The 12th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is in Full Bloom

With the wildflower spread at Anza-Borrego Desert and the blooming of the cherry blossoms at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, Spring is definitely in the air. This year marks the twelfth anniversary of the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Diego, which takes places every year at the Japanese garden on Park Blvd.

All weekend long from Friday, March 10th until Sunday, March 12th, experience the Japanese custom of hanami–a tradition focused on appreciating the cherry blossom flowers. During open hours of the garden on March 10-12th, beer, food, tea, and cultural experiences will liven up the this Japanese downtown hub. As of March 7th the cherry blossom trees are at about 50% bloom, with an estimation of peak bloom by early next week. The festival, known as Sakura Matsuri, will showcase the unique Japanese flowers that are a rare beauty. Bring your kids along to learn about a few key Japanese cultural practices while introducing them to the season of the bloom! 

Photo Credit: Lynne Ulrich, Flickr-Creative Commons

Where:

Japanese Friendship Garden
2215 Pan American Road East
San Diego, CA 92101

When:

Friday, March 10th – Sunday, March 12th
The garden is open each day from 10AM-6PM

Cost:

$10 General Admission
$8 Students, Military, Seniors (65+)
FREE for Children 6 and Under

Things to Look Out For:

Friday at 2:30 and 3PM – Chi Kung Demonstration

Come learn the Chinese practice of strengthening the body’s life energy.

Saturday at 11:30AM – Buddhist Temple San Diego Ondo Dancers

Interact with the arts by watching this cultural practice of dance.

Sunday at 12:30PM- Iai-Do & Battoh

Watch the martial arts and sword fighting practices of these Japanese fighting styles.

All three days will also showcase chorale arrangements, Japanese guitar solos, and Genbu Taiko (Japanese drumming).

If you’re planning on going with a group, consider carpooling, as we all know how crowded Balboa Park can be on a beautiful weekend. Whether this is your first time at the Garden, or you go every year, you won’t want to miss the blooming of the Cherry Blossom trees!