Cherry blossoms are a breathtaking spectacle, drawing travelers to Japan, Washington D.C., and South Korea every spring. But if you’ve missed peak sakura season or want to explore other floral wonders, there are plenty of equally mesmerizing alternatives around the world.
From vibrant lavender fields to golden canola blooms, here are five stunning cherry blossom alternatives for your travel bucket list.
1. Lavender Fields – Provence, France (June-August)
Why Visit?
While cherry blossoms represent transience, lavender fields in Provence provide a scented, purple paradise. Valensole’s rolling hills and Sénanque Abbey turn into a violet sea, painting a dreamlike scene ideal for photography and unwinding.
Best Time to Visit
Mid-June to early August is peak bloom, with the Lavender Festival in Valensole (July) providing local crafts, music, and lavender-flavored goodies.
Where to Go?
- Valensole Plateau – Famous postcard-picture fields.
- Abbaye Notre – Dame de Sénanque – Breathtaking 12th-century abbey ringed by lavender.
- Luberon Region – Serene fields and quaint villages such as Gordes.
2. Canola Flowers – Luoping, China (February-March) & Netherlands (March-May)
Why Visit?
Blindingly bright yellow canola (rapeseed) flowers cover vast expanses of country, shining brightly against blue skies. Luoping in China and the Netherlands countryside are two of the finest spots to see this golden display.
Best Time to Visit
- Luoping, China: February to March (best in early March).
- Netherlands: Late March to May (optimal in April).
Where to Go?
- Luoping, Yunnan – Infinite golden fields with karst mountains in the distance.
- Flevoland & Zeeland, Netherlands – Vast canola fields surrounding windmills and tulip plantations.
3. Wisteria Tunnels – Japan (Late April-Early May)
Why Visit?
If you’re a fan of cherry blossoms but desire an even more magical experience, Japan’s wisteria (fuji) flowers are an otherworldly option. Draping purple, pink, and white flowers form fairy-tale tunnels and arches.
Best Time to Visit
Late April to early May (dependent on location).
Where to Go?
- Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi) – Known for its 150-year-old wisteria tree and lit-up night show.
- Kawachi Fujien (Fukuoka) – Exclusive garden featuring beautiful wisteria tunnels.
- Byakugou-ji Temple (Kyoto) – Tranquil destination with wisteria hanging down.
4. Jacaranda Trees – South Africa (Oct-Nov) & Australia (Nov-Dec)
Why Visit?
Jacarandas turn cities into purple wonderlands, similar to cherry blossoms but with a tropical flavor. Pretoria (South Africa) and Sydney (Australia) are two of the finest places for these flowers.
Best Time to Visit
- Pretoria, South Africa: October to November.
- Sydney, Australia: November to early December.
Where to Go?
- Pretoria, South Africa – Nicknamed the “Jacaranda City,” with more than 70,000 trees.
- Sydney, Australia – Kirribilli and Glebe suburbs go purple with jacaranda-lined streets.
5. Poppy Fields – California, USA (February-May) & Spain (April-May)
Why Visit?
Red poppies paint vivid pictures, having a tendency to cover large areas of hillsides. California’s Antelope Valley and Spain’s countryside are the places to be for these red-hot flowers.
Best Time to Visit
- California, USA: Mid-February to May (Peak in April).
- Spain: April to May (Best in Andalusia).
Where to Go?
- Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (California) – A preserve covered in rolling orange hills.
- Andalusia, Spain – Free-range poppies grow with the olive groves.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Although the cherry blossoms are absolutely breathtaking, these floral substitutes have similarly stunning—and often even more interesting—experiences. Whether taking a stroll amidst Provence’s lavender fields, walking under Japan’s wisteria tunnels, or driving South Africa’s streets lined with jacaranda, each spot delivers a breathtaking flower getaway.
Which one will you go to first?
