A friend and I planned a museum day because there was rain in the forecast...so imagine our surprise when stepping out of SFMOMA, opens a new window and into Yerba Buena Gardens, opens a new window we encountered a park that was full of sunshine and sunbathers...and blooming cherry blossom trees! We celebrated by trying to get as many photos as possible with those lovely trees in the background.
Last Three Japantowns in America
You, too, can invite cherry blossom trees to photobomb your Instagram feed. These trees, originally introduced as a gift from Japan to America in 1912, opens a new window, can be found all around, but are only in their peak blooming period for a few weeks. Washington DC cherry blossom trees, opens a new window are quite famous. But we are particularly lucky to live in California, since it is home to the three remaining authentic Japantown locations in the United States: San Francisco, opens a new window, San Jose, opens a new window, and Los Angeles, opens a new window.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Want to take your family on a fun adventure? Golden Gate Park, opens a new window is a good place to see cherry blossom trees any time in March or April. Try a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden, opens a new window.
And don't forget the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, opens a new window. It takes place in San Francisco's Japantown over two weekends: April 8-9 and April 15-16. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the event, and will feature food booths, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, music, and more. A parade will occur at 1pm on April 16, beginning at City Hall and ending in Japantown.
Family Reads
Families will enjoy these fun reads to set the mood for spring and dig into the history of cherry blossom trees.
Thea Stilton and the Cherry Blossom Adventure
Have you been to the Cherry Blossom Fest? Or have you been to all three Japantowns? Share your thoughts below.
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