While at the festival, youll be able to enjoy local crafts and food, take trips on the boating lake, and enjoy music and colorful dance performances. The 10-15 minute walk from either Myogadani Station or Hakusan Station gives the gardens a feeling of seclusion and distance from the busy city streets, yet this is one of the most peaceful places from which to enjoy the hanami. (c) Seeker.io. The weather plays a large part in the process, and if the months and weeks preceding the hanami season are mild, the blossoms will be more likely to open early. The National Japan Bowl is America's national Japanese-language competition for high school students. Often voted one of the best cherry blossom viewing areas in Japan, this 4km stretch of 800 trees line the Meguro River in Nakameguro, a district not far from Shibuya. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. April 8-16, 202 3 Save the Date, 56th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival - April 8-9 & 15-16, 2023 Welcome to the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, one of California's most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions and the largest Cherry Blossom Festival on the West coast. All Rights Reserved. Cuts to the bark or roots of the tree can lead to rot that spreads across the whole tree, causing it to die. The contest winner's design will be featured on all 2023 Cherry Blossom merchandise, including but not limited to t-shirts, sweatshirts and stickers. The cherry blossoms usually appear in Tokyo andKyotosometime between March and April, depending upon the climate earlier in the year. The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the Japanese heritage and culture through live entertainment, food and drink, a marketplace and informative exhibits and demonstrations. The very light pink blossoms have delicate petals and the leaves that develop at the same time as the flowers give the tree a fresh, floral feel. Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. There are 300 cherry trees planted throughout the park, with many of them lining the banks of the river. As weird as it may sound, edible cherries do not come from ornamental Japanese cherry trees. The 2020, 2021 and 2022 sakura blooms took place without foreign tourists, who were locked out of Japan by Covid-related travel restrictions (which are now a thing of the pastyay! The legendary Japanese animator passed away suddenly at the peak of his career leaving behind a dazzling collection of films that continue to fascinate audiences from around the world. This is a perfect way to experience the blossoms, local cuisine, and get out of the busy city center. So fond are the Japanese of their cherry blossoms trees that they have even devoted a special day to them. Hot Tip: It is important to remember that not all trees bloom at the same time. The view is best enjoyed by taking a leisurely stroll along the river or on one of the many river cruises that take you right under the trees, inviting the blossoms to gently sprinkle over as you as you float down the river. The festival is at the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, and you can stay after sunset to enjoy the illuminated trees and evening festivities. Since sake is flowing throughout the day by the time evening approaches, the festivities often turn more into good-natured revelry. This location can get very crowded, so it is best to get there early and get set up for a day of family fun that can stretch way into the evening, under the light of the lanterns that hang from the trees. Photograph by Evy Mages. Over 400 cherry trees can be found in the gardens themselves and on the grounds of the nearby Kanazawa Castle, and the extensive open spaces offer plenty of opportunities for visitors to find a quiet spot to enjoy the hanami. Take the average of those dates and plan your trip accordingly. That bond has inspired the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the largest annual celebration of Japan-U.S. friendship, which always brings a feeling of joy and renewal. The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States. Cherry blossom season, also known as the sakura or hanami flower-watching season, brings life and magic to Japan each spring. Enjoy the blooms at the Tidal Basin while experience live performances that celebrate the friendship between the US and Japan. The 2021 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 17. Free. Most of them are held from March to May, though other regions organize festivals during January, February, and June, depending on their location. More than a million visitors head to the 400-year-old castle every year to view the 2,600 trees that bloom throughout the park surrounding the castle. Home to over 4,500 different plant species, Kyoto Botanical Gardens is home to the largest conservatory in Japan and a popular destination for those looking to join in with the hanami celebrations. The castle is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the cherry blossom festival. The estimated average full bloom is generally in the second week of February. Cherry blossom trees are best admired with your eyes not your hands. GET EMAILS FAQ MEDIA PRIVACY POLICY TERMS OF USE JOB OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT US, {"name":"Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival","description":"Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. The National Cherry Blossom Festival's signature Opening Ceremony is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, D.C., and an. Great Spots to See Cherry Trees in Washington, D.C. Situated immediately outside Kitayama Station, the Botanical Gardens are one of the most central spots in which to picnic and party during your sakura viewing. With its playgrounds and exercise facilities, it is a great spot for families to enjoy watching the cherry blossoms fall. There is always 2021 . Boots are better than shoes as they will prevent water from slipping in over the top of the shoe, and if it has been raining, walking around parks, tourist attractions, and open spaces can make it tricky to avoid puddles. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Be careful where you lay your picnic blanket as the roots are delicate, and treat the trees with the respect they deserve. The ancient farmers also used the blooming of the sakura flowers to help them understand when the time was right to plant their rice crops, helping to keep famine at bay. How Cherry Blossoms Are Celebrated in Japan, The Symbolic Significance of Cherry Blossoms, Getty Images / Driendl Group / The Image Bank. With around 800 trees lining the paths through the park, Ueno Park is one of the most popular (and busiest) hanami spots in all of Tokyo. This late-blooming blossom doesnt usually make an appearance until sometime between late April and early May, making it one of the last to visit during the hanami season. In Hokkaido, cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom in May. The 10 most popular types of trees you are likely to see during hanami include: This is the most common variety of cherry tree to be found all across Japan, and one that can be found growing wildly in some parts of the country. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Produced by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC Saturday, April 15 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM | Sunday, April 16, 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 3rd & 7th Streets This year is special because it is the 110th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees. Wear your best pink outfit and enjoy an evening of fun and culinary delights. Its been a prominent party spot for decades. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. The Cherry Blossom Festival returns to the Japanese Friendship Garden in March 2023! Celebrate the end of cherry blossom season with the Pink Tie Dinner! Its difficult to think of anywhere more incredible to see the Japanese cherry blossoms than at Mount Fuji itself. The park is famous for the yozakura of Gion, a special cherry tree that illuminates the entrance of the park, giving it an ethereal, otherworldly feel at nighttime. An amazing country, where stark modern cities sit side by side with ancient landmarks, the hanami festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be enjoyed by everyone visiting Japan during the spring. Topics are wide and range from sake tasting to samurai-era castle building, and include a four-part miniseries about the renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki. - Alex & Erin. Hot Tip: Once you know where to see the cherry trees blossom and when to get there, keep in mind that hanami can get very competitive as everyone wants to ensure that they get the best spot. Cultivated many centuries ago, the Somie Yohsino is one of the most commonly found cherry trees in Japan. Although it can get busy during the hanami season, you should still be able to find space to spread your blanket and enjoy a picnic while viewing the sakura. Bottom Line: Tokyo is a modern, fast-paced city that still embraces its traditional roots. Experience not 1, but 2 Japanese icons at once with a trip to see the sakura that grows on the site of Japans highest volcano. The castle is easy to reach using public transport or enjoy the 20-minute walk from Hirosaki center. Why Is the Cherry Blossom so Culturally Important in Japan? Japan is known around the world for its cherry blossom festivals. The increase in visitors that come to enjoy the season has not gone unnoticed by Western brands either, with companies like Starbucks and McDonalds in Japan offering sakura-inspired products like cherry-flavored drinks and pink burger buns. Yamazakura trees tend to last for a long time, with trunks that can grow as large as 1 meter in diameter when aged. Northern parts of the country can still see temperatures dip below freezing at night time, so layers are your friend, and you may even want to consider thermal base layers when its really cold. 30th National Japan Bowl Championship Rounds. Cherry blossoms in South Korea typically bloom late or end of March to early April, similar to Japan. Presenting a break from the traditional pink blossoms in Japan, the Ukon tree starts to bloom in mid-April and captures the attention of viewers with its unique coloring. Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments. Translated as flower viewing, the festival attracts locals and visitors alike that come together to celebrate the season with outdoor parties, picnics, and other events that take place both day and night. Finally, the height at which the cherry trees are planted can also affect how long it takes them to bloom. Many people will go stake out a spot early in the morning or even a day in advance. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Cherry Blossom Festival holds the honor of being one of the longest, continually running ethnic festivals in the State of Hawai'i - originally started in 1953. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Shinjuku Gyoenis open every day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. but closed on Mondays. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. As one of the most modern temples in Japan, visitors also come to enjoy the extensive grounds and see the Shwa Daibutsu, the tallest seated bronze figure of Buddha in Japan. Terms apply to offers below. If you're planning a trip to the country in the spring, here's what you need to know about the hanami tradition. Bring a kite to fly or enjoy the crafts available to participants of all ages. It is our hope that our audience will leave the exhibit with a new appreciation for Hiroshige and the influence he has had on both the art world and the way we share our experiences. The castle is open from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. all week with the last entry at 4 p.m. Offering a heady blend of traditional Japanese style and essence, Maruyama Park is a beacon of beauty set against the stark modernity of downtown Kyoto. Be prepared and pack a pair of walking boots and thick socks that will keep your feet warm and dry while you are outside. People bring home-cooked meals, make barbecued foods, or buy take-out food to mark the occasion. TEL: 202-238-6900 | FAX: 202-822-6524 | jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp, 1981new Date().getFullYear()>1981&&document.write("-"+new Date().getFullYear()); Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, Tidal Basin at Independence Ave. and 17th St. NW. Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: April 23rd to May 5, 2023. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hanami is such a special time. In this exhibition, the JICC, in collaboration with American University, wants to showcase the works of Hiroshige and celebrate his legacy on social media by presenting recent photographic interpretations of Hiroshige's ukiyo-e, submitted to us through our call for entry! Set in the Oita Prefecture, this temple lies in a deep valley surrounded by majestic mountains that offer scenic views all year round. Playing catch up, Amar embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. One of the biggest festivals in the U.S. is in Washington, D.C. These cookies do not store any personal information. Osaka Mint is open from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. with the last entry at 4 p.m. As the most famous spot in the city to enjoy hanami, Maizuru Park was built around the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. As a firm contender for one of the top hanami spots in all of Japan, this natural landmark is a definite must-see during hanami. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. The tree itself spreads gracefully to create a sea of color, and the semi-double flowers hang in clusters to give the appearance of depth and density. The period from late March through to early April is the best time to see the sakura. The Japanese embassy has remained deeply involved in their maintenance and in the . Some of the most commonly used terms include: The exact dates for the cherry blossom season in Japan vary depending on where in the country you are headed. From late March through to mid-April, the castle grounds are perfect for enjoying a picnic under the cherry trees while the sakura blossoms gently fall around you. 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The festival also spotlights travel and tourism opportunities and innovative Japanese technologies. Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: Early April to Mid April 2023. When does the cherry blossom festival start? Cherry blossoms normally begin blooming in January in Okinawa, and reach their peak in late March to April in the Honshu region. Cherry Blossom Fest 2022 over, but you can still view our online playlist of Japanese culture related videos, featuring a series of free documentary videos from NHK WORLD-JAPAN (including a four-part miniseries about the renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki). This man-made oasis was designed with the help of world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. To make sure you plan your visit when the flowers are in full bloom, find out more when cherry blossoms bloom in South Korea: The Kusaba River becomes busy with locals and visitors celebrating the sakura, and enjoying a peaceful stroll along the river banks. 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