Nothing announces Spring like the scent and display of cherry blossoms. While they exist in almost every neighborhood, there are places where they dazzle, along with special events sponsored by the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, March 28 to April 8. This year’s peak cherry blossom blooms are anticipated during the first week of April 2025.

While cherry blossom viewing has been popular in Japan for centuries, these vibrant pink and white blossoms were not available here until 1926, That is when the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia gifted our City 1,600 cherry blossom trees! After 1,000 trees were planted in Fairmount Park, they planted cherry blossom trees in community parks throughout the region. They began another campaign to plant an additional 250 trees to mark next year’s semiquincentennial These include several varieties of cherry trees, including Pink Weeping Cherry Trees which grow up to 20-30 feet with cascading branches that create the illusion of a wedding bouquet and a favorite spot for selfies!

While many flock to DC for their version of cherry blossom time, we think the best views and special events are right here in Philly. The main event is the Sakura Weekend, a two-day, ticketed festival on April 5 and Sunday, April 6, 2025, with live performances, food and drink at Fairmount Park Horticultural Center, 100 N. Horticultural Drive.  Sakura is the Japanese term for flowering cherry blossom season.

Many of the events will also happen at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in West Fairmout Park. This beautifully landscaped, authentic Japanese house was built in Japan in 1953 using traditional materials. It was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York before relocating to Fairmount Park in 1957. It’s 17th century-style Japanese garden includes a tea garden, koi pond and island.

What started as a single-day festival in 1998 has expanded to nine days, drawing thousands to our region. Special events include:

• Fashion show 
• Live Karaoke 
• Calligraphy, face painting and Japanese tabletop games 
• Taiko drumming and traditional dance presentations 
• Music and vocal performances 
• Karate demonstrations 
• Beer garden and vendor market 
• Cherry blossom tree-planting ceremony 
• Cooking classes with Madame Saito 
• Prettiest pet in pink parade 

For tickets visit Festival Tickets.

But wait! There’s more! There will be daily Cherry Blossom lunch tours and a progressive dinner tour. For more info, visit Cherry Blossom Walking Lunch Tour and Sakura Progressive Dinner Tour. Or celebrate Japanese music at the Fallser Club in East Falls, on March 28th.

DIY Tours

If you prefer to skip the crowds and tour Philly’s magnificent cherry blossom via bike, skateboard, car, or your own two feet, you’ll find the largest display along Kelly Drive, starting behind the Art Museum. Cross the Falls Bridge to enjoy the cluster of weeping Japanese cherry trees along West River Drive. This is a great location to photograph children, brides, dogs, and blossoms. Bring a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and “thou” for a romantic afternoon.

Or simply enjoy the delicious scent of cherry blossoms at Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West, Clark Park or Drexel Park. In Northwest Philly, you’ll find over 200 flowering cherry trees in full bloom at Morris Arboretum. The Yoshino cherry tree is the most common in the Philadelphia area. But at the Morris Arboretum, more than 60 varieties of cherry trees are on the grounds.

Cherry Tree History 

According to the National Park Service (NPS), in 1909, First Lady Helen Taft, accepted a donation of 2,000 cherry blossom trees to be planted along the Potomac River. The trees were infested with insects and had to be burned. Talk about a diplomatic embarrassment. However, the mishap was quickly resolved with a shipment of 3,020 healthy trees of twelve varieties gifted by the Japanese Ambassador. In 1935, the first “Cherry Blossom Festival” in DC became an annual event in subsequent years. 

Following WWII, rebuilding understanding and friendship with Japan took many forms. In both the nation’s Capital and Philadelphia, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of trees and the promise of Spring. And, perhaps, to consider adding a flowering cherry tree to your community garden.