Festival dates are usually determined with reference to cherry blossom forecasts and vary from year to year. 49th ANNUAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN DENVER | SAKURA SQUARE Thank you to everyone who made the 2022 festival a great success! Click here for more details. The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 17th Streets. In 2023, the festival was originally scheduled to be held from February 1 to 28, but the festival period was later extended through March 5. In Japan, the JWA (Japan Weather Association), the Weather Map Co., Ltd, and Weathernews Inc. announce cherry blossom forecasts every spring. You should also be aware that there will usually be a few days between the date of the first bloom and the date of the full bloom. 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. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. Enjoy a fashion show of stunning Kimonos and fashions from Lily Pulizer with the Cherry Blossom Princesses and the NCSS! Golden Week falls at the end of April and the first week in May with four consecutive Japanese public holidays. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. 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. In fact, there are over 600 hybrid and wild cherry blossom species in Japan, many of which feature mutations that include changes in the size, shape, and number of petals, the size and density of the flowers, and of course, the color. The riverside cherry trees form a tunnel of soft pink blossoms that are accessible 24 hours a day, and visitors flock to enjoy the food stalls and party atmosphere that descends in the park during hanami. Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: April 23rd to May 5, 2023. The castle is also famous for the late-blooming, double-petal yaezakuracherry trees that can be found in the south of the plum grove, which is also a beautiful spot to enjoy the plum blossoms that flower a little earlier from January through to March. Please use the tabs above to browse our . Its been a prominent party spot for decades. Located on the hillside of Mount Hakodate, the park can be reached by public transport. There are no set dates for the season, as there are certain extenuating factors that can affect the timing of the blooms all across the country. Running for 4 kilometers on either side of the Okawa River, Kema Sakuranomiya Park is an inner-city oasis that offers nearly 5,000 cherry trees that blossom from the end of March through to the middle of April. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments. 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. The castle is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the cherry blossom festival. From local websites and news reports to tracking apps, there is no reason for you to miss the start of the season. Sigh. Presented to the city of Washington in 1954, this stone lantern symbolizes the strength of the friendship between Japan and the US. Located on the top of a hill, the park also offers some outstanding views out across the city of Kikuchi and beyond. For just 1 week, the cherry trees are illuminated at night, making the river banks the perfect place for a romantic stroll among the blossoms, and the park is easily reached from Sakuranomiya station. People bring home-cooked meals, make barbecued foods, or buy take-out food to mark the occasion. For a few short weeks each spring, Japan's cities and countryside are adorned with cloud-like white and pink flowers.Residents often hold hanami, parties or picnics for the purpose of observing the blossoms. The Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 11 through March 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with admissions closing at 5 p.m. Visitors come from all over from mid-March through the middle of April to picnic and party under the cherry trees. Considered to be one of the very best landscaped gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen Garden is as famous for its stunning grounds and traditional Japanese gardens as it is for its cherry trees. Picnics, food stalls, drinking, and songs are all part of the celebrations. The Fuji Five lakes area is a hugely popular place to visit during this season. It's also fun to patronize festival vendors who sell various foods and souvenirs, such as regional crafts and specialty food from the region. You will be outside in the open so comfortable, temperature-appropriate clothing should take priority over looking like a style icon, and be ready to wrap up as the sun sets. They also light 3,000 lanterns at night (between 6-10pm), which makes this a breathtaking place to take nighttime pictures or just watch the amazing contrast of illuminated flowers, castle, and lanterns. 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. Hanami is such a special time. Celebrate the beginning of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the 110th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington DC with a one-time-only performance that features artists with ties to both the US and Japan. The peak blossoming depends on the year and weather, so it is recommended to check in advance. In southern Japan, the blossoms typically happen as early as January. A single-day ticket cost is 5$, while a weekend ticket is 10$. That said, do not expect to see the flowers wherever you go, as the trees bloom at different times throughout Japan. Cherry Blossom Night with the Washington Wizards. The park is about a 20-minute drive from the town of Kikuchi and is best reached by car. Japan's famous cherry blossom festival season begins around the end of March and lasts for approximately 2 weeks, depending on location. Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Japan. These trees are also called somei-yoshino trees or yedoensis in botanical circles. Evgeny Tchebotarev via Pexels. Another spectacular castle surrounded by cherry blossom trees is Takada Castle: an estate in the Niigata prefecture two hours northwest of Tokyo. These days, viewings are more about eating, drinking, and coming together to celebrate the beginning of spring. However, the festival dates are usually the indicator of the cherry blossoming readiness. In areas of high altitude, for example, the blossom will usually arrive later than those found in lower-altitude regions. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle is a beautiful place to explore all year round. This year, NHK WORLD-JAPAN is generously releasing a series of free documentary videos. During hanami season, viewers can enjoy a variety of events, including live music and traditional performances. Adding 2 or 3 sakurazuke flowers into a cup of hot water produces a lightly-flavored, pretty-looking beverage that is known as sakurayu. This traditional hot drink is often enjoyed at gatherings such as parties or weddings. The weather in Japan varies depending on location, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you travel. 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. Settling down for a picnic here is a must the view is so picturesque. The temple is considered to be one of the most important temples of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, and its a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Blossom viewing areas are the perfect places for people to enjoy the transitory season together, usually accompanied by performances, stalls, and activities. Situated in the grounds of the prestigious Tokyo University, these landscaped gardens are home to thousands of cherry trees that bloom in the spring. A Japanese national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this hilltop castle has survived thousands of years, with the occasional renovation, to remain one of Japans most iconic landmarks. Because cherry blossoms are beautiful and fleetingthe blooms often last no more than two weeksthey have become symbolic of the impermanence of beauty. All Rights Reserved. If you'd like to add a comment to this article and share your valuable feedback and opinions, please One of the busiest festivals in Tokyo, the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is a favourite amongst visitors and locals alike. The bowl tests the students knowledge of Japan's language, culture and history! For most major cities the blossom happens towards the end of March and into April. The castle and gardens are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March to October 15, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 16 to February. Perfect for family picnics during hanami, visitors to the park can also enjoy long woodland hikes or take a dip in the naturally occurring hot spring pools. Deliberated planted to surround the castle itself, the cherry trees look as delightful up close as they do from afar, and the castle and park are one of the most popular places to see the sakura in the Kyushu region. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. Japan is known around the world for its cherry blossom festivals. Fans of taiko drumming, teriyaki chicken, sake and Japanese artwork and wares won't want to miss the Cherry Blossom Festival - "Sakura Matsuri" in Japanese. SAAM Art & Me Preservation Family Workout . While soaking up the spring, dont forget to check out some of the parks coolest sights shrines and the famous Last Samurai statue make amazing additions to the festivities. Running about 7 kilometers long and 36 meters wide, the road is very straight and is lined with some 3,000 sakura trees. Considered to be the longest row of cherry trees anywhere in Japan, a drive along this stretch of the Nijukken Road is like driving through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Editorial Disclosure:The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. To ensure you are ready for anything the elements have to throw at you, make sure you pack: Dress for the rain and expect to wear a waterproof jacket throughout your stay. D.C.'s cherry blossoms are expected to peak between March 22 and March 25 this year. 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. Blossoming Flowers in Japanese Art and Poetry. 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). Hakodate Park also features a beautiful water fountain, a childrens playground, and even its very own mini-zoo, making it an incredibly family-friendly spot from which to enjoy the festival. Since sake is flowing throughout the day by the time evening approaches, the festivities often turn more into good-natured revelry. You dont need to pack a gigantic golf umbrella, but do make sure that the umbrella is big enough to completely cover you, while still being small enough to pack away. While, a park in Newark, New Jersey, has Washington, D.C., beat with a larger number of blooming cherry trees than the nation's capital. 