Beauty certainly does fade fast when it comes to the sakura, where most of the cherry tree varieties that bloom during the season only last for about a week. 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). 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. 1150 18th Street NW, Suite 100 Washington, D.C. 20036 . During April, the petals are blown up on gentle breezes from the bottom of the valley to form a cherry blossom tornado that later settles on the ground to form a cherry blossom carpet that draws visitors from all around. As night falls, the blossoms are illuminated with paper lanterns, and the park is the perfect place to see the sakura from the end of March through to the middle of April. 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. The trees famously form a spectacular pink tunnel, which makes for some amazing photos. Seattle Center Festl is a year-round series of 24 free cultural festivals, produced in partnership with community organizations. Activities will take place throughout Walb . Be careful where you lay your picnic blanket and treat the trees with the respect they deserve. Visitors come to watch the blossoms fall, enjoy picnics on the lawns, or explore the food carts and other stalls that are set up during hanami. 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. Hot Tip: It is important to remember that not all trees bloom at the same time. 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. How Cherry Blossoms Are Celebrated in Japan, The Symbolic Significance of Cherry Blossoms, Getty Images / Driendl Group / The Image Bank. The cherry blossoms surrounding the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom from March 22 to 25, 2023, the National Park Service announced Wednesday at a National Cherry Blossom Festival press conference. With some 350 trees in full bloom, these late-blooming, double-petal varieties are some of the rarest in the city, making a visit to this unusual location very worthwhile. During the middle of April, the Osaka branch of the national mint offers over 500 meters of cherry-tree-lined paths located within the grounds of this prestigious building. 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. Join the JICC and others at the Blossom Kite Festival. 2022 commemorates the 25 th Anniversary of Festl, ushering in a new era of hybrid programs during this anticipated return to in-person events. Be prepared and pack a pair of walking boots and thick socks that will keep your feet warm and dry while you are outside. 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. Terms apply to offers below. From Bowers Museum: "Welcome spring following the tradition of a . With unique-looking, bell-shaped petals, the Kanhizakura is one of the most beloved cherry blossoms the world over. Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Japan. Even today, the newly emerging blossoms of the cherry trees are considered to be a representation of hope, beauty, and new life all of which most definitely deserve to be celebrated. The humble cherry blossom has been an important part of Japanese culture for centuries. Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: April 23rd to May 5, 2023. Privacy Policy Terms of Use, Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival in Tokyo, Japan, Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival in Tokyo, Japan, Takada Castle Cherry Blossom Festival in Joetsu, Japan, Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Hirosaki, Japan, Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival, Fujikawaguchiko, Japan. 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. When youre ready to book your travel, review all of the best ways to fly from the U.S. to Japan with points and miles. Cherry blossoms in South Korea typically bloom late or end of March to early April, similar to Japan. If you're planning a trip to the country in the spring, here's what you need to know about the hanami tradition. It's said that the origin of hanami dates back more than1,000 years to when aristocrats enjoyed looking at beautiful cherry blossoms and wrote poems inspired by them. Masks are recommended, but not required outside of the music performance. Need more time to experience the beauty of the blooms? Get ready for spring and check out all the attractions! In Hokkaido, cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom in May. Photograph by Evy Mages. Minyo Crusaders is a ten-piece group that fuses Japanese traditional folk songs called minyo, with various rhythms and beats from Caribbean, Latin and African music. 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. Smaller celebrations can be enjoyed throughout the U.S. and Europe. Arts & Culture Japan Now! Ginza Marketplace Taste of Japan. 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. The Embassy of Japan is proud to present a fabulous lineup through the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) during the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival. In the evenings, the trees are illuminated with lanterns giving the castle and its grounds a fairytale feel. 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. Hanami is the Japanese word for viewing the cherry blossoms and is derived from the Japanese words for flower and view. The park and surrounding areas become host to hundreds of food, drink, and craft stalls that stay open until after diner (typically around 9pm). Join us for a ceremonial cherry tree planting at National Harbor celebrating the 110th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington DC. Wherever you are in Japan, there are so many great places to view the blossoms. 10 Interesting Facts About the Cherry Blossom Season, The Lifespan of the Blooms Is Only About a Week, Cherries Do Not Come From Sakura Cherry Trees, There Are More Than 600 Different Varieties of Sakura, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido, Other Great Spots to View the Cherry Blossoms in Japan, 10 Popular Cherry Trees Youll See in Japan, The Best Ways to Fly to Japan With Points and Miles [Step-by-Step], ultimate guide to visiting, experiencing, and enjoying Tokyo, best ways to fly from the U.S. to Japan with points and miles, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank Loyalty Program Review, Japan Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses, The Complete Guide to Boingo Wireless for Travelers, The Business Platinum Card from American Express. See the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival events happening in Washington, DC. However, it's really difficult to predict cherry blossom dates far in advance, so planning a trip specifically to see the blossoms is tough. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice. The castle moat turns pink from the floating blossom petals, and the trees look stunning set against the backdrop of the castle itself. We also gather and archive basic Website logging statistics including the daily number of visitors to our Website, originating server locations and server or browser domain names. Enjoy the blooms at the Tidal Basin while experience live performances that celebrate the friendship between the US and Japan. It is also one of the most densely covered trees, with over 100 petals per bloom, giving the Kikuzakura a look and feel of a cloud of soft pink petals. Weather conditions can cause the seasons to start a week or so earlier or later than the previous year, but usually, they do not vary by much more than that. