The Seattle Traveler

Cherry Blossoms are in Bloom

by Mary Jo on April 6th, 2007

Washington DC is not the only city that gets to boast about its Cherry Blossom Festival — Seattle has an impressive one as well.

If you’ve taken a look lately, you’ll already have seen the blooms.

The tradition of cherry blossom gazing is called “hanami,” and is deeply steeped in Japanese culture. As Japanese people began immigrating to the United States during the latter part of the 1800’s, they would plant cherry trees wherever they lived. Additionally, the Japanese government has sent thousands of cherry trees to locations around the U.S. and a gesture of friendship, and hanami has become a symbolic event that unites the two countries and their people.

The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival is Seattle’s oldest cultural festival. It began in 1976 when Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Miki gifted the city with 1,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees to celebrate the country’s bicentennial. These trees were planted along Lake Washington Boulevard and Seward Park, but the Seattle area is rife with additional Japanese cherry trees in numerous public and private spaces. We’ve been celebrating ever since.

Other cultural events, besides hanami, include dance and music, costumes, martial arts displays, tea ceremonies, and educational activities. There are lots of kid-friendly activities including toys, kite making, games, and a chance to dress up in authentic kimonos.

Location for cultural festivities: Seattle Center House, Fisher Pavilion (305 Harrison)

Dates: April 20th - 22nd (Friday - Sunday)

Location for great hanami: Lake Washington Boulevard, The Seattle Center, the Arboretum, the Japanese Garden, the University of Washington, Seward Park, Woodland Park, and the Seattle Buddhist Church Wysteria Plaza.

Photo credit: flickr

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Tags: b5media, Seattle, Tacoma, The Seattle Traveler, Travel, Travel & Culture, Vacation, Washington, cherry blossoms

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POSTED IN: Events, Family Fun, History & Information, Must-See Sights, Sound Like a Local - Local "speak"