Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 | Brundasree Unadi

credit: Brundasree Unadi

Every spring, as cherry blossoms bloom, San Diego's Balboa Park transforms into a serene haven for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts. The Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival, held from March 13-16, 2025, celebrates Japan’s rich tradition and the fleeting beauty of sakuras. Visitors from all over come to admire the delicate flowers in the backdrop of Balboa Park’s lush landscapes and historic architecture, including Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Revival styles. The festival, which runs daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with last admission at 5:00 PM), honors both the blossoms and Japanese culture through music, art displays, and food vendors.

The festival embraces the start of spring and invites San Diegans to celebrate hanami, the Japanese tradition of flower viewing. Nearly 200 cherry blossom trees are scattered throughout the garden, while food vendors offer Japanese street food, including mochi donuts. There’s also a beer and sake garden in the Inamori Pavilion, where guests can learn about the history of sake. Merchant vendors sell items ranging from traditional apparel to colorful anime trinkets.

This year, the festival featured a variety of stalls, food, and performances. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, creating a tranquil atmosphere alongside the Buddha statue and koi pond. CCA JNHS students volunteered at the event, contributing to its success. Performances began at 11:00 AM, starting with San Diego Taiko, a traditional form of Japanese drumming, and continued throughout the day with a performance by the Buddhist Temple of San Diego Taiko. Anju Madoka, a Japanese Maiyo Singer and Shamisen artist, also performed. Food stalls offered dishes like Takoyaki, Onigiri, and Mochi Donuts, while vendors sold handmade goods ranging from earrings to kimonos.

The Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival is a perfect way to unwind, especially amidst the academic pressures at CCA. I had a wonderful time, capturing countless photos, and the sense of tranquility I felt while walking through the garden was unparalleled. Overall, it’s an amazing festival, and I’m excited to attend again next year!