Cherry Blossom Festivals

Here in Little Tokyo (Downtown Los Angeles) the cherry blossom trees (sakura) are blooming - nature's way of saying that spring has arrived! A tradition in Japan is to have a picnic with friends and family under the sakura trees in full bloom. This pastime is called "hanami." The best time to go is when the blossoms start to fall; it looks like it's snowing.

Do you have a favorite place for "hanami" where you live? If so, please leave a comment and tell us where. You may also upload a hanami photo into the Nikkei Album. (Add it as a "Contributed Item" -- I can make a collection later.)

Below I compiled a list of Cherry Blossom Festivals in the U.S. Have fun and enjoy the spring!

56th Cherry Blossom Festival
Honolulu, HI
various events in February and March

Macon, Georgia's Cherry Blossom Festival
Macon, GA
March 28 - April 6

Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
Conyers, GA
March 29 & 30

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington D.c.
March 29 - April 13

Cherry Blossom Festival Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
April 5 & 6

Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
April 5 - 19

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
San Francisco, CA
April 12 & 13, 19 & 20

Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival
Seattle, WA
April 18 - 20

Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Monterey Park, CA
April 19 & 20

Cherry Blossom Festival
Denver, CO
June 28 & 29

A view of Hanami in Japan