Between February and April, it’s cherry blossom season in San Diego, and our city’s Japanese Friendship Garden will be celebrating with an unmissable 4-day festival. The festival grounds will include vendors, food, and activities for the entire family. It takes place between March 13 – 16, 2025. Here’s the schedule for each day so you can make the most out of the 20th edition of the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Day 1 – Thursday March 13th 2025
- 11:00am – Kamishibai
- 12:00pm – San Diego yosakoi
- 1:00PM – yako & aya
- 2:00PM – Kamishibai
- 3:00PM – Geisha opera singer / fioregerisha
- 4:00PM – JAZZ ON MAIN STREET
- 5:00PM – Geisha opera singer / fioregerisha
- 6:00pm – San Diego Iai BATTO
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, unique homegoods and culinary delicacies like amazing tea. Plus, there’s a beer and sake garden and an assortment of food vendors in the Lower Garden, from wagyu beef rolls to onigiris and desserts.
Day 2 – Friday March 14th 2025
- 11:00am – Honu sumo club
- 12:00pm – san diego yosakoi
- 1:00pm – Anju Madoka
- 2:00pm – San DIEGO SANSHIN
- 3:00pm – Geisha Opera Singer
- 4:00pm – SOUTHERN CALIFONIA KOTO ENSEMBLE
- 5:00PM – SUPER TONIC
- 6:00pm – SUPERNOVA
Emcee: Pauline Harring
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 15th 2025
- 11:00am – BTSD ONDO DANCERS
- 12:00pm – ANJU MADOKA
- 1:00pm – MASAZUMI KAI
- 2:00pm – La Jolla Taiko
- 3:00pm – Bando Hidesomi Nihon Buyo Class
- 4:00pm – Shofukan kendo dojo
- 5:00pm – Hirokazu Kosaka (Kyudo lecture)
- 6:00pm – Asayake Taiko
Emcee: Pauline Harring
You know the drill by now – don’t miss out on the koy fish ponds at the Cherry Blossom Festival!
Day 4 – Sunday March 16th 2025
- 11:00am – San diego Taiko
- 12:00pm – Tsumiki Japanese Academy of san diego
- 1:00pm – anju madoka
- 2:00pm – genbu daiko
- 3:00pm – viorhythm
- 4:00pm – San Diego sHISHIMAI KAI (Japanese Lion Dance)
- 5:00pm – aSIAN PERSUANSION
- 6:00pm – BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SAN DIEGO TAIKO
Emcee: Pauline Harring
Aside from amazing performances, great food, and the works, you’ll always be surrounded by the blooming cherry blossoms across the Japanese Friendship Garden. You can also find other gorgeous permanent and temporary exhibits on the grounds.
JFGM members do not need to purchase festival tickets and may enter through the VIP entrance. Remember to bing your license and membership card (physical or digital). The rest of visitors need to purchase tickets here.
Location: 2215 PAN AMERICAN ROAD. E. SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 – see you there!