In 2008 the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia celebrates its 11th anniversary with two weeks of events across the region. These events offer dozens of chances to explore Japanese style and culture, from delicious cuisine and delicate craft to traditional customs and awe-inspiring performances.
The centerpiece of this year's Festival is Sakura Sunday on April 13 at the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park. Named for the Japanese word for cherry blossom, Sakura Sunday will feature drumming and dance performances, martial arts, origami, shiatsu, kite making demonstrations, a tea ceremony, and tours of the 16th century style Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.
Returning for 2008 is the stylish Sake Fest Loews Philadelphia Hotel and four mid-day events at the Liberty Place rotunda. Most events are free. Complete event listings and ticket information are available at www.jasgp.org/sakura.
Festival Highlights
Monday, April 7 - Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival Sidewalk Parade
The celebration comes to center city from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on the Avenue of the Arts and City Hall Courtyard with costumed parade-goers, tailo drum and dance performances and a mayoral proclamation to recognize the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival.
Tuesday - Friday, April 8 through April 11 - Japanese Culture Week at Liberty Place
The 2008 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival comes to the Liberty Place Rotunda, 17th and Chestnut Streets, Phila., noon to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free.
- Tuesday - Kimono Dressing Demonstration
- Wednesday - Martial Arts Demonstration: Akido, Karate and the Japanese Sword
- Thursday - Karaoke Lunchbreak
- Friday - J-Pop Live
Saturday, April 5 - Monday, April 14 - Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming and Dance Performance
Students from Japan's top performing arts university will give visitors the sights and sounds of Japan with thundering taiko drumming and traditional and modern Japanese dance.
- Saturday, April 5, 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street. Admission is $30.00 / $15.00 for Painted Bride Members
- Sunday, April 6, 7:00 p.m., Lang Concert Hall, Swarthmore College, Free
- Wednesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m., Elaine Levitt Auditorium, University of the Arts, Free
- Monday, April 14, 7:00 p.m., Lenfest Theater in Kaleidoscope, Ursinus College, Free
Wednesday, April 9 - Sake Fest 2008
Sake Tasting will take place at Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 12th and Market Streets, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors will enjoy a taste sensation, featuring a variety of sakes from small regional breweries in Japan and Japanese food. Tickets are $55.00 in advance or $65.00 at the door. More information.
Sunday, April 13 - Sakura Sunday
Sakura Sunday will be held at the Horticulture Center at Fairmount Park, Belmont Avenue and Montgomery Drive, Phila., from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rain or shine. Sakura Sunday's festivities include taiko drumming and dance, martial arts demonstrations, ikebana flower arrangements, origami and kite-making workshops, and Japanese food. Shofuso, a 16th Century Japanese house and garden in Fairmount Park is open throughout the day for tours. Admission is free. Shuttles will be available to transport visitors between Center City and the Horticulture Center.
Monday, April 14 - Friday, April 18 - Dine Out Japan
Treat yourself to a Japanese meal with a 20% discount. Participating top-level Center City Japanese restaurants will honor your Dine Out Japan coupon, available at Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival events and on the Festival website.
Saturday, April 19 - Nodate-style Tea Ceremony
Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony on the veranda of Shofuso while viewing a magnificent 60 year-old weeping cherry in the Japanese garden. Registration is required in advance. 1:00 & 2:30 p.m. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Fairmount Park Belmont Avenue & Montgomery Drive $25 Shofuso Members; $28 Non-members. For information or to register: (215) 878-5097. More information.
Background Information
The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, a project of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, is an initiative to encourage a better understanding of the cultural, social and educational customs of Japan in the United States.The Festival also beautifies the Philadelphia landscape by annually planting and maintaining cherry trees in Fairmount Park as a gift to the city. JASGP has planted 1000 trees since 1998. The Festival continues a legacy established in 1926 when the Japanese government donated 1600 cherry trees to Philadelphia in honor of the Sesuicentennial of American Independence.