As winter fades, the allure of cherry blossoms beckons. While Japan is famed for its 'Sakura' season (late March to mid-April), complete with festivals and global tourists, high costs and crowds can be a deterrent. Fortunately, Europe offers equally breathtaking alternatives.
Berlin's Mauerweg, along the former Berlin Wall, transforms into the TV-Asahi-Kirschblütenallee, a pink dream thanks to 1,000 cherry trees donated by a Japanese TV station in 1990. Stockholm's Kungsträdgården, the city's oldest park, boasts over 50 cherry trees, hosting events and concerts during the bloom.
Spain's Valle del Jerte showcases two million cherry trees in white and pink hues. Nearby medieval villages like Plasencia offer historical exploration. Germany's Franconian Switzerland, with 200,000 trees, is the largest sweet cherry growing area. A nature trail informs about fruit cultivation; purchase cherries along main roads.
Vilnius, Lithuania, features a Sakura garden on the Neris River's right bank, planted with 200 Japanese cherry trees to honor diplomat Chiune Sugihara. Locals enjoy relaxing afternoons amidst the blossoms.