CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTlVAL, SAN FRANCISCO
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival, San Francisco, takes place in Japantown. This event is the oldest in the U.S. and one of the largest. Over 200,000 people come to celebrate Japanese culture. Many flock to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown to experience the food, fashion, & entertainment.
In 2025, the Festival will be on the weekends of April 12 -13 and April 19 -20. So, no need to fight the crowds in Japan during cherry blossom season. Besides, San Francisco has plenty of beautiful pink flowering trees, making the local Cherry Blossom Festival a great alternative. The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown is a wonderful celebration for all.
Grand Parade participants
Know Before You Go To Japantown:
In San Francisco, the weather can be unpredictable. As always, it’s best to dress in layers. Bring a parasol or hat in case of strong sun; it happens. Plan on taking an Uber, Waymo or public transportation because parking will be difficult. Also, check out the schedule online, so you don’t miss any Cherry Blossom Festival activities in Japantown.
Family-Friendly Entertainment at the Festival:
Absolutely! There are children’s fun zones, including arts and crafts. Additionally, rows of chairs in front of the stage allow folks to rest. And great people-watching, especially the young people in anime and cosplay get-ups. Also, bring a selfie stick for the Instagram wall at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown.
Japanese fashion is not only traditional!
Japanese & American Food:
There are many Japanese & American food vendors, as well as in the mall across the street to enjoy during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
A great variety of food for everyone.
Traditional Taiko Drumming:
The main stage has live performances, including traditional dance, taiko drumming, contemporary music, and of course, the Grand Parade. These events are some of the highlights of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown.
Taiko drummer
Grand Parade:
Closing out the Festival is the big parade. It starts at City Hall and ends at the Peace Plaza. Expect a lively procession of dancers, taiko drummers, decorative floats, and school kids, all celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown.
Speaking of, one float carries the Festival Queen and her Court. Also, don’t miss the Shiba Inu Fanciers (dogs), as well as Hello Kitty, who is expected to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Hello Kitty Joins the Queen and Her Court in the Grand Parade
Grand Parade Traditional Dancers
School Children March in the Grand Parade
Don’t miss the wild hoisting of the San Francisco Taru Mikosh by about 100 very strong people. This spectacle is unique to the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Hoisting of the Taru Mikosh, highlight of the Grand Parade
Happy Crowds Cheer on the hoisting of the Taru Mikosh
Mark your calendars for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown. Enjoy!
Cherry Blossom Festival Info:
More Fun Entertainment Events:
photographs by ©lynnfriedman
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