Are you tired of going to the same places around your city? Need a break from the usual humdrum of daily life? Get a taste of nature in its most enchanting form by attending the annual Cherry Blossom Festival this spring!
Cherry blossoms boast their beauty in Washington D.C., and spectators often have a Bloom Watch as they await for the cherry blossom trees to bloom around mid-March.
Since the Japanese gifted around 3,000 trees to the U.S. as a symbol of friendship, these trees have become a tourist attraction because of the soft atmosphere it gives in the middle of the busy streets of Washington.
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If you're working near or around Washington, this festival is quite literally just around the corner! You won't need to travel to Japan or Korea to escape to the beautiful pink paradise in the spring—you'll be there in a few minutes!
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However, if you come from another state, traveling to D.C. actually saves more time and money compared to traveling to the other side of the world.
That way, not only will you feast your eyes on these pink spring blooms, but you will also appreciate the cultural significance of these trees.
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The Cherry Blossom Festival As A Symbol of Friendship
The Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually to commemorate the time when Mayor Ozaki of Tokyo, Japan gave 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the U.S. in 1909 to cement the friendship between the two countries.
Since then, the festival has become an opportunity for Americans to learn about Japanese culture and for everyone to gather under the trees to eat and participate in activities.
Visiting the festival is a great way to bond with family and friends while gaining insight into Japanese culture without spending too much on travel.
The festival offers many activities that will energize you, so there are other options if you don't want to just stand there and look at the trees—although that still sounds like a welcome treat!
Don't forget to bring your own kite if you plan on joining the Blossom Kite Festival since supplies can run out fast at the activity station. You can enjoy the spring breeze while bonding with your loved ones as you watch unique kites flying near the blossom trees across the clear skies!
If you get tired, you can picnic under the cherry blossom trees. There are many sakura or cherry blossom-themed restaurants available around the area where you can get take-out, or you can bring your own sandwiches.
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You can try out restaurants that offer Cherry Snowdays, pop tart cherries, and other confections!
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For the best experience, you can get an Onigiri (rice ball), Anpan (red bean bread), or a pack of Poky!
After a day of viewing the cherry blossoms and participating in activities, you can enjoy the interactive art installations on the Petalpalooza Art Walk.
This is where you'll appreciate Japanese culture fully as it features Japanese music, art, and theater. This event will be on the last day of the festival, and the streets can be packed—but it will be worth it when you cap off the festival with a brilliant fireworks display.
Cherry Blossom Festival: A Refreshing Pink Oasis in the Middle of The City
So, if you're getting tired of the same routine, plan a short trip and head over to Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.! The festival will begin on March 20, 2024, and end on April 14, 2024.