Cherry Blossoms in the United States #cherryblossom

Japan isn’t the only place to see cherry blossoms. From the iconic blooms of Washington, D.C. to lesser-known groves like those that line the roads in Traverse City, Michigan, there are many places in the United States to see the pale pink blossoms each spring

Although it’s difficult to anticipate exactly when they will make their annual appearance, most areas will see peak blooms in March or April. However, they can appear as early as February in some places, like San Francisco and Los Angeles, or as late as May, in Traverse City, Michigan, depending on the weather. Once in bloom, these iconic flowers don’t stick around for long. But historically, that’s part of their allure. In Japan, where the world’s infatuation with these flowers originates, the cherry blossom (called sakura in Japanese) symbolizes the fleeting nature of life. The Japanese counteract this notion of imminent decay with hanami, a long-standing tradition of gathering beneath the blossoms with food, music, and friends to celebrate rather than mourn.