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. SAAM Art & Me Preservation Family Workout . The castle is easy to reach using public transport or enjoy the 20-minute walk from Hirosaki center. When Is the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan? 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. Festival dates are usually determined with reference to cherry blossom forecasts and vary from year to year. From local websites and news reports to tracking apps, there is no reason for you to miss the start of the season. 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. Wherever you are in Japan, there are so many great places to view the blossoms. This year is special because it is the 110th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees. Cultivated many centuries ago, the Somie Yohsino is one of the most commonly found cherry trees in Japan. As weird as it may sound, edible cherries do not come from ornamental Japanese cherry trees. Located on the top of a hill, the park also offers some outstanding views out across the city of Kikuchi and beyond. Featuring a variety of events throughout the city, the festival brings a taste of Japan to Philadelphia and highlights In the north, it can be as late as May. Set in the Kumamoto Prefecture, Kikuchi Park is home to over 3,000 cherry trees that offer a variety of different types of single-layer and multiple-layer petals. Once the residence of the great Imperial family, you can also enjoy a tour of the castle and grounds as well during your visit. We really appreciate it! 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. Over 200,000 visitors drive along the road every year, and there is usually plenty of space to park up and walk the path through the blossoms before enjoying the food stalls and other attractions that come during the hanami season. 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. Wander into any convenience store in March or April and youre sure to find pink and flower-themed goods, from coffees to sandwiches. Situated at the northern tip of Honshu main island, Hirosaki Castle is one of the very best viewing spots in the country and is perfect for those looking to enjoy late-blooming blossoms. 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. Visitors come from all over from mid-March through the middle of April to picnic and party under the cherry trees. Join us for a special, early performance by Opening Ceremony performers, Minyo Crusaders. A single-day ticket cost is 5$, while a weekend ticket is 10$. As one of the most iconic cherry trees in all of Japan, these weeping trees have branches that arch and curve to create some of the most stunning sakura during the hanami season. Cookies identify your browser, but not you personally, to our computers whenever you interact on our Website. 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. 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. The festivities truly come alive at night here with fairy lights and illuminated paper lantern trees. The row of cherry blossom trees along the Meguro River is one of the cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, which was visited by about 3 million people during the cherry blossom viewing season before the corona crisis, but for the three years until last year, people refrained from cherry blossom viewing to prevent the spread of infection. All of these offer plenty of perfect picnic spots for you to enjoy, hidden away from the busy city streets. Over one million people make the trip to attend this gathering, and the grounds hold over 4,000 cherry blossom trees. You can check tour prices and availability here. With delicate petals that are light pink in color (almost white) and pretty 5-petal blossoms, the Somei Yoshino creates a blanket of color during the hanami season. All Rights Reserved. When is Japan's cherry blossom season in 2023? Home to Fort Goryokaku, an unusual star-shaped moated fort and observation tower, the park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or barbecue under the blossoms. Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. You may also want to consider a rain cover for your backpack, as heavy rain can eventually seep through most bags, leaving your belongings damp and potentially damaged. We hope you will enjoy the blossoms and celebrate 110 years in bloom with us. Its possible to follow the Japans Cherry Blossom festivals all the way up the coast, but be prepared to take your time and explore all the amazing things to do in Japan along the way, because bloom and festival dates will vary depending how warm the year has been. This year is special because it is the 110th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees. 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. 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. Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: Mid March Early April 2023. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Even a fine drizzle can soak you through eventually, so make bringing an umbrella a priority. Further north, and in bigger cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, blooms dont usually take place until somewhere around the middle of March and later into April. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). In Japan, the JWA (Japan Weather Association), the Weather Map Co., Ltd, and Weathernews Inc. announce cherry blossom forecasts every spring. 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. Golden Weekthe busiest time for travel in Japanoften coincides in some places with the blooming cherry blossoms. 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. It's also fun to patronize festival vendors who sell various foods and souvenirs, such as regional crafts and specialty food from the region. Find yourself a space to sit in the celebrations at the Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background, or settle yourself on the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko or on the bridge at Oshino Hakkai. Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. These days, viewings are more about eating, drinking, and coming together to celebrate the beginning of spring. It was conceived to help generate more interest in the Japanese culture of hanami and to promote the cultural importance of the sakura flower. Had tickets booked for 3/19-3/26 but looks like that isnt happening anymore with coronavirus. Events schedule for USA Judo from the USOC official Team USA website. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google The early blossoming cherry trees at Hirano (the sakigake-zakura) are considered to mark the beginning of the hanami season in Kyoto. Since sake is flowing throughout the day by the time evening approaches, the festivities often turn more into good-natured revelry. Tucked away beneath the skyscrapers and alleyways, Shinjuku Gyoen is a gorgeous green refuge full of traditional gardens and a quaint traditional tea house. 