Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms

The plantings of cherry trees originated in 1912 as gift of friendship to the United States from the people of Japan. In Japan, the flowering cherry tree or "Sakura", as it is called by the Japanese people, is one of the most exalted flowering plants. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a potent symbol equated with evanescence of human life and epitomizes the transformations Japanese Culture has undergone through the ages. The date when the Yoshino cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions.

For the past 98 years, people from all over the world have gathered in Washington, DC to welcome the arrival of spring and to share the special season with each other. The splendid cherry trees, the focal point of the Cherry Blossom Festival, are constant reminders of the strong and enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.

Read and Submit questions or messages about Cherry Blossoms at the Washington DC Cherry Blossom discussion page

Washington DC Cherry Blossom Resources

2010 Cherry Blossom Festival Event Calendar

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event (March 27 - April 11) that celebrates springtime in Washington, DC as well as the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees by Japan. From the Opening Ceremony and the Smithsonian Kite Festival that kick off the Cherry Blossom Festival to sushi tasting, Japanese street festivals, a 10-mile run, fireworks, and daily cultural performances at the Tidal Basin stage, there is something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate springtime in our Nation's Capital.

March 26th - Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony
April 3 - Community Cherry Blossom Art Show at Union Station
April 9th - Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Cherry Blossom History

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual commemoration of the gift in 1912 of 3,000 cherry trees by Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to Washington as a memorial of national friendship between the United States and Japan and a celebration of the continued close relationship between the people of the two countries.

In 1885, Mrs. Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore, upon returning to Washington from her first visit to Japan, approached the Superintendent of Public Buildings and Grounds with the proposal that cherry trees be planted along the soon to be reclaimed Potomac waterfront. Her request fell on deaf ears. Over the next 24 years Mrs. Scidmore approached every new Superintendent with her proposal with no success. Read More

Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival

The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is the final major event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. It is the biggest Japanese street party in the nation.

From sushi to origami, from sumo to sake. Japanese arts and crafts and products of all kinds. Anime, manga, and J-POP music. Traditional dances and the dramatic taiko drums. If it’s Japanese, it’s at the 49th Annual Sakura Matsuri, the largest Japanese Street Festival in the United States. Join us from 11 am to 6 pm, right after the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Read More

Cherry Blossom Parade

The Cherry Blossom Parade is an exciting traditonal moment for Washingtonians. The Parade is made possible by the extensive volunteer efforts of the Downtown Jaycees, in cooperation with the National Park Service, and The District of Columbia’s Mayor’s Office.

All this is embodied from a gift of 3000 cherry trees from the people of Japan to the citizens of the United States. The tradition endures to blossom a renewal of kinship with a monumental display of simple pink flowers enshrined on the Thomas Jefferson Tidal Basin. All proceeds from the Cherry Blossom Parade are used to fund programs for thousands of impoverished children living in the Washington community. Read More

Embassy of Japan Princess, Miss Maya Kobayashi opened up the 1999 Cherry Blossom festival by lighing a symbolic 300 year old stone lantern. The lantern was given to the United States in 1951.

The annual perfomance and ceremony is a rare opportunity for the public to celebrate the friendship of the Festival has inspired with many important dignitaries. The location of the lantern is just west of Kutz Bridge near the three-way intersection of 17th Street and Independence Avenue, N.W.

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A new tradition was born at the President Taft graveside in Arlington Cemetery. A distinguished Japanese goodwill delegation expressed their gratitude and honored the Taft family and by simply planting an American Dogwood tree.

This event was made possible by the Gakufu-kia foundation and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Inc. The Gakufu-kia foundation’s mission is to commemorate the spirit and the many achievements of the late Mayor Yukio Ozaki (Ozaki Gakudo). In 1912, Mayor Ozaki presented 3000 cherry tree seedlings to President Taft with the intention of strengthening the friendship between Japan and the United States. Read More

At the end of the week is the National Cherry Blossom black-tie Gala. This is when the coming year's National Cherry Blossom Festival Queen is crowned. The crown was crafted by the Mikimoto Company and presented to the Festival by Yoshitaka Mikimoto in 1957. The crown took fifty continuous days to complete and has 1,585 pearls personally selected by Mr. Mikimoto and they are set in a frame of 14K gold. The crown has a 6-3/4 inch base that is encircled with a band of ermine. Above the base is a coronet of perfectly matched pearls and delicately crafted gold blossoms, scrolls, and leaves.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Queen is chosen by completely unbiased methods. A wheel with each state's name on it is spun to determine the winner. Read More

All proceeds from the fashion show went to: Kennedy Institue to Mentally Challenged Children, Love for Children, and NIH Ronald MsDonald House. You can visit Inga's boutique, "Once is Not Enough" at the palisades on 4830 MacArthur Blvd. in the District.

"I am so proud to be part of the Cherry Blossom Festival. I hope to bring people to this event through the media for all those needy children. Every person counts." Read More

The Cherry Blossom Festival provides a rare opportunity for pangeant princesses to visit the Japanese Embassy and learn about Japan's culture. The highlight of the afternoon was a special Tea Ceremony done to honor the Cherry Blossom Princesses.

In the Grand Dining Room of the Japanese Ambassador's Residence, guests were treated to a wide array of both Japanese and American treats. The Residence hosts many other events over the course of the year, some of which are open to the general public. Read More

Everyone in DC looks forward to the first cherry blossoms heralding the arrival of Spring in the city. Many people head down to the Tidal Basin on their lunch breaks to escape the office and enjoy the view.

Spring is the time for romance, and the hundreds of cherry blossom trees in full bloom only enhance feelings of love. Springtime at the Tidal Basin is also a great place to head with your family. In fact, many make a tradition of coming down to the Tidal Basin every year to see the cherry blossoms. Read More

Every year Ms. Ikeda, now Vice President and Cultural Liaison for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, invites Master Sushi Chefs to come from Japan and give a free demonstration of their skill (and a tasting!) at Phillips Flagship Restaurant on the Waterfront.

This annual event is free and open to the public, but you must make reservations in advance, as this is a popular event. The food is absolutely amazing and the sight of these wonderful chefs practicing their art is a pleasure to behold. People come in couples, with friends or with their whole family. Read More

Cherry Blossom Photo Galleries

Images help us remember special days and events. Come along on our journey as we capture memorable times and places in our Photo Galleries.

2009 Daily Cherry Blossom Photos

This gallery monitored the bloomming period of the Cherry Blossoms from different locations surrounding the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. from March 24 - April 6, 2009.

This gallery features photos following the cherry trees from bud to blossom. These daily photos feature the Washington Monument and jefferson memorial in the background.

2007 Daily Cherry Blossom Photos

This gallery monitored the bloomming period of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. from March 22 - April 4, 2007.

This gallery monitored the bloomming period of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. from April 10 - 15, 2005.

This page monitors the bloomming period of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin featuring images of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. from March 27 - April 2, 2003.

2002 Daily Cherry Blossom Photos

2001 Daily Cherry Blossom Photos

2000 Daily Cherry Blossom Photos

1999 Daily Cherry Blossom Photos

Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Map

Blossoms In our Future Program

To find out how to support the Cherry Tree Replacement Fund please contact Glenn Eugster, Partnerships Office, NPS-National Capital Region at (202) 619-7492.