Cherry blossoms and other blooms are such a wonderful sight to see during the spring months. They simply add magic to every stroll around parks or fields, and it’s like they bring us back to life after the winter. Sadly though, the time to enjoy nature’s spectacle is very limited. Here in San Diego, we had the opportunity to see the cherry blossoms while enjoying some sake and live entertainment just 2 weeks ago, at the Cherry Blossom Festival. But just because the festival is over, it doesn’t mean the season is…actually, cherry blossoms are in FULL BLOOM right at this moment.
Cherry Blossoms at The Japanese Friendship Garden
During the festival, the estimated bloom percentage was at 60-70%…but it now just reached 100%. There’s literally no better time to visit the Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park and enjoy the show. Lose yourself within thousands of flowers, take millions of pictures, and make unforgettable memories. It’s the perfect spring thing to-do, whether you’re thinking of a solo trip, a date, or taking the little ones out for a day in nature.
General tickets are $16, with various discounts available. Don’t forget about resident Tuesday! San Diegans go for free on March 25, between 10am-5pm, with the last admission at 4pm.
After your stroll, don’t forget to check out the wonderful exhibits – you’re guaranteed to leave with an enhanced knowledge of the fascinating Japanese culture. On selected days, they even have workshops or fun activities.
Of course, due to its location, you can combine this seasonal activity with many more – Balboa Park is a destination with never-ending activities.
The Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
This amazing place was created to as a center to educate and inspire people about the Japanese culture and community. It offers multiple educational programs, exhibits, and cultural festivals – such as the Cherry Blossom Festival that just happened. Annually, the garden receives over 330,000 visitors. It opened in 1991, as an expression of friendship between SD and its sister city, Yokohama. Today, the JFGM has over 12 acres, filled with beautiful nature, a koi pond, exhibits, and activity centers.
The JFGM hosts all sorts of educational activities, but also cultural and fun ones – for example, there are weekly yoga classes here, sound meditation sessions, or you can practice breathwork & ice baths.