Cherry blossom festival in USA

Cherry Blossom is Japanese festival. In Japanese term, cherry blossom known as "Sakura". The flower of genus Prunus trees bloom in the spring season, which consider as Cherry Blossom. These are White and Pink flowers. The Cherry Blossom is assumed to be a native of the Himalayas. It looks marvelous when the Cherry trees bloom at its peak. You must visit it once.

National cherry blossom festival Washington DC

In 1912 Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo had gifted 3000 Cherry trees to City of Washington DC. In 1927 School children had initiated planting the Cherry trees and also added some fun activities, Which called the first “festival” in 1927. There are many up-gradation in celebration over the year. Hence National Cherry Blossom festival has started as an annual celebration to honor the friendship between the United states and Japan.

1. Address:- Japan Town 
2. Event date & time:- March 20 - April 17, 2016
3. Admission fees:- The event is free and open to the public
4. Main attractions:-

• Macy's celebration of the Cherry Blossoms
• NCSS grand ball & crowning of 2016 US Cherry Blossom Queen
• National Japan Bowl
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
• Sakura Matsuri 
• Cherry Blast

Image Source:- Event Facebook page, Collage by Urvi Shah

Northern California cherry blossom festival SanFrancisco CA

These year, its 49th year of Cherry Blossom celebration for the Northern California. Every year, Japanese Cultural and Community organize these festival. In these festival you can explore Japanese culture and traditions. It includes different types of events like parades, marshal art, Japanese Music and Sakura programs. 

1. Address:- Japan Town 
2. Event date & time:- April 9-10 and 16-17, 2016
3. Admission fees:- The event is free and open to the public
4. Main attractions:-

• Sakura 360 area
• Queen Program
• Golf tournament
• Kayo Parade
• Sanrio Hello Kitty Kid's Corner
• 2016 Grand Marshal 
• Grand Parade 
• Japanese Music Program
• Mikoshi Purification Ceremony 
• JCCCNC Stage
• SF TAIKO / CHERRY BLOSSOM TAIKO FESTIVAL
• Senior Appreciation Brunch

Image Source:- Event Facebook Page, Collage by Urvi Shah

Subaru cherry blossom festival Philadelphia 

The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival actually began in 1998. Japan had gifted 1600 flowering trees to Philadelphia in 1926. Hence, Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia had initially focused on the tree planting , JASGP pledged to plant 1,000 cherry trees in Fairmount Park. Finally This goal was accomplished in 2007. And JASGP had expanded the mission to plant more cherry trees in community parks throughout the region.

1. Address:- Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park 
2. Event date & time:- April 11 to 17, 2016
3. Admission fees:- Sakura Sunday is major event which costs adults $10 /children under 12 free
4. Main attractions:-

• Sakura Sunday
• Kanadete Sourou
• Yoshiwara Kitsune Shachu
• Subaru Sushi Samurai of the Year
• Prettiest Pet in Pink Parade
• Harajuku Fashion Show
• J-MUSIC Ensemble
• Shofuso Tours
• Little Akiba - Anime & Cosplay Area
• Sakura under the stars
• Silent auction
• Cherry blossom 10K

Image Source:- Event website, Collage by Urvi Shah

Sakura Matsuri at Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrating 35th anniversary of "Sakura Matsuri", Which is annual cherry blossom festival. "Sakura Matsuri" offers over 60 events and performances that celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. As BBG is botanic garden you will find different types of Prunus trees like "Kanzan", "Okame", "Shirotae" etc. You will get the chance to see all different types of flowers blooming at different stages.

1. Address:- Brooklyn Botanic Garden 
2. Event date & time:- April 30 and May 1, 2016 10am - 6pm
3. Admission fees:- Adults - $25, Seniors (65 and over) - $20, Students 12+ with valid ID - $20, Children under 12; BBG Members - Free
4. Main attractions:-

• Soh Daiko
• The Asterplace
• Samurai Sword Soul
• Kuropop
• Cobu
• Taiko Masala

Image source:- Photo by Mike Ratliff and Liz Ligon Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Collageby Urvi Shah

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Culture Festival

Japan’s former Prime Minister, Takeo Miki, had gifted 1,000 cherry trees to Seattle on May 8, 1976,  in memory of America’s bicentennial and the friendship between the Japan and the Washington state. Now, the Cherry Blossom Festival is considered as the largest and oldest festival in the Northwest. Hanami is the Japanese tradition of viewing cherry blossom. It is a reminder to celebrate life and the pink petals carried on the breeze at this Festival.

University of Washington is also a great place to view Cherry Blossom. They don't have any cultural celebration, but enough trees, which provide eye catching view

1. Address:- Seattle center at 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
2. Event date & time:- April 22 - 24, 2016
3. Admission Fees:- Free Event
4. Main attractions:-

• Traditional dance
• Japanese Music
• Arts/crafts
• Japanese games
• Tea ceremony
• Martial arts