It’s cherry blossom season in San Diego from February to April and our city’s Japanese Friendship Garden will be celebrating with a 4-day festival. The festival grounds will include vendors, food, and activities for the entire family. Here’s the schedule for each day so you can make the most out of the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival.
Day 1 – Thursday March 7th 2024
- 11:00am – Masazumikai
- 12:00pm – Yako & Aya Duo
- 1:00PM – Southern California Koto Ensemble
- 2:00PM – Kamishibai
- 3:00PM – Geisha Opera Singer
- 4:00PM – San Diego Mugai Ryu
- 5:00PM – Super Tonic
- 6:00pm – San Diego Yosakoi
Fans of Japanese singer-songwriters, ensemble groups and opera singers will be enchanted by the talented artists taking the Inamori Pavillion stage from 11am to 6pm. In between performances, you can shop at one of their pop-up vendors from art to handbags, homegoods and culinary goods like tea. Plus, there’s a beer and sake garden and an assortment of food vendors in the Lower Garden, from baos to onigiris and desserts.
Day 2 – Friday March 8th 2024
- 11:00am – San Diego Yosakoi
- 12:00pm – Yako & Aya Duo
- 1:00pm –Anju Madoka
- 2:00pm –Shishi Mai Lion Dance
- 3:00pm – Geisha Opera Singer
- 4:00pm – Melly Mimi
- 5:00PM – Kamishibai
- 6:00pm – San Diego Taiko
The same vendors apply, but don’t forget to also visit the Children’s Area in the Lower Garden where kids can play. There will also be a temporary tattoo and sticker station on all days of the festival.
Day 3 – Saturday March 9th 2024
- 11:00am –Taiko School San Diego
- 12:00pm – JFGM Cosplay Contest
- 1:00pm –Anju Madoka
- 2:00pm –La Jolla Taiko
- 3:00pm –Shishi Mai Lion Dance
- 4:00pm –Shofukan kendo dojo
- 5:00pm –Kikiitorii
- 6:00pm – Asayake Taiko
Saturday sees a new event, the JFGM Cosplay Contest where you can dress up as your favorite character from Western and Japanese media, whether it be from a videogame, comic, TV series, or more. Some important things to note: costumes bigger than a door frame require pre-approval, no real weapons are allowed in any sort of capacity, and cosplay weapons must be made of soft materials, and costumes have to be different from what’s been worn before in other JFGM Cosplay Contests.
Day 4 – Sunday March 10 2024
- 11:00am –Genbu Daiko
- 12:00pm – SuperNovA
- 1:00pm –Anju Madoka
- 2:00pm –The San Diego Kimono Club
- 3:00pm – BTSD ONDO DANCERS
- 4:00pm – San Diego Kendo Bu
- 5:00pm –Viorhythm
- 6:00pm –Buddhist Temple of San Diego Taiko
Aside from amazing performances, great food, and the works, you’ll also be surrounded by the blooming cherry blossoms across the Japanese Friendship Garden, as well as their other gorgeous permanent and temporary exhibits on the grounds.
Location: 2215 PAN AMERICAN ROAD. E. SAN DIEGO, CA 92101