Cherry Blossom Festival in the Gardens of the World

Gardens of the World — Berlin's International Garden Landscape

The Gardens of the World are one of Berlin's most remarkable parks. Across approximately 43 hectares in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district, faithfully reconstructed themed gardens from around the world are showcased: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Oriental, English, Italian, Christian, and Balinese Gardens — a miniature world tour in the east of Berlin. In spring, the cherry trees in the Japanese and Korean Gardens transform into clouds of pink — and this is precisely when the Cherry Blossom Festival takes place.

Hanami in the Asian Tradition

Hanami — the contemplation of cherry blossoms — is one of the most important spring traditions in Japan and Korea. In Berlin, the Cherry Blossom Festival is the largest public Hanami event. Families and couples stroll through the pink avenues, picnic under the trees, take photos, and enjoy the short, intense blooming period. The trees usually bloom for only ten days — the festival is deliberately timed for the peak of the bloom.

Program: Asian Cultures Up Close

• K-Pop Dance Competition (April 12, 1:50 PM): the festival's most spectacular show, featuring Berlin and international dance crews
• Cosplay Contest (April 11, 1:55 PM): Berlin's largest cosplay stage with a professional jury
• Anime Symphony Orchestra Quartet (Sunday, 4:20 PM): classical anime soundtracks live
• Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Dragon Dance in the Chinese Garden
• Ikebana, Origami, and Calligraphy Workshops
• Berlin NewGen Film Festival: Asian short films on both days, 1 PM–4:30 PM
• Furry Parade: Sat. and Sun. with costumed participants
• Street Food from all over Asia: Bibimbap, Sushi, Mochi, Bao Buns, Bubble Tea
• Handicrafts: Jewelry, ceramics, calligraphy paintings

20 Years of the Korean Garden

The 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival is a special edition: the Korean Garden in the Gardens of the World celebrates its 20th anniversary. The garden was established in 2006 by the Korean government as a gift to Berlin and has been continuously expanded since then. For the anniversary, special performances are scheduled: the Berlin Korean Dance Project, a Gayageum ensemble (twelve-stringed zither instrument), and the contemporary dance group NOBODY from Seoul. These performances will be concentrated around the pavilion in the Korean Garden.

Marzahn-Hellersdorf and the Eastern District

The Gardens of the World are located in the Marzahn district — an area long associated with the image of large prefabricated housing estates. The gardens are a central element of the district's transformation, which has gained new significance since the International Garden Exhibition (IGA Berlin 2017). With the new cable car from Kienberg subway station directly into the park, access is spectacular — crossing the Wuhletal valley, with panoramic city views.