Seeing cherry blossoms in Japan is a dream for many. The delicate blossoms of the trees, especially those with pink hues, color the streets of Tokyo and herald the arrival of spring. Unfortunately, admiring the sakura in its country of origin can be an expensive and distant dream. Less than two hours from Milan, however, you can enjoy a similar experience: strolling among rows of cherry trees in bloom and feeling, for a moment, as if you were in Tokyo’s famous Ueno Park.
The park that offers this magic is located within a Baroque palace. A Baroque complex designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose green expanses stretch over 80 hectares and are home to hundreds of ornamental cherry trees . When they bloom, they transform the royal gardens into a romantic spectacle of petals and fragrances, perfect for a spring outing.
The Baroque Palace of the Cherry Trees
The palace was commissioned between 1658 and 1659 by Duke Carlo Emanuele II of Savoy as a luxurious hunting lodge and pleasure residence. The vast complex comprises several buildings, including stables, barns, and royal pavilions, connected by elegant galleries and set amidst the magnificent scenery of French-style gardens. After extensive restoration, it reopened to the public in 2007 and today stands as a prestigious cultural hub, hosting temporary exhibitions, events, performances, and seasonal initiatives, such as the enchanting spectacle of cherry blossoms in its monumental gardens.
In the shade of the cherry blossoms
The “In the Shade of the Cherry Blossoms” event is an unmissable springtime gathering that transforms the palace gardens into a magical meeting place for families andhanami enthusiasts. This event combines nature, music, art, and Japanese tradition in about three weeks of activities that enliven the park both day and night. During this period, the cherry blossoms are celebrated, but the view is also enhanced by flowering pear and apple trees, which paint the landscape in delicate shades of pink and white, with the Alps as a backdrop.
Among the activities on offer, highlights include yoga sessions immersed in nature (suitable for both adults and children), evocative concerts among the flowers, creative workshops to make a kakemono ( the typical Japanese decorative paper scroll), and outdoor painting lessons in the monumental gardens. On certain magical evenings, the cherry trees are illuminated with soft lights that highlight the pink petals in the darkness, evoking the atmosphere of yozakura: the Japanese tradition of strolling at night beneath the illuminated blossoms.
Where, when, and tickets
The event takes place within the Gardens of the Royal Palace of Venaria, specifically in the Lower Park. Daytime admission is included in standard tickets, but space is limited and must be booked online via the official website, as must evening tickets. The event is very popular, so it is recommended to purchase tickets as soon as possible!
The most convenient way to reach the Reggia di Venaria Reale from Milan is by train. The journey from Milano Centrale to Torino Porta Susa takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes (on Italo or Frecciarossa), after which you simply take a short regional train to the Venaria Reale – Reggia station. Alternatively, you can reach the palace by car in less than two hours.
Prices: €6 during the day / €8 in the evening
Schedule: You can view the full schedule and map at this link.
Dates: March 19 to April 1, 2026 (estimated end date)