Visit the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC
Visit the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC every Spring
The beautiful blossoming cherry trees signal the arrival of spring and are living symbols of hope, renewal of friendship and diplomacy in action.
Cherry Blossoms around the U.S. flag at the Supreme Court building in Washington, DC
History of the Cherry Blossom Trees
In 1912, when the city of Tokyo Japan gave about 3000 flowering cherry trees to the United States capital city of Washington DC as a gesture of international friendship.
Flowering Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC
The First lady Helen Taft, of the U.S. at that time and the Japanese Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador planted the first 2 Yoshino cherry trees on March 27, 1912.
The cherry trees were planted on the Northern bank of the Potomac River Tidal Basin in Washington DC near the area where the iconic stone lantern is today.
The rest of the trees were planted around the Tidal Basin and quickly grew creating the enchanting bloom we can now enjoy at springtime.
It signifies the concept of healed wounds, everlasting peace, and enduring friendship between the two nations.
Stone Lantern, gift from Japan, at The Tidal Basin in Washington, DC surrounded by Cherry Blossoms
The Stone Lantern
This iconic Stone Lantern nestled in the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC is a gift from Japan to Washington DC on March 30,1954.
It symbolizes the continuing cultural partnership and peaceful union that reemerged between the United States and Japan after World War 2.
The Stone Lantern signifies the concept of healed wounds, everlasting peace, and enduring friendship between the two nations.
Cherry Blossoms blooming around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC
Cherry Blossoms along the Tidal Basin
Along the Tidal Basin area you will be mesmerized by over 1400 Yoshino trees which are Washington DC's most iconic cherry trees.
They are about 50 feet high and bloom into a sea of white and pink flowers with an aromatic faint smell of almonds.
During the Cherry Blossom season you will see families and friends with their furry children sitting under the cherry trees practicing Hanami, a Japanese word which literally translates to "flower watching".
Cherry Blossoms framing the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC
The Cherry Blossoms beautifully frame many of the famous buildings and monuments in Washington, DC. The best time to snap those captivating photos of the monuments.
Pink and White Yoshino Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC
The Cherry Blossoms as lavish and remarkable as they are, only last a short time and after about two weeks they will peacefully fall and disappear into the ground.
All this beauty in our nations capital made possible through diplomacy and partnership over a century ago when these beautiful trees were given as a gift by Japan to the United States.
Visitors come from all around the globe to experience the enchanting beauty of the cherry blossoms and to share the spirit of universal friendship right here in our beautiful city, Washington, DC.
When to see the Cherry Blossoms
The National Park Services usually publish the various stages of bloom on their site. However mid-March to early April is when I usually visit the Cherry Blossoms.
Cherry Blossoms have a very short lifespan of roughly about 1-2 weeks so plan accordingly. They are at the mercy of the wind and rain and before you know if they’re gone.
Make sure to check the latest bloom cam on the NPS website.
Where to see the Cherry Blossoms
The Tidal Basin is the most popular area to see the Cherry Blossoms. I like to walk around the entire area to get those magnificent pictures of the pink and white cherry blossoms framing the famous monuments in Washington, DC.
Map of the Tidal Basin area in Washington, DC where you can see the Cherry Blossoms