Each March and April, cities across the United States turn a pretty pink and white as native Japanese cherry blossoms come into bloom. You might think you have to go all the way to Japan or Kyoto to see this beautiful sight, but there’s actually lots of cherry blossom festivals in the US.
From Washington to Tennessee, here’s where you can go see cherry blossom festivals in the US in 2020.
Best Cherry Blossom Festivals In The US
1. Washington DC
More than 1.5 million visitors descend upon Washington, DC each year to admire the 3,000-plus cherry blossom trees surrounding the Tidal Basin. There’s lots of events during the three-week festival, including Japanese performances and kite flying. This year’s festival runs from March 20th – April 12th, 2020.
2. Seattle, Washington
Come to Seattle from April 24th-26th to see 130 cherry blossom trees on campus at University of Washington and visit this fun festival in the Seattle Center Festál. The festival also includes performances and martial arts, exhibits and demonstrations, hands-on activities and Japanese culinary treats.
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville’s cherry blossom festival (April 4th) is a family-friendly celebration of spring and Japanese culture on the front lawn of the Metro Courthouse at Public Square. Stroll along the Cherry Blossom Walk to admire 1,000 Japanese cherry trees full of beautiful, pink blossoms.
Festival highlights include Japanese music and dance, martial arts demonstrations, sumo-suit wrestling, cosplay contest and tasty Japanese cuisine. You can also see the tree themselves all throughout April.
4. Brooklyn, New York
Every spring, New York City celebrates the beauty of the season’s cherry blossoms with festivals, but Sakura Matsuri in Brooklyn’s Botanic Gardens on April 25th & 26th 2020 is the best. There’s 26 different types of cherry blossom trees here, with an exciting schedule of Japanese cultural events. You can check in on live updates of when the blossoms are at peak bloom here.
5. Macon, Georgia
With 300,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees, Macon is known for the pale-pink blossoms that add a splash of colour each spring. Macon calls itself the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World”, and we have to agree! You’ll see beautiful blossoms everywhere and there’s also fun parades and performances. This year’s festival runs March 27th-April 5th, 2020.
6. Brookline, Massachusetts
This fun festival in Brookline on May 16th has pretty cherry blossom trees, and events such as the region’s only public taiko drumming showcase featuring taiko groups throughout New England. There’s also music, dance, kimono demos, crafts, activities and Japanese food.
7. Salem, Oregon
Salem is home to 150 cherry blossom trees at the Oregon State Capitol mall and has a long history of celebrating cherry blossom festivals. Take a self-guided walking tour through the gardens to admire the blooms on March 21st. Traditional Japanese performances and exhibits, including a tea ceremony, Taiko drumming and festival dancing, will also take place.
