Travel Site Ranks 2 Oregon Cities Among the Top Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in the World

by | Mar 22, 2023 | News, Photography, Photos, Portland, Salem

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the highly anticipated cherry blossom season. Trips to Discover, a renowned travel website, recently published a list of the top 14 places worldwide to witness these stunning blooms. To no surprise, two of the locations on the list can be found in Oregon.

cherry blossom portland
Cherry Blossoms downtown PDX 2022 | by Clifford Paguio Jr

Portland and Salem were among the four West Coast cities that made the cut, along with Seattle and San Francisco. Oregon stands out as the only state in the U.S. to have secured two places on the list. Other noteworthy locations within the United States that made the list include New York City, Washington, D.C., and Macon, Georgia. As for the world, to no surprise Japan has earned its spot on the list.

cherry blossom portland
Cherry Blossoms in Portland 2023 | Photo by Daniel Jones

Japan is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms, which have become a symbol of Japanese culture and a popular tourist attraction. The cherry blossom season in Japan typically begins in late March or early April and lasts only a few weeks. During this time, people gather beneath the blooming cherry trees to enjoy picnics, parties, and other festivities, a tradition known as “hanami” or “flower viewing.”

cherry blossom portland
Cherry Blossoms in Portland 2023 | Photo by Clifford Paguio Jr

The cherry blossom season is significant in Japan not only for its beauty but also because it represents the fleeting nature of life and reminds people to appreciate the present moment. Many visitors from around the world come to Japan specifically to witness the cherry blossoms and take part in the hanami celebrations.

On Saturday, March 19, Salem hosted its traditional Cherry Blossom Day festivity, despite the delayed arrival of the blossoms due to a chilly and damp spring season.

cherry blossom salem
Birds eye view of Cherry Blossoms at Oregon State Capitol, Salem | Photo by Clifford Paguio Jr.

The website highlights Portland as having “countless magnificent locations to explore the pink and white flowered canopies.” The article particularly endorses the Portland Japanese Garden, Washington Park, and Hoyt Arboretum as must-visit spots, while acknowledging that Tom McCall Waterfront Park is the “most frequented location for viewing” cherry blossoms.

Also worth mentioning, the Japanese Gardens in Portland has a great website to keep up with the latest, where they are regularly posting beautiful cherry blossom photos in 2023. Hit the link here to see for yourself!

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Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

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