4 places in Hungary where you can wrap yourself in pink and experience Japanese hanami!

The cherry blossom, or sakura, has a legendary religious cult in Japan. The national emblem of the country reminds mortal man of several things; the magical charm of nature, constant renewal, hope, and also impermanence. The flowering period lasts from the end of March to the beginning of May, and a tree will only bloom for a week before shedding its tiny petals. During this time, the Japanese hold a grand celebration, during which they sit, contemplate and enjoy themselves under the trees. This hanami, or flower-viewing, is a day and night tradition that goes back centuries. The world-famous event draws crowds of tourists to the island nation in the spring, but few people know that there are also wonderful places to see the blossom in Hungary. Here are a few places to visit during the bud break.

In the spring, Nagykörű is like Japan moving to a wonderful Hungarian sack village. The largest cherry orchard in our country is located here. In the churchyard of the village, more than 200 hectares of sakuras are lined up, which can be visited on a swing during the Hungarian Hanami. But it’s not just here, you can find cherry trees all over the village. During the blossoming season, the people of Nagykörű hold a centuries-old tradition of a frost-chasing ceremony, where they use light, prayer, music and dance to beg the Queen of Fruits to bring spring. Young couples even hug trees in the hope of fertility.

An extra tip: Although the village is at its most spectacular in April, when the flowers are in bloom, this is not the only time to visit Nagykörű. Visit this village on the banks of Tisza in summer for the trees bursting with fruit, in autumn for the fabulous colours, and in winter for the sight of the garden dancing in the red sunset.

The special spring bud break in Pécs is a unique sight. Every year, more and more people visit the public cemetery in Pécs in April to witness the promenade covered in flowers. One of the main streets of the cemetery is flanked on both sides by ornamental trees, leaning over the promenade. Both pink and white Japanese cherries bud at this time of year and, if you are lucky, you can spend several weeks admiring the powder-coloured petal-clad tombs.

Just like in the authentic Japanese gardens, in Dr. Dezső Agyagási’s medicinal park – or as we call it today – in St. Joseph’s Park in Eger, you can relax your body and soul among splashing water, small walking paths, lots of colourful flowers and cherry trees. In spring, the flowers bloom here, too, and in the centre of the park, medicinal water rises from the depths. The domed fountain is fed by the same spring that provides the water for the Thermal Baths of Eger. Slow down in the embrace of the pink petals for a while, then soak in the beneficial sulphurous thermal water of the nearby park baths.

No fewer than 10,000 cherry trees blossom in April in Szomolya, where the spring cherry blossom festival has become a tradition. The famous short-stemmed black cherry trees of Szomolya are a magical sight. But curious visitors can not only look around, they can also eat and drink! At the festival, you can taste Szomolya wines, brandies, delicious handcrafted cakes, jams, all in the spirit of cherries. And while you are in Szomolya, be sure to check out the unique cellar dwellings (you can even take a break at the Riolit Cave Lodge) and the famous hive stones. If youe can, let’s also walk the Szomolya Hive Stones Educational Pathway to complete the experience!