Flowers are in full bloom and those looking to catch some cherry blossoms in Philadelphia are in for some picturesque treats. Here are the best spots to see cherry blossoms flourish this spring.
Sakura Weekend
You can’t really be a cherry blossom enthusiast without heading to this annual activation in Philly. The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival’s Sakura Weekend features two days of different activities, entertainment, food/drinks and surprises, all of which honor the beauty of the Japanese Sakura. Taking place April 5 and 6 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), blossoms will be in full bloom and tickets ($15, children under 12 and JASP members are free) are available online or at the door.
Housed in Fairmount Park (right by Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center and Fairmount Park Horticulture Center), the festival will feature traditional dance performances, live music, a cosplay fashion show, cherry blossom face painting, karaoke, presentations on Japanese storytelling, and a few additional activities (for a small extra fee) including an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, Sushi Samurai classes and more.
Food and drinks-wise, locals can find a variety of vendors spanning Haha’s Kitchen (Japanese street food), Korea Taqueria (a blend of Korean and Mexican flavors), Oishii (sushi and ramen), Tricycle Food Truck (cafe sandwiches and sides), Lulu Cafe (Taiwanese food and drinks), and a beer garden featuring pours from Philly’s Triple Bottom Brewing. Artisans and creatives will also be on-site selling hand-crafted finds.
“You can experience Japan while you are here,” said Kazumi Teune, JASGP’s Executive Director in a statement. “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.”
Locals can find parking for $10 per vehicle at The Mann Center (5201 Parkside Ave.) or paid parking is also available along the Avenue of the Republics. This dog-friendly event will be held rain or shine.
Additionally, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia recently announced the PHLY250Sakura Cherry Blossom Tree Planting Initiative. This pledge by both the JASP and Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) promises to plant 250 cherry blossom trees in Philadelphia by 2026 to commemorate America’s semi quincentennial (250th) anniversary.
“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 (150th) anniversary of American independence,” continued Teune.
“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.”
More information can be found online.
Lansdowne Drive and Horticultural Drive, japanphilly.org
Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park in and of itself offers some of the most prime views of the beauties. Philadelphians can head to the Park’s Centennial District, Belmont Plateau and the Martin Luther King Junior Drive trail to soak it all in.
Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania
Cherry blossom season at Morris started a bit early with the Okame cherries (Prunus ‘Okame’) in early March, but now, Philadelphians can also catch Yoshino cherries (P. x yedoensis) in early April and many varieties of Japanese cherries (P. serrulata, P. ‘Kanzan’, etc.) in late April. As a release notes, Morris is unique in Philadelphia with a collection of over 200 cherry trees representing over 76 different varieties. This diverse array creates an exceptionally long cherry blossom season.
100 E. Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The PMA offers some prime views for Cherry Blossoms in Philadelphia in 2025. By just walking around the venue (be sure to check out some of the designated walking trails), Philadelphians will be able to catch peeks of the staple springtime additions around every corner.
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, philamuseum.org
Kelly Drive
The Schuylkill River Trail is iconic on its own, but this time of year is especially fruitful with many cherry blossoms in bloom. Locals can begin where Girard Bridge passes over Kelly Drive and continue north along the trail to the ‘Playing Angels’ statues to catch over 500 of the trees.
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum
Those looking for cherry blossoms in Philadelphia can head to Andalusia this spring. Overlooking the Delaware River and 13 miles from the city, this picturesque property once belonged to the Biddle Family. The 19th-century Greek Revival home is currently surrounded by stunning, native woodlands and spectacular formal gardens, but the land and what it holds date back to the 18th Century.
On top of the blossoms, this time of year also features blooming and fragrant crab apple trees in the Graperies, The Woodland Walk littered with daffodils, and The Easter Gardens are another fan favorite, boasting an array of blossoming magnolias, redbuds, and tulips designed to be at their peak.
1237 State Road, Andalusia, andalusiapa.org
