Spring is here, and with it comes one of the most magical — and fleeting — moments of the year: sakura season.
There’s something almost otherworldly about cherry blossoms. They bring this soft, dreamy atmosphere that makes even the most ordinary parks and streets feel like poetry. For me, photographing them feels like capturing a moment that was never meant to last — and maybe that’s what makes it so powerful.
You wait all year. Then, for just a few days, these delicate blooms transform our gray northern world into something ethereal. And before you know it, they’re gone.
That’s what makes sakura special. You can’t plan them too far ahead. You just have to go — now.
Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Estonia
Estonia might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of cherry blossoms, but over the past couple of decades, these delicate trees have quietly made their mark — especially in and around Tallinn. Gifted by Japan or planted in community efforts, they’ve taken root in both traditional gardens and surprising urban pockets. Each spring, for a brief and beautiful moment, these trees transform familiar landscapes into something dreamlike. From peaceful parks to tucked-away corners of the city, sakura have become a cherished sign of spring — and a perfect reason to pause, look up, and take it all in. Whether you’re a photographer chasing the light or simply out for a mindful walk, here are some of the best spots to experience them:
Japanese Garden in Kadriorg Park (Tallinn)
Let’s start with the most iconic. In 2013, Japan gifted Estonia 80 sakura trees, many of which bloom in the Japanese Garden inside Kadriorg Park. With stone paths, ponds, and sculpted landscape, this is the closest you’ll get to a traditional hanami vibe in Estonia.
Mäe Street near Kadriorg Stadium (Tallinn)
Just outside the main park area, along Mäe street, you’ll find a surprising stretch of sakura trees lining the sidewalk. It’s a great spot for wide shots and street-style compositions — cherry blossoms mixed with everyday urban life.
Narva maantee near the Song Festival Grounds (Tallinn)
This is a hidden gem. A long stretch of sakura trees bloom near the pedestrian and cycling paths not far from Lauluväljak. It’s a fantastic spot for layered compositions with distant backgrounds and late afternoon light.
Kumu Art Museum side of Kadriorg Park (Tallinn)
Around the Kumu museum grounds, especially on the slope and near the pond, you’ll spot several cherry trees blooming quietly. With the museum’s modern architecture as a backdrop, it’s a great place to contrast organic vs. structure.
Ülemiste City (Tallinn)
In front of the IT houses and office buildings of Ülemiste, some newer sakura trees have been planted in recent years. The contrast of tech, glass, and delicate pink petals makes for a fascinating juxtaposition. Ideal for modern compositions.
Tondiraba Park (Lasnamäe, Tallinn)
A newer addition to Tallinn’s green spaces, Tondiraba Park has several sakura trees scattered across its walking paths. It’s a great alternative if you want a quieter experience away from central crowds.
Tartu – Ülejõe Park
Outside of Tallinn, the riverside garden in Tartu is another peaceful place to catch cherry blossoms — especially lovely at sunset when the light bounces off the river.
Rakvere Japanese Garden
Small but serene. Not crowded, and the sakura here bloom quietly alongside a traditional-style layout near the hospital grounds.
Võru – Tamula Lake Promenade
Cherry trees bloom here with lake reflections and space to compose minimal, open-frame shots — especially effective with moody skies.
Tips for Photographing Cherry Blossoms
Whether you’re using a DSLR or just your phone, sakura are a joy to shoot — but also a little tricky. Here’s what I keep in mind:
Shoot wide open for dreamy depth of field. f/1.8 to f/2.8 works wonders.
Use backlight. Let the sun hit the petals from behind — it makes them glow.
Compose with contrast. Pink petals look amazing against deep greens, blues, or even gray city walls.
Don’t just shoot close-ups — go wide and show the whole scene, the people, the vibe.
Play with black and white. Sounds strange, but sakura in B&W can be hauntingly beautiful.
Look down! Fallen petals on the ground, floating in puddles, or stuck to a park bench — pure magic.
Why Sakura Feel So Special
Cherry blossoms have this emotional weight to them. They remind me that everything beautiful is temporary. They bloom so suddenly, almost shyly, then disappear before we’re ready.
And maybe that’s why I love photographing them. It’s like trying to hold onto a dream you know will fade.
Here in Estonia, where winters are long and gray, sakura feel like a reward for enduring. They soften the edges of the city and bring this gentle hush to busy spaces. Even if you just stop for five minutes under the petals — it stays with you.
My Thoughts on Sakura
For me, sakura season isn’t just a photo opportunity — it’s a mindset reset. You can’t rush it. You can’t control it. You just have to be present and appreciate what’s right in front of you.
There’s something deeply poetic about it. The lightness of the petals, the way they fall like snow, the contrast between delicate beauty and its inevitable end. It’s cinematic. Melancholic. Uplifting.
It’s like nature’s gentle way of saying: “Pay attention.”
Final Reminder: Go Now
Sakura don’t wait. They bloom fast and vanish just as quickly — often lasting only a week. A sudden rain or windy day can take them all down in a heartbeat.
In Estonia, cherry blossoms usually bloom between mid to late April, depending on the weather. Warmer springs might bring them out a bit earlier, while cooler years can delay them into early May.
So take that lunch break stroll. Go before work. Or plan a golden hour walk this weekend. Whether you bring your best camera or just your eyes — go see them.
Because right now, in Tallinn and across Estonia, the sakura are blooming. And they won’t be here for long.
