The 2018 Cherry Blossom Festival brings Japan to Philly

The fleeting nature of life and the frailty of human existence are perhaps not the first things that come to mind when one thinks of the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, but it’s the true meaning behind the cherry-blossom viewing known universally in Japan as o-hanami. In the traditional Japanese aesthetic, beauty lies in impermanence, leading to a society-wide understanding that all things must pass in time. Cherry blossoms (sakura) are especially significant because their vibrant beauty is ephemeral, lasting a few weeks before falling from the trees.

Americans might find this a touch morbid, but the atmosphere at a cherry-blossom festival is quite the opposite. This is a time to enjoy a picnic under the sakura trees with the people you care about. Presented by Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASPG) and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this tradition in Philadelphia, returning for its 20th year, April 7 through 15.

Organizers forecast that the sakura in Fairmount Park will be in various stages of blossom between the weekends of April 7-8 and 14-15. The fest culminates in the daylong Sakura Sunday event at Fairmount Park’s Horticulture Center, featuring food, family-friendly crafts and games, and about two dozen cultural performances, ranging from traditional dance and taiko drumming to cosplay contests. Tickets ($12 to $15) are available in advance or at the door.

Sake, tea, Kabuki, and gardens

In addition to Sakura Sunday, there are plenty of events hosted at Shofuso and elsewhere around town throughout Sakura Week. For the first time, this year’s festival will also feature a Sake Garden at Shofuso (think beer garden with Japanese rice wine) presented by Parks on Tap, open all day during the two festival weekends and 5 to 9pm Monday, April 9, through Friday, April 13. The menu will feature Asian fusion fare, sake, beer, and cocktails.

Shofuso will host daily events throughout the festival and will also be open for house and garden tours (10am to 4pm). On Saturday, April 7, at 3pm, participate in a complimentary demonstration of ryakubon, a simplified tea ceremony for beginners to the art form. The following day, Shofuso will host beginner classes in Nihon Buyo, a classical dance style of Kabuki theater (sessions are open to all ages and skill levels).

On Wednesday, April 11, Shofuso will be open for garden exploration tours. Head gardener Sandi Polyakov will provide an insider perspective on the aesthetic principles and gardening techniques of Shofuso’s unique landscape (participants can stay afterward to sketch). The event is free with purchase of Shofuso admission.

Film, food, and flair

That evening at 7pm, the Annenberg will host a free public screening of Tenshin. This 2013 Japanese biopic follows a 19th-century artist and scholar who fought for traditional Japanese culture in an era when Western influence dominated Japan’s art establishment.

If culinary arts are more your style, check out the amateur sushi-making contest on Thursday, April 12 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. It’s hosted by Madame Saito, Philadelphia’s renowned Queen of Sushi, at her Tokio HeadHouse restaurant (122 Lombard Street). The $50 entry fee includes a two-hour sushi-making lesson from Madame Saito, after which even beginners should be able to produce competition-worthy sushi. Admission as an observer costs $35 and covers sushi and appetizers, as well as drink specials and live music. Contact Madame Saito at 215-815-8266 to register.

With such a diverse lineup of events it’s difficult to call one the best, but world-renowned Tamagawa University Taiko Troupe promises to be a highlight. Performing a unique brand of Japanese folk dance paired with a mixture of traditional and contemporary percussion techniques, Tamagawa Taiko will perform at several colleges and universities in the greater Philadelphia area throughout Sakura Week in addition to their main performance at Sakura Sunday.

The 2018 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia runs April 7 through 15 at locations throughout the Philly area. For more information, including the full schedule and ticket prices, visit online.

Above: Last year's Sakura Sunday crowd, and a calligraphy workshop (photos by Studio Basel).