park for panoramic views of the flower fields.
- Take a whisper boat tour; a 45-minute boat trip through the surrounding bulb fields for a peaceful and relaxing experience, enhanced by an audio clip about the flower bulb region.
USA: Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.
Every spring, Washington, D.C. bursts into bloom during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, running this year from March 20 to April 13, 2025.
Peak bloom, when 70% of the blossoms are open, was experienced between March 28 and 31 this year. The most iconic views are usually at the Tidal Basin, but you can also enjoy quieter moments among the trees at the National Arboretum or Dumbarton Oaks.
Spring is a season that rewards curiosity. And if you’re ready to travel, to chase the blooms to where the petals may lead—Kendirita Tours is here to help you plan the perfect trip to every beauty-filled destination. Call us anytime.
Writer: Winnie Wekesa