2016 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia: Japanese Live Music, Art, Food, Martial Arts & Japan Culture (April 11 - 17)NEW

The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival began in 1998 and initially focused on the tree planting efforts of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia.� Echoing a sesquicentennial gift of 1,600 flowering trees made by Japan to Philadelphia in 1926, JASGP pledged to plant 1,000 cherry trees in Fairmount Park.� This goal was accomplished in 2007, and the mission has been expanded to plant cherry trees in community parks throughout the region.

As the number of sakura (flowering Japanese cherry trees) increased, so too did Philadelphians' interest in Japan.� The Festival expanded to include an array of activities.� What began as a single day ceremony is now a collection of more than 50 events over 4 weeks.� Over the last 6 years Festival attendance has reached tens of thousands annually and along with the Philadelphia Flower Show has become synonymous with spring's return to the region.

For centuries, Japan has celebrated the return of spring with ohanami​ � parties beneath the blossoming cherry trees with food, drink, and entertainment. Now you can experience this delightful tradition without days of arduous travel. A project of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration not only of these beautiful blossoms, but of Japanese music, art, food, and culture.

Over the course of a week, the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates both traditional and contemporary Japan with a variety of events, including demonstrations of martial arts, ikebana flower arranging, a restaurant week-Dine Out Japan, as well as live musical and dance performances.

Sakura Sunday is April 17th, 2016
Sakura Sunday is a day-long outdoor celebration of all things Japanese. Featuring live music and dance performances, martial arts, cultural demonstrations, arts & crafts, karaoke, and much, much more, Sakura Sunday brings contemporary and modern Japan to Philadelphia.

The main event, Sakura Sunday is held at the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park and features two stages of performers, arts & crafts, Little Akiba, tours of Shofuso, and much much more. Other major events include our Silent Auction, Japanese Culture Week, and the Cherry Blossom 5K. For more details and events, check our calendar.� Also at Fairmount Park's Horticulture Center, home to hundreds of blooming cherry trees; including two from 1926! Bring the family, bring the neighbors, and bring your pets and enjoy a beautiful day of arts and culture beneath the blossoms!

Adults $10/Children (12 & under) free.

Expect over 12,00 People.

2016 Cherry Blossom Forecast
We recommend going to see the cherry blossoms in Fairmount Park, which has a large number of the trees in different varieties, which means the blooming season lasts around three weeks, compared to the usual one week period in cities like Washington, DC, which only has one main variety. There are multiple spots around Fairmount Park that you can catch a glimpse of the trees. A perfect time to see these cherry blossoms in Fairmount Park is during our annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can also experience Japanese cultural events and activities. The usual time that these flowers bloom is around early to late April, but that pattern is always affected by the weather of the past year, so the blooming time is not guaranteed. Look out for better forecasts as the spring season approaches, and make sure to get a glimpse of these beautiful trees!