Celebrate Spring at the Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival

Written by Sydney Lim W’25; Edited by Juliette Santulin W’25

 The moments where winter transitions into spring are magical. The sky morphs from dark grays to bright blues, falling snowflakes turn into falling flower petals, and abundant flowers blooming around give life more color. Something many look forward to are the cherry blossom trees, or sakura, that make for scenic walks in the springtime. As a symbol of renewal in Japan, cherry blossoms mark a new start for everyone and the beginning of the Japanese fiscal and school year. Many celebrate by watching the blossoms, known as hanami, or spending time reflecting on the beauty of life – and its short duration.

From April 8 to 10, visitors can celebrate the spring season in Fairmount Park at Philadelphia’s annual Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival. With trees gifted to Philadelphia by Japan that date as far as 1926, the walkways and waterfronts by the Schuylkill River are lined with various flourishing magnolias, dogwoods, and of course – cherry blossoms. The festival itself is held at the Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park where local artists perform for the public for three days. Because the festival is free to the public, tickets are not required. Food and drink are available to purchase throughout from various food trucks. However, visits to the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center do require paid tickets which are recommended to be bought in advance if interested.

The once one-day festival was lengthened to three days. Visitors are now able to journey into the intersection of the Japanese and African American cultures for more time. With performances that range from jazz and reggae to hip hop and taiko, there is entertainment for everyone. Many may also choose to have picnics under the park's blossoming trees, thousands of which were planted by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia since 1998. Japan originally gifted Philadelphia 1600 trees in 1926 to celebrate 150 years of American Independence.

For 2022, the annual 10k and 5k runs to celebrate the cherry blossom season have been postponed, being next year held during the 2023 festival. Typically, anyone is able to sign up to run or walk by Memorial Hall and through the Centennial District of Fairmount Park.

For those who are of age and are looking to enjoy some drinks as they view the scenery, the traveling beer garden of Philadelphia will be present from April 2 to 10 from various times of the evening and some afternoons. Sold outside the Fairmount Horticulture Center Arboretum, there will be a menu of food and drinks including special dietary options (vegetarian and gluten-free).

For visitors who plan to drive by car, parking will be available for $10 per car at the Mann Music Center. There will be no shuttle bus available for the 2022 festival for visitors to ride from the parking area to the Horticulture Center – but the distance is a short walk.

In typical seasons, the cherry blossoms bloom around late March, but due to the colder temperatures this year, the peak bloom will be around April 8. Other areas in Philadelphia where cherry blossoms can be viewed include Kelly Drive and Girard Avenue, behind the Please Touch Museum, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Rittenhouse Square, Drexel Park, and Columbus Boulevard. Even walking around the city by neighborhoods and schools, blossoming trees can be seen all around.

 Click here to view the brochure for this year’s Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival.