It’s a tricky business to plan a trip to Washington, D.C. around the timing of a nearly unpredictable event that is very short lived. Indeed, there is an element of luck in catching the cherry blossoms at their peak.
Every spring, the National Park Service attempts to predict the “peak bloom date” based on the different stages of bud development. This magic moment is when seventy percent of the Yoshimo Cherry Trees are in bloom. In the past, this has been seen to happen any time between March 15 and April 18, depending on weather conditions. You would nearly need to move to D.C. to be there at the right time.
The year 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of Japan’s gift of over 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington, as a sign of friendship. That gesture continues to be celebrated and is commemorated on a plaque along the Cherry Blossom Trail. The natural beauty of cherry blossoms is irresistible, especially when seen next to a reflective body of water. Such blossom viewing is an age-old tradition called “hanami” in Japan.
The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is said to attract a million people. There is a whole range of cultural activities during the weeks of the citywide festival.
In March 2012, our visit was perfectly timed. We witnessed a spectacular and enchanting display of blossoms around the Washington Monument and the Tidal Basin, and along the paths weaving through the Memorial Parks. This short video is a memento of an unforgettable visit.