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. Hirano Shrine is also home to the Okasai Festival which takes place towards the end of the cherry blossom viewing season, where local people wear traditional Japanese outfits in a procession around the shrine. This man-made oasis was designed with the help of world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. During hanami season, viewers can enjoy a variety of events, including live music and traditional performances. The park is also home to over 10,000 cherry trees of 250 different kinds. However, the festival dates are usually the indicator of the cherry blossoming readiness. The lantern is lit by the Embassy of Japans appointed Cherry Blossom Princess. The densely clustered petals are so pale in color that they appear to be almost white, and the name itself comes from the spring equinox, or higan, which represents the time when they bloom. Weather in Hokkaido: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature. The estimated average full bloom is generally in the second week of February. For most major cities the blossom happens towards the end of March and into April. A popular destination with families wanting to celebrate hanami, the park has a large playground, a selection of athletic equipment, and an onsen hot spring shrine, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. During the cherry blossom season, hours are extended until 9 p.m. with the last admission at 8 p.m. 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. 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. 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. 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. The massive bloom starts in the far south, in Okinawa, and slowly works its way up to northern Japan in late May. Located on the hillside of Mount Hakodate, the park can be reached by public transport. There are over 1,200 spell-binding cherry blossom trees at the park and picnic spots are set up in the grass for folks to enjoy. Better yet, get yourself a waterproof backpack to make sure items like your travel camera are completely protected. Hanami literally means "viewing flowers," but it generally indicates cherry blossom viewing. Picnics, food stalls, drinking, and songs are all part of the celebrations. Be careful where you lay your picnic blanket as the roots are delicate, and treat the trees with the respect they deserve. The grounds of the castle are the perfect place to find a picnic spot during hanami, or you can take to the water on a rental rowing boat. 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 bowl tests the students knowledge of Japan's language, culture and history! Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade! 2022 NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL The Embassy of Japan is proud to present a fabulous lineup through the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) during the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Home to over 300 cherry trees, Osaka Castle Park is one of the most popular places in the city to celebrate the hanami and the beginning of spring. Many people will go stake out a spot early in the morning or even a day in advance. These contrast against the pretty copper-brown leaves and make for a stunning combination that sakura enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike will fall in love with. They drink and eat, making the tradition of blossom-viewing more like a picnic under the trees. The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States. [Expired] [Fare Alert] U.S. to Doha From $1,180 in Premium Economy, Buy Hilton Honors Points for as Little as 0.5 Cents Each [Up to a 100% Bonus], BEST OFFER EVER: Earn $900 Bonus Cash Back. The peaceful banks of the Kusaba River are home to around 1.5 kilometers of cherry trees that line the banks. 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. Click here for more details. The Lantern Lighting Ceremony is a yearly tradition that kicks off the Cherry Blossom Princess Program organized by the National Conference of State Societies. In areas of high altitude, for example, the blossom will usually arrive later than those found in lower-altitude regions. They are now a peaceful and enjoyable location for coming together to capture the hanami. Sunday, April 3, 2022 - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana, CA. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (, Kawazuzakura Matsuri) is held yearly from early February to early March in the city of Kawazu, located . 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. . This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The Fuji Five lakes area is a hugely popular place to visit during this season. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. On the northernmost islands and highlands, it is not unusual to wait until May to experience the hanami in all its glory. 49th ANNUAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN DENVER | SAKURA SQUARE Thank you to everyone who made the 2022 festival a great success! Hanami, or the Cherry Blossom Festival, is celebrated all over Japan when thousands of locals and tourists alike descend on popular viewing spots, gardens, and parks to view the blossoms. The dates of the celebrations are subject to change by a day or 2 year-on-year as the winter weather and other atmospheric conditions can affect how early or late the blossoms bloom. Tokyo Flowering: March 18 / Full bloom: March 25 Sapporo At the south side of this extensive park lies a cherry blossom garden that is home to about 800 trees, as well as lawned areas and childrens playgrounds. 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. Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: Early April to Mid April 2023. Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: Mid March - Early April 2023 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. 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. Here's When to Go, How to Experience the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, Everything You Need to Know About the Washington, D.C. Cherry Trees, April Events and Festivals in the United States. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Washington, DC's Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming Early This Year. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit. Please use the tabs above to browse our . Isshin-Ji is a 30-minute walk from the Tsukano Onsen bus stop, or you can drive. Traditionally, the local cafes and restaurants that line the river fill their patios and terraces with seats, making this festival a real community affair. - Alex & Erin. Bring a kite to fly or enjoy the crafts available to participants of all ages. 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. I also canceled this morning. During the hanami, the cherry blossom trees are lit up with lanterns every evening, and the gardens are open later than usual to allow visitors to enjoy them after dark. The very first festival to coincide with the country's first blooms the Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival in Okinawa is normally.