By Fathima Rukaiya,
Spring 2026 is shaping up to be a spectacular season for flower lovers. From Japan’s beautiful cherry blossoms to Europe’s vast tulip fields, spring brings color, fragrance, and festivals across the world.
Below is a carefully customized guide to the best spring bloom destinations for 2026.
1) Keukenhof & the Dutch Tulip Fields – Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best time to visit is in April, when tulips are at their finest both inside the gardens and in the surrounding countryside. Keukenhof Gardens are open from mid-March to early May 2026.
Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe,” features millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths arranged in beautiful arrangements. Outside the park, the countryside is covered in endless striped tulip fields that create picture perfect landscapes.
Things to do:
- Walking through themed flower pavilions and outdoor gardens
- Renting a bicycle and riding through tulipfield routes
- Taking a whisper-boat or canal cruise through bulb fields
- Visiting local flower farms and windmills
- Exploring Amsterdam’s museums and canals as an add-on day trip.
Estimated costs per person:
The cost of a ticket to the Keukenhof is €20–€25. The cost of a shuttle from Amsterdam is €10–€25.
• Flowerfield or guided bike tours: €45–€100
• Mid-range hotel in Amsterdam: €100–€220 per night
Weekends in April are extremely busy, early morning visits and weekday trips are best.
2) Kyoto & Tokyo Cherry Blossoms – Japan
Best time to visit:
The best time to travel is from late March to early April 2026; Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka typically see their peak bloom in early April.
Sakura, Japan’s cherry blossom season, is a strongly cultural event. With customary picnics and evening lights, parks, temples, riverbanks, and even city streets are transformed into gentle pink landscapes.
Activities include:
- Enjoy nighttime cherry blossom illuminations
- Take a picturesque train ride to Arashiyama and explore bamboo groves
- Have hanami picnics under cherry trees in city parks
- Visit famous locations like Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto) and Ueno Park (Tokyo)
- Sample seasonal Sakura flavored candies and beverages.
Estimated costs per person:
- Mid-range hotels: $120–$250 per night
- Temple entry fees: $2–$8
- Local transport: $5–$15 per day
- Meals: $10–$30 per meal
Book hotels and trains 3–6 months ahead, as sakura season is Japan’s busiest travel period.
3) National Cherry Blossom Festival, USA
Best time to visit:
Peak bloom typically occurs between March 20 and April 12, 2026, when the festival takes place.
The Jefferson Memorial and other well-known monuments are framed by thousands of cherry trees that border the Tidal Basin. Throughout the year, the city holds kite festivals, concerts, parades, and cultural events.
Activities:
- Take a morning stroll around the Tidal Basin loop for uncrowded vistas
- Take a paddleboat ride on the Tidal Basin
- Go to festival parades and performances
- Visit Smithsonian museums (free entry)
- Look for spring food festivals in the surrounding areas.
Estimated costs per person:
- Hotels cost around $150–$300 per night
- Festival events are mostly free
- Transport, Metro Day pass is about $10
Avoid driving near the Tidal Basin, public transport and biking are far easier.
4) Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival – South Korea
Best time to visit:
The best time to go is from late March to early April 2026; the first week of April is usually when the bloom is at its strongest.
The biggest cherry blossom festival in South Korea takes place at Jinhae. Particularly in the vicinity of Yeojwacheon Stream and the former train station, entire streets become tunnels of flowers.
Activities include:
- Enjoy Korean Street food and cultural performances
- Take pictures of the cherry-lined rails at Gyeonghwa Station
- Stroll along Yeojwacheon Stream (day and night views)
- Combine the vacation with Busan for beaches and seafood.
Cost estimates per person:
Jinhae/Busan hotels range from $60 to $140 per night
Local transportation is reasonably priced at $2 to $5 each fare
Meals cost between $5 and $15.
To avoid really crowded areas, arrive early in the day or go during the week.
5) Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden – Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Best time to visit:
Late March to April 2026, with peak color often in the first half of April.
Set against the Himalayan foothills, this is Asia’s largest tulip garden. Terraced slopes of tulips overlook Dal Lake, creating one of the most dramatic floral landscapes in the world.
Things to do:
- Visit the tulip garden early in the morning for clear views
- Take a shikara boat ride on Dal Lake
- Explore Mughal gardens like Shalimar and Nishat
- Taste Kashmiri cuisine and traditional kahwa tea
- Optional day trip to Gulmarg
Estimated costs per person:
- Garden entry: $2–$5
- Mid-range hotels/houseboats: $40–$150 per night
- Guided local tours: $25–$80
Check travel advisories and weather conditions before booking.
6) Taiwan Cherry Blossoms – Yangmingshan & Alishan
Best time to visit:
February to early March 2026, earlier than most other cherry blossom destinations.
Taiwan’s mild climate means earlyblooming cherry trees, combined with hot springs, mountain railways, and a vibrant food scene.
Things to do:
- Day trip to Yangmingshan National Park from Taipei
- Visit Alishan Forest Railway for highaltitude blossoms
- Enjoy hot spring resorts near Taipei
- Explore night markets for seasonal snacks
Estimated costs per person:
- Hotels cost $70–$180 per night
- Transport: $5–$20 per trip
- Meals can cost around $5–$15
Perfect for travelers who want spring blooms without peak-season crowds.
How to Choose the Right Spring Bloom Destination
- Be flexible with dates as blooms shift with weather
- Book accommodation early for April travel
- Visit early mornings for better photos and fewer crowds
- Combine nature with culture to make the trip more memorable
*Note that prices are subject to change, so please check before going.
