250 Cherry Blossoms To Be Planted In Philadelphia By 2026

PHILADELPHIA — The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia together with Philadelphia Insurance Companies are teaming up to plant scores of new cherry blossom trees in Philadelphia ahead by 2026 to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

Together, the groups will plant 250 trees in the city. The project, which began in 2024, is funded by a $135,000 grant from Philadelphia Insurance Companies to the Japan America Society.

"This is a harmonious opportunity to support the community that’s been Philadelphia Insurance Companies’ home for over 60 years, along with the culture of our Japanese-based parent company," Brian O’Reilly, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Philadelphia Insurance Companies, said. "The environmental, social, and cultural significance of this program sustains the legacy of a gift from 100 years ago. It’s a privilege for our company and employees to have a part in maintaining this history and supporting the city.”

"In 1926, the Government of Japan gifted 1,600 flowering trees, including cherry blossom trees, to the City of Philadelphia in honor of the sesquicentennial anniversary of American independence" Kazumi Teune, Executive Director of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, said. “In 1998, Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia continued this legacy and began a ten-year, 1,000-tree planting campaign which are the trees seen across the city. It’s only fitting that an additional 250 trees are being planted to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America. These beautiful trees will blossom for decades and truly honor the relationship between the United States and Japan."

The grant reinforces the company’s commitment to support the protection and improvement of the global environment and their belief that the environment is an important responsibility for all.

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival highlights the beauty of the Japanese Sakura – the flowering cherry blossom trees that brighten the city streets of Philadelphia with their distinctive pink blossoms.

The Cherry Blossom Festival will celebrate of Japanese arts and culture is organized by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, with the support from their title sponsor Subaru of America, Inc.

While events are programmed throughout the month of April including StrEATS Philly Culinary Tours March 26 to March 30, a Sakura Concert at the Fallser Club on March 2, and special performances in April by Tamagawa University Taiko and Dance, the culmination is Sakura Weekend on April 5 and April 6 in Fairmount Park.

The two-day festival, which saw record crowds of over 40,000 festival goers in 2024, celebrates the beauty of the Japanese Sakura – the flowering cherry trees that brighten the city streets of Philadelphia.

With peak bloom expected in the first week of April, it will be a true celebration of the Japanese Sakura under the cherry blossom trees of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.

Highlights of the festival include:

• Main Stage Performances on Saturday and Sunday
• Live Music from Local Artists; including Japanese cultural performances on the Main Stage and “pop-up” performances throughout the festival footprint
• Subaru of America Inc., “Pretty in Pink” Pet Contest
• Traditional Dance Performances
• Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony
• A Calligraphy Booth where guests can have their names inscribed in Japanese characters on a unique tag to take home as a souvenir
• Sushi Samurai Classes
• A Cosplay Fashion Show at the Main Stage on Saturday and Sunday
• A Beer Garden featuring pours from Philly’s Triple Bottom Brewing
• Karaoke on Saturday & Sunday at the Beer Garden
• Vendor Fair & Food Court featuring Japanese and Asian cuisine, including Wagyu beef cheesesteaks
• Presentations on Japanese Storytelling
• Origami helmet making
• Cherry blossom face painting

"You can experience Japan while you are here," Teune said. "The Cherry Blossom Festival is a true labor of love between myself and my fellow board members and each year, we are overjoyed in bringing a taste of our beautiful culture to Philadelphia. Last year’s festival welcomed over 40,000 people and we couldn’t be more delighted to celebrate once again this year."

General admission to the festival is $15, while kids under 12 and JASGP members get in free. Access cardholders pay just $5 at the gate.

The festival will be held rain or shine.

Parking will be available for $10 per vehicle at The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave., as well as along the Avenue of the Republics

Shuttle buses will run from the Independence Visitor Center to the Please Touch Museum.