United States Capitol
First Street NE
Washington DC
2019

Washington, D.C.'s famous cherry blossoms herald spring, peaking around late March and early April. More than one million visitors arrive in the District every year, drawn primarily to the cherry blossom trees lining the Tidal Basin. The U.S. Capitol Grounds also offer more than 100 cherry blossom trees — both the Yoshino and Japanese Flowering varieties — for public enjoyment.


The history of cherry blossoms in Washington, DC is a story of international friendship and patriotism.

The tradition of celebrating the blooming of cherry trees in Japan is centuries old. The planting of cherry trees in Washington DC originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan.

In Japan, the flowering cherry tree, or "Sakura," is an important flowering plant. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a symbol with rich meaning in Japanese culture.

For more than a hundred years, we have celebrating cherry trees blooming in solidarity.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/history-of-the-cherry-trees.htm


The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the gift of the trees with a parade, music, floats, and marching bands. The festival has grown to last several weeks.

The tradition of celebrating cherry blossoms in Japan dates back centuries. The cherry blossom, or "Sakura," is an important symbol in Japanese culture.