Like skiers hitting a great powder day, it’s a treat for runners to hit cherry blossom-lined paths at the peak of their bloom. While Japan might be the ‘cherry blossom capital’, (Sakura Season) several other cities are cherry blossom ‘destinations’, among them Beijing, Washington, D.C., Vancouver, B.C., and Auckland. And, surprise — the largest collection of cherry trees in the United States is in Branch Brook Park in Newark!
We’ve scoured the globe to come up with some of the best cherry blossom running spots. Before getting to the list, two items to point out: Since each season is different, predicting peak cherry blossom dates is like trying to forecast peak fall foliage. Generally speaking, peak time is late March to early April (November in the southern Hemisphere). Also, at peak bloom, these spots tend to be very popular, so we recommend going early to beat the crowds. To find all our routes tagged as ‘cherry blossoms’, click on the “Blossom” category on the GR home page.
2026 CHERRY BLOSSOM FORECASTS: JAPAN SOUTH KOREA WASHINGTON, D.C. VANCOUVER, BC
JAPAN
Cherry trees are thought to be native to the Himalayas. They are revered and beautifully cared for in Japan. Here are some of our favorite ‘cherry blossom’ (sakura) routes in the Japan locations covered by Great Runs (in alphabetical order).
Okinawa. On this island 650 km from the mainland, the Sakura bloom is mid-January to mid-February. See blossoms on our Manko Park route, or the hilly Nago Castle Park. The Mt. Yaedake area has blossoms on the hillsides and some rugged hiking trails.
Chiba. Aobanomori Park and adjacent Inohara Park are known for their cherry & plum blossoms.
Fukuoka. Lovely cherry blossoms in Ohori Park/Maizuru Park, Uminakamichi Seaside Park,
Hiroshima. Hijiyama Park is a favorite spot. There are also lovely blossoms along the several river paths we’ve mapped in Hiroshima.
Kanazawa. Kanazawa Castle Park is a favorite spot, and sections of the Saigawa River Path, especially around Saigawa Ryokuchi Park.
Kawasaki. The Shukugawara section of the Tama River path is really pretty.
Kobe. In Ujigawa Park, there are blossom-lined paths along the Ujigawa River all the way to Okurayama Park. Good opportunities along he numerous riverside towpaths, especially the Toga River.
Kyoto. Kyoto is a special city for cherry blossom lovers. The most popular spot for running is the Kamo River paths, which have gorgeous cherry blossoms in season. Maruyama-koen Park is known as Kyoto’s capital of cherry blossoms– in fact its star attraction is a weeping cherry tree which becomes lit up at night.
Nagano Area. Take the 1-hour train to Lake Suwa for a loop around a lake lined with cherry blossoms.
Nagoya. Many wonderful spots: Tsuruma Park and the paths lining the Shonai and Yada rivers. In the hills above the city, we love Heiwa Park.
Nara. Cherry blossoms abound in the mountains in spring. Head to Nara Park or Mount Wakakusa.
Osaka. Nice routes featuring cherry trees include Osaka Castle, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park.
Sapporo. The world’s snowiest city bursts with color in spring. The go-to run during cherry blossom season is Maruyama Park. Also some nice spots along the iconic Toyohira River Path.
Tokyo. Some of the most popular running routes in Tokyo incorporate lovely, cherry tree lined paths. Top spots include the Imperial Palace and Akasaka Palace loops, the 5k route through 2,000 cherry trees in Koganei Park, and cherry tree-lined path of the Meguro River.
Yokohama. The favorite for cherry blossoms here is Negishi Shinrin Park.
South Korea
Seoul. Yeouido Hangang Park is a large, popular park on the river featuring scenic views. Yunjunro Street, behind the National Assembly Building, is famous for its cherry blossom trees, which line up for nearly 6km! Seoul Forest Park is also a terrific cherry blossom spot. Also popular is Changdeokgung Secret Garden.
Incheon & Bucheon. In Incheon, Freedom Park has lovely blossoms in spring. In Bucheon, Azalea Hill & Bucheon Wonmi Park are known for their blossoms.
