Blossom Report
Bloom Status
DORMANT
Peak Bloom is typically between the last week of March and first week of April in Philadelphia.
PARKING AND TRANSIT
Sakura Weekend Parking & Public Transit
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- $10 per vehicle at the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 4700 States Drive (Ohio House), Philadelphia, PA 19131
- Paid parking is available along the Avenue of the Republics
- Septa information: 215-580-7000
- Shuttle buses will run from the Independence Visitor Center to the Please Touch Museum PHLVisitorCenter.com
- Philly PHLASH Shuttle: Riders from Center City can take the Transfer Loop located at Pennsylvania & Fairmount Avenues to Stop T1 (Please Touch Museum) and follow the directional signage to the Shofuso. For tickets and info visit: RidePhillyPhlash.com
SAMURAI SUSHI CONTEST
Sign up for a unique opportunity to compete in Madame Saito’s 2026 Sushi Samurai of the Year Contest!
Call For Volunteers
Volunteering is a fun way to take part in the Cherry Blossom Festival! If you are interested in being a Volunteer please fill out this form and our staff will be in contact with more information.
FAQ’s
FAMILY FUN
The Cherry Blossom Festival is a great event for the whole family. Enjoy Japanese tabletop games, storytelling, face painting, calligraphy, scavenger hunts, origami and more. Activities held both days in the Horticultural Center Greenhouse.
IKEBANA WORKSHOPS & DEMONSTRATIONS
Ikebana Workshops and Demonstrations by Ikebana International Chapter 71 will be happening throughout the weekend in the Horticulture Center Greenhouse.
Food Court
Check out our new, expanded Food Court! More space, more vendors – located behind the Horticulture Center near the new Tomodachi stage.
PERFORMERS
We’re turning the spotlight on this year’s entertainers, including Golden Crown New Year’s Brigade, Keystone Japan Club, J-Pop and more.
Pretty in Pink Pet Contest
Fan favorite Pretty in Pink Pet Contest will be back again in 2026! Sign up the day of the event at the INFO tent to take part! Every participant will receive a goody bag with gifts for your pet, and the top three will win prizes, all from our title sponsor Subaru!
Sunday, March 29, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Sundial Circle
Ryu-rei Tea Ceremony
Ryu-rei (Table Style) Tea Ceremony presented by Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region USA will be happening Saturday and Sunday in the Horticulture Center Greenhouse.
Festival Programs
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Sakura Centennial
2026 is the 100th Anniversary of Japan's gift of cherry trees to Philadelphia.
Cherry blossoms have deep significance in Japanese culture and are a traditional motif in art, literature and cuisine. The ephemeral blossoms only last for about two weeks before fluttering to the ground, recalling the vibrancy and impermanence of life. The cherry is a symbolic national flower in Japan and is sometimes offered to other nations as a symbol of friendship.
It was in this spirit that the Japanese Government gave 1,600 flowering trees including cherry trees to Philadelphia in 1926 in honor of the 150th anniversary of American Independence. In 1998, The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia continued this legacy and began a ten-year, 1,000 tree planting campaign, which was completed in 2007. The Cherry Blossom Festival of Philadelphia celebrates the goodwill between Philadelphia and Japan as embodied by the cherry trees.
About The Trees
Acknowledgements
Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia would like to gratefully acknowledge all supporting partners and sponsors of the 2026 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival.
TITLE SPONSOR
SAKURA SPONSOR
PATRONS
SUPPORTERS
PROMOTERS
FRIENDS
PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS
Join Us!
Members receive free admission to the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, free entry to Shofuso all year long, free or discounted tickets to JASGP programs and much more! Check out all the benefits of becoming a member and join today!
Support JASGP
Your donation helps to support Japanese arts, business, and cultural programs in Philadelphia including the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, lectures and workshops, preservation of Shofuso, and much more.
