Hanami: Celebrating the Cherry Blossom-Viewing Season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Release Date: January 7, 2010

Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) announces its celebration of Hanami, the cherry blossom-viewing season, April 3–May 2. Hanami is the Japanese cultural tradition of viewing each moment of the cherry's flowering season—from the first buds, to the luminous blossoms to the waterfall of petals cascading from the trees. For many New Yorkers, Hanami marks the traditional—if unofficial—start of spring.

With over 220 specimens of 42 different flowering cherries, BBG's world-renowned collection is unmatched outside Japan in the number and variety of Prunus trees in one place. The Garden celebrates its iconic collection with a series of seasonal programs throughout April into the beginning of May, including a dynamic online blossom-tracking map; special free weekend tours led by trained Garden Guides; new cherry tree interpretive material; and Sakura Matsuri, BBG's two-day festival of Japanese culture, arts, and performances for all ages. Over nearly 30 years, Sakura Matsuri has evolved into one of the city's most anticipated weekend events. For more information on Hanami, visit bbg.org.

Hanami Programs:

Flowering Cherries: Early April to mid-May

BBG offers visitors a complete online resource for its renowned Prunus collection, including CherryWatch, a web-based exhibit that tracks the more than 220 cherry trees at BBG as their buds swell, burst into bloom, and eventually drop their petals like falling snow. It's an ideal way to track the cherries' first blossoms and to plan visits throughout the season. A time-lapse video captures Hanami in its entirety, showing these dazzling trees coming to life to stunning effect. Plus, there are links to national news coverage of Hanami, BBG's cherry blossom Flickr pool, and more!

Hanami Highlights Tour

Every Saturday and Sunday, April 3–May 2 | 3 p.m.

Explore BBG's long tradition of Japanese-influenced horticulture with a trained Garden Guide on a tour of some of our most exquisite plant collections. The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Tree Peony collection, C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum, and world-renowned flowering cherry tree collection will be among the highlights. Free with Garden admission.

Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival

Saturday, May 1–Sunday, May 2 | 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Revel in the blossoming of BBG's iconic flowering cherry trees with a phenomenal weekend celebrating Japanese culture! From the ancient practice of the tea ceremony to the hottest new J-pop artists, Sakura Matsuri will enthrall and inspire audiences of all ages. This year's performances include taiko drumming and rhythmic tap dance by COBU, a Seido karate demonstration led by founder Kaicho Nakamura; and an Okinawan pop and chindon concert by happyfunsmile. Plus, enjoy vintage kimono dressing, bonsai pruning, mataro ningyo doll making and many other workshops and demonstrations. Children can join a Kodomo Hanagasa parade, learn about taiko drumming, and check out Japanese comics at our manga library.