SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Cherry Blossom Festival is happening from March 7 through March 10 at the Japanese Friendship Gardens. This annual spectacle happens when cherry blossom trees bloom into vibrant pink displays of color and nature.
The four-day event starts Thursday, March 7 with tickets on sale for Japanese Friendship Garden members as well as non-members.
Pets from the general public are not allowed, unfortunately, because there are strict rules of etiquette for the gardens. As such, ADA-compliant service animals are allowed.
VIP tickets are $25, general admission tickets are $14. Military/Student/Senior (with ID) are $12 and children under 6 are free!
The festival features food and vendors from all across San Diego, celebrating Japanese culture. Merchant vendor stands will be available at the Upper Garden daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Design Contest
The Cherry Blossom Festival holds a Design Contest every year and contestants must use only 3-4 colors as well as following the yearly theme.
This year's poster was inspired by two philosophies in Japanese culture, Ikigai and Wabi-Sabi. Ikigai is defined as "purpose" and Wabi-Sabi describes the impermanence and imperfection of life.
Cosplay Contest
Comic-Con might be months away, but for those cosplayers, the Cherry Blossom Festival is hosting a Cosplay Contest. Participants will be judged on presentation and stage presence as well as the craftsmanship and quality of the costume.
Awards will be handed out for Best in Theme - Cherry Blossom, Best in Originality, and Best in Show. To register for the cosplay competition, click here.
Call for Artists
Are you an artist eager to get your work out in the world? The Japanese Friendship Garden is also hosting a Call for Artists. Submissions will be on display from March 7 until April 2024. Artists from the local, national, professional and amateur levels have submitted their work for this year's festival.
Kanpai Program
Enjoy Sake? The Kanpai Program at this year's cherry blossom festival features the history of sake, as well as the opportunity to try three exclusive brands from Sake Master Ayaka Ito.
Japanese Friendship Garden Members $25 | Non-members $50 | Add-on includes a color-changing sake cup for $20.
For more on the garden etiquette - "The Japanese Friendship Garden is a place of meditation and contemplation. We ask that guests be mindful of the etiquette below to enhance visitor experience."
No outside food, water is permitted
No weapons, scooters, bikes or skateboards
ADA service animals only
JFG and all of Balboa Park is a non-smoking environment. Smoking or illicit substances
Remain on the path at all times
Please do not climb trees, rocks or enter waterfall/pond areas. Altering of the landscape (i.e. moving rocks, standing in the koi pond, throwing coins in the koi pond..etc.) is strictly prohibited.
Picnicking on the grass is not allowed, along with outside food or drinks. (Water is okay).
Obstruction of pathways and common areas are not permitted.
The set up of easels, instruments, and tripods are not allowed.
Any items potentially damaging to the property is not allowed.
To maintain the quiet and serenity of the garden, please refrain from using loud voices or shouting. Running is prohibited.
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times
Please do not feed koi, as food outside their diet is harmful to them
Dispose waste into designated receptacles
JFG reserves the right to ask a visitor to leave for inappropriate or offensive behavior. Visitors will be held liable for any damage to the JFG property.