San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival
Event Schedule & Other Tips to Attend the 2018 Festival in Japantown
The Japantown neighborhood comes to life in the spring when the cherry blossoms start to bloom. This is also when more than 200,000 people flock to this little district for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
The San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival started in 1967. Since then, it's grown to be one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in the US.
The 2018 festival will be held on two weekends, April 14-15 and April 21-22.
This celebration includes traditional music, dance, and other cultural activities.
During the festival, you can sample a variety of Japanese and Japanese-American culinary treats. These include popular dishes such as fresh sushi, tempura, and chicken or beef teriyaki.
Another highlight of this SF event is the Grand Parade. This year it will be on Sunday, April 22, starting at City Hall around 1pm on Polk Street near McAllister. The parade then follows Polk Street north to Post Street and turns left toward Japantown.
The parade concludes in Japantown near the Peace Plaza on Post Street at 3pm. Here is a map showing the typical parade route.
Most of the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival events are held on Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore Streets.
Events at the 2018 Festival
Taiko Drum Performances
This is one my favorite things to see each year at the Cherry Blossom Festival.
The taiko drum was originally used as a way to ward off evil spirits and pests from harming the crops. Over the years, it was used less frequently in the Japanese culture and this art faded away.
However, in recent years, taiko drum enthusiasts began a revival effort and now it's performed in Japanese cultures throughout the world.
Here are a few pictures of them in action.
Chanoyu - The Tea Ceremony
Another traditional Japanese art is the Tea Ceremony. Throughout the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival, you'll get the chance to watch and learn more about this well-known Japanese ceremