Guide To The 2015 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate the culture of Japan against a backdrop of gorgeous flowers at this year's Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. With a week of events held all over the city and suburbs, the ways to fete the sakura are seemingly endless. Here's our guide to partaking in the festivities. –Chelsea Karnash
THE BASICS
What: The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual celebration of Japanese culture, the start of spring and of course, the cherry blossom, or sakura. In fact, back in 1926, Philly was gifted with 1,600 flowering Japanese cherry trees, which now stand in Fairmount Park and remind visitors each spring of the ties between Philly and Japan.
When: This year, the festival is happening from Monday, April 6th through Sunday, April 12th.
Where: Festival events are scheduled all over the city, from Center City to Fairmount Park and Chestnut Hill, as well as in the 'burbs.
SCHEDULE
With so many events, it's hard to be at a loss for what to do during this year's Cherry Blossom Festival. Here are some of the biggies.
Japanese Culture Week
Shops at Liberty Place
1625 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, Pa.
Apr. 6 - 11
Head to the Shops at Liberty Place for free interactive events during lunchtime and displays of origami, flower arrangements, kimono dressing and more.
Dine Out Japan Restaurant Week
Various locations
Philadelphia and suburbs
Apr. 5 – 10
Savor the finest Japanese food in the region during this Japan-inspired restaurant week. Three-course, prix fixe meals will be available for $20 at lunch or $35 for dinner at a number of area eateries.
Cherry Blossom 5K & 10K
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
100 N Horticultural Dr
Philadelphia, Pa.
Apr. 11
6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Take on the Cherry Blossom 5K or even 10K bright and early on Saturday. Then, race participants can enjoy free admission to the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.
Sakura Under the Stars
Union Trust
717 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
April 11
6 – 8 p.m.
JASGP members $100 / Non-members $120
Celebrate the sakura season with sushi, cocktails and more at one of the city's nicest restaurants.
Sakura Sunday
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
100 N Horticultural Dr
Philadelphia, Pa.
Apr. 12
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Food, live music, dance performances, martial arts demos and more are happening on the Cherry Blossom Festivals biggest day in Fairmount Park. The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden will be open for tours, and you can watch pups strut their stuff in the annual Prettiest Pet in Pink Parade. Finally, don't miss the Harajuku Fashion Show, featuring one-of-a-kind designs from local students inspired by Tokyo's colorful Harajuku district.
For more information on the 2015 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, visit: subarucherryblossom.org.