Busan. Several of our routes there have wonderful cherry blossoms. See the Busan home page and look for the ‘blossoms’ category.
China
Beijing: Cherry Garden in Yuyuantan Park (Jade Lake Park) is home to 3,000 cherry trees. famous for its cherry blossoms. Enjoy a 4-mile run through this park, which also features metasequoias, bamboo, and Liuchun Garden.
Suzhou: The adjacent Baitang Ecological Garden and Shahu Ecological Park are known for their paths around lovely landscaped gardens and numerous cherry trees.
Hsinshu City, Taiwan
On our East District route, there are lovely cherry blossoms in Hsinchu Park.
Vancouver, Canada
In a city known for its spectacular gardens, there are probably more cherry blossom locations than any other city in North America. Vancouver is home to 43,000 cherry blossom trees. Best spots for a run to see the blossoms are Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park., and around the UBC campus. The city hosts an annual cherry blossom festival, which includes a fantastic website with a map showing 2,689 locations of ornamental cherries and 50 different cultivars of flowering cherry trees.
Washington, D.C
The best route is the ‘Memorial Run’, starting at the Washington Monument and heading out to the Tidal Basin, where cherry trees line the area near the Jefferson Memorial. Extend the Tidal Basin run into Potomac Park for even more cherry blossoms. There are also wonderful cherry blossoms at the National Arboretum.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia has some lovely cherry blossoms in the spring. The best bet for runners is to catch them in Fairmount Park. and sections along the Schuylkill River. You’ll also catch them on our center city routes, along Kelly Drive, & more. Here’s a helpful article.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville has planted 1,000 pink- and white-hued trees in the city, covering everywhere from Morgan Park to the Tennessee State Capitol.
Macon, Georgia
Each March, 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in Macon. The city hosts a cherry blossom festival and parade. Our Macon Cherry Blossom post has recs on the best ways to catch the blossoms on foot!
Duke University Campus
The Sara Duke Gardens are famous in spring for the cherry tree allée, and paths of blooming magnolias, daffodils, irises, and other wildflowers.
Newark, New Jersey
This Olmsted-designed Branch Brook Park has the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States. It’s a true destination spot in season. Also great for running, with a 4.5 mile paved perimeter path.
New York City
A section of the Hudson River Greenway through Riverside Park between 100th & 125th St. passes through a lovely row of cherry trees.
Portland, Oregon
Lovely cherry blossoms at the Japanese American Historical Plaza in spring, part of our Willamette River loop.
Traverse City, Michigan
This part of northwest Michigan is a cherry blossom pilgrimage spot. Best bet for runners is along M-37 on our Old Mission Peninsula route. Also, sections of the Tart Trail and the M-22.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is well-known for its cherry blossoms. The best area to enjoy the cherry blossoms is the University of Washington/Arboretum area. The leafy Capitol Hill neighborhood also features lots of cherry blossoms. Seward Park is another favorite spot, and it’s also the site the annual Seattle Cherry Blossom Run, usually in late March.
Fresno, California
Although not exclusively cherry blossoms, hit the Fresno County Blossom Trail between mid-February and mid-March to see plum, apricot, peach, nectarine, almond, apple, and citrus blossoms. It’s a thing.
São Paulo, Brazil
Parque do Carmo is a haven for nature lovers, decorated with over 6,000, including a well-known cherry tree grove. There’s a festival in July!
Edinburgh, UK
After the gloom of winter, runners especially appreciate the blossoming cherry trees in The Meadows, as large public park near the University of Edinburgh. Combine with a run in famous Holyrood Park.
Kyiv, Ukraine
Perhaps an unlikely spot for cherry trees…but the Japanese-themed Park Kioto that’s part of our Peremoha Park route is lined with cherry trees.
Auckland, New Zealand
Aucklanders refer to their parks as “domains,” which we love. We also love this popular loop through Auckland Domain, which includes a run down cherry tree-lined Lover’s Lane.
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