Sakura Matsuri 2015 at Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Springtime is just around the corner. How do you want to celebrate it the Japanese way while you are in the city that new sleeps? Cherry Blossom Festival or Hanami in Japanese is Japan’s tradition that welcomes spring. It is a time to celebrate the beauty of nature. Traditionally people gather under the trees of cherry blossoms to eat, sing and enjoy the company of each other while appreciating the beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms). If you are in New York City, there are various ways to celebrate this event.
- Brooklyn Botanical Garden
- The High Line
- Prospect Park
- Central Park
- New York Botanical Garden
- Riverside Park
- Randalls Island Park
1. immerse in japanese culture at Brooklyn Botanical Garden
New Yorkers favorite garden in the city is one of the best places to see the cherry blossoms. You will enjoy different variety of cherry blossom trees and at the same time immerse yourself into Japanese culture, arts and performances. Annual spring festival: Sakura-Matsuri in Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
Sakura-Matsuri
Saturday, April 30–Sunday, May 1, 2016 | 10 am –6 pm
Admission
Adults: $25
Seniors (65+): $20
Students 12+ with ID: $20
Children under 12, Members: Free
General information
Hours (Summer Hours)
Tuesday–Friday: 8 am – 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Closed Mondays (but open Memorial Day and Columbus Day, 10 am –6 pm)
Admission
Members: Free
Adults: $12
Seniors (65+): $6
Students 12+ with ID: $6
Children under 12: Free
Official website http://www.bbg.org
2. get a new perspective at The High Line
There are a lot of flowers and plants that are blooming in the city’s urban garden. The Cherry blossoms that are blooming will give you a natural high.
Hours (Summer Hours)
Dec 1 to Mar 31: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Apr 1 to May 31: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Admission
Free
Official website http://www.thehighline.org/
3. enjoy Prospect Park
This oasis is popular among people living in the Brooklyn area. The 585 acres of land has various cherry blossoms trees. Enjoy the calmness of this park.
Hours (Summer Hours)
5 am – 1 am
Admission
Free
Official website https://www.prospectpark.org/
4. take a stroll the famous Central Park
If you are in NYC, do not forget to visit Central Park. It is necessary and your visit to New York City will not be complete without it. See the beautiful cherry blossoms at 90th Street, East Drive at 66th Street, the east side of the Boathouse at 74th Street and Cherry Hill mid-park at 72nd Street.
Hours (Summer Hours)
6 am – 1 am
Admission
Free
Official website http://www.centralparknyc.org/
5. have fun at New York Botanical Garden
Pink & white cherries are blossoming everywhere at this historic garden. Let us celebrate these beautiful flowers.
Hours (Summer Hours)
Tuesday–Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Holiday Mondays
March 28 (Easter Monday)
April 25 (Spring Break Week)
Admission
Weekdays
Adult: $20
Student (with valid ID)/Senior (65+): $18
Children (2-12): $8
Children under 2: Free
Weekends and Holiday Mondays
Adult: $25
Student (with valid ID)/Senior (65+): $22
Children (2-12): $10
Children under 2: Free
Official website http://www.nybg.org/
6. celebrate at Riverside Park
Riverside Park is another New York gem if you want to see the cherry blossoms. There is Sakura Park with a beautiful cherry lined path by the Hudson River. The trees are located between 100th to 125th streets.
Hours (Summer Hours)
Open 24 hours
Admission
Free
Official website https://riversideparknyc.org
7. sightsee at Randalls Island Park
Cherry blossoms are just at the hindsight of the East River.
Hours (Summer Hours)
Open 24 hours
Admission
Free
Official website https://randallsisland.org/
Reward yourself with delicious goodness seeing the cherry blossoms. Stop by an authentic Japanese bakery right in the heart of the city. In line with celebration of spring, Zaiya created treats that are both delicious and heartwarming at the same time. You can find sweet Sakura mousse and Sakura buns. There are also burritos and platters to satisfy your cravings.
How will you celebrate it this year?