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. For Southern regions such as Jeju Island and Busan, cherry blossom season may start mid-March and end in late March. Even a fine drizzle can soak you through eventually, so make bringing an umbrella a priority. Sat, Mar 18, 2023. Public parks, rivers, and other attractions where cherry trees are found will fill up with the smell of barbecue, food stalls, and the sound of celebrations during the season. Funds raised from the festival develop a youth exchange between Huntington Beach and Anjo, Japan . The 2021 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 17. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. The festival features over 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances on four stages (including J-Pop, traditional Japanese music, and martial arts) and a diverse range of cultural exhibitors, artisan and commercial vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods, and Japanese and other food and beverages. With nearly 1,300 cherry trees dotted throughout the park, visitors come to picnic on the open lawns as the cherry tree petals fall around them. The humble cherry blossom has been an important part of Japanese culture for centuries. While you may have had the chance to spot cherry blossoms in the US, nothing beats cherry blossom season in Japan. In general, the cherry blossom season runs from late March through early May every year, but some trees can begin to bloom as early as January. Opening: Exploring Hiroshige and His Influence on Social Media. Wear your best pink outfit and enjoy an evening of fun and culinary delights. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Cuts to the bark or roots of the tree can lead to rot that spreads across the whole tree, causing it to die. Poor winter conditions can add a week to either side of the expected dates, but as a general rule of thumb, the milder the climate, the earlier in the year the blossoms will open. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. But if there's one celebration you're particularly eager to attend, you can research the dates of whenthe festival took place over the past five to 10 years. The grounds are host to a number of special events throughout the season, including the incredibly exciting and hypnotic Japanese taiko drumming, calligraphy presentations and workshops, and traditional dance performances. Washington's Grandest Springtime Tradition! 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. Wherever you are headed, be sure to get there early! Various spots located in the Fuji Five Lake region offer amazing views of the cherry blossom trees, and from mid- to late April, you can experience hanami while taking in this world-famous landmark. 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. With its playgrounds and exercise facilities, it is a great spot for families to enjoy watching the cherry blossoms fall. Need more time to experience the beauty of the blooms? How Cherry Blossoms Are Celebrated in Japan, The Symbolic Significance of Cherry Blossoms, Getty Images / Driendl Group / The Image Bank. Different trees bloom at different times, meaning you could continue to experience the hanami season for 3-4 weeks if you are happy to move locations to follow the flowers. The delicate flowers of the sakura are a huge part of Japanese life, culture, and history. Yamazakura trees tend to last for a long time, with trunks that can grow as large as 1 meter in diameter when aged. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The gardens are open every day between 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. but closed on Mondays. For those who would like to enjoy a more scaled-down celebration of spring, there are plenty of lesser-known viewing spots where visitors can picnic in peace. The massive bloom starts in the far south, in Okinawa, and slowly works its way up to northern Japan in late May. The annual festival, commemorating the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington and the longtime friendship between Japan and the United States, will run from March 20 to April 16. The Lantern Lighting Ceremony is a yearly tradition that kicks off the Cherry Blossom Princess Program organized by the National Conference of State Societies. Festival of a very early blooming tree variety. With more than 1,600 cherry trees, the 100-meter tall observation deck gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the sea of blooms from above, as well as offering amazing views out across Mount Hakodate and beyond. 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. The temple is open from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. all week. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. All rights reserved. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. all week. With its pristine exteriors and picture-perfect grounds, Himeji Castle is the epitome of Japanese perfection, as well as one of the very best spots in the country to see the sakura. Spending the day with wet feet can seriously impair your enjoyment. Playing catch up, Amar embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. Kagoshima Credits: DozoDomo In Kagoshima, the estimated average first bloom is said to start in mid March. The early blossoming cherry trees at Hirano (the sakigake-zakura) are considered to mark the beginning of the hanami season in Kyoto. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Hanami is the Japanese word for viewing the cherry blossoms and is derived from the Japanese words for flower and view. Goryokaku Park is considered one of the best places in Hakodate to experience the hanami season and one that is very popular all year round. 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. 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