Guide To The 2013 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate the culture of Japan against a backdrop of gorgeous flowers at this year's Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. With more than 50 events happening in the city and suburbs over a four-week span, the ways to fete the sakura are seemingly endless. Here's our guide to partaking in the festivities. – Chelsea Karnash
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: The annual festival spans nearly a month. This year, it's happening from Monday, April 1st through Friday, April 26th.
Where: Festival events are scheduled all over the city, from Center City to Fairmount Park and Chestnut Hill, as well as in the 'burbs.
Events: With more than 50 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. 1 – 4
Head to the Shops at Liberty Place for free interactive events during lunchtime and displays of origami, flower arrangements, kimono dressing and more.
A Taste of Japan
Maido
6 N Narberth Ave
Narberth, Pa.
Feast your senses on Japanese snacks and cuisine at the Delaware Valley's only Japanese market.
Sakura Sunday and the Cherry Blossom 5K
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
100 N Horticultural Dr
Philadelphia, Pa.
Spend your Sunday under the beautiful sakura trees of Fairmount Park. First, run or walk in the Cherry Blossom 5K bright and early at 7 a.m. Then, enjoy food, live music, performances, origami, martial arts demos and more 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.
Blossom Bash
Hyatt at the Bellevue
200 S Broad St
Philadelphia, Pa.
At the swanky Blossom Bash, guests will be treated to an array of Japanese fusion eats, cocktails, live music and both contemporary and traditional Japanese entertainment. You can also partake in a silent auction for items like handcrafted jewelry and Trans-Pacific airfare.
For more information on the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, visit the website.
