Plan for cherry blossoms in Japan with Google Maps

[LuisRG]

Cherry blossom season in Japan is upon us and Google Maps wants to help plan your hanami (Japanese for cherry blossom viewing). If you plan to visit Japan in the next few weeks, read on!

You can check cherry blossom locations and bloom statuses in real time both on mobile (Android and iOS) and desktop. There are nearly 1,000 spots included in Google Maps, which is great if you want to avoid crowds at the most popular places and still see sakura trees in full bloom.

Hanami spots are marked on the map with an icon to ensure you know where to go. Google Maps on iOS includes three different icons to show bloom status: before peak season, full bloom, and after peak season.

Tapping on a specific spot will provide more info like current bloom status, estimated peak season, and a link to learn more about each location.

Now with Google Maps, your trip to Japan to enjoy hanami will be even better. And if you go, don’t forget to upload pictures to Google Maps and share your best photos here in Connect. (I’m going, actually, so stay tuned!)

For those of you unable to make it to Japan, check out these other places from around the world with their own cherry blossom displays:

• Tidal Basin in Washington DC (US): One of the most popular cherry blossom spots in the US, but you’ll have to run to see them as they’re blooming now!
• Valle del Jerte (Spain): One of the most popular spots in Spain, which can be quite crowded. Most of the cherry trees are currently in full bloom.
• Brooklyn Botanical Garden (US): Most of the cherry trees are in pre-bloom, so you still have a chance.
• Gunhangje Festival in Jinhae (South Korea): It’s a little bit far from Seoul, but you’ll be amazed at the viewing of the cherry trees in full bloom. From April 1 to April 10.
• Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (Canada): From March 30 to April 23, this festival celebrates 40,000 cherry trees that bloom across the city. A truly magnificent event!
• Altstadt Cherry Blossom Festival in Bonn (Germany): Innumerable cherry trees line the creative craft and civil city quarter of Bonn. During almost all of April you’ll be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
• Cherry Blossom Festival in Amsterdam (Netherlands): In the huge park Het Amsterdamse Bos you’ll find a great number of cherry trees. If you visit the city during April, check them out!
• Kungsträdgården in Stockholm (Sweden): April 16 is Cherry Blossom Day, where you can enjoy Stockholm’s biggest display of cherry blossoms.
• Copenhagen Sakura Festival (Denmark): The festival will take place on April 29 and 30, so you still have some time to plan your trip to the Danish capital.