Your Guide To The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival

Every year since 1997, The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival has gathered thousands of people together to celebrate Japanese culture in Philadelphia. One of many similar celebrations that take place around the country in cities like Washington, DC and Seattle, WA, this gathering consists of a number of events inspired by Japanese cultural and artistic traditions. The festival also celebrates a local collection of cherry blossom trees once gifted from the nation of Japan. 

The History

Philadelphia first added cherry blossom trees to its collection of beautiful attractions in 1926, when Japan sent 1,600 trees over as a sign of good will between the two nations. Later on, the Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia—the organization behind The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival—pledged to echo the sesquicentennial gift, and in 2007 did so by planting 1,000 more cherry blossom trees in Fairmount Park. 

Cherry Blossom Tree Locations in Philly

There are numerous locations around town for travelers to check out cherry blossom trees blooming this March and April. Kelly Drive along the east side of the Schuylkill River is a popular location with water views, and riverside parks. On the west side of the river, you can find more blooming trees in parks along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. To keep in the spirit of the season, also be sure to check out the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park. 

Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival Events

The 2020 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival will take place on April 5th and 6th this spring at the Fairmont Horticultural Center in Philadelphia. The event will feature two live-performance stages, dozens of vendors serving up Japanese food and drinks, and interactive activities like origami workshops, and tea demonstrations. Some of the featured performers include the Tamagawa University Taiko Drum and Dance Troupe, and fellow Taiko-drumming outfit KyoDaiko. 

Cherry Blossom 10K & 5K

Following the festival, the annual Cherry Blossom 10K & 5K races will take place on Saturday, April 11th. The event will offer participants a healthy and active way to tour the city and its many blooming cherry blossom trees, as well as free admission to the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. 

Stay With The Rittenhouse

Book your accommodation to stay at The Rittenhouse Hotel when traveling to Philadelphia for the 2020 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. A combination of a fantastic, central location, opulent guestrooms, and a range of luxurious amenities combine to make it an ideal property from which to base a spring getaway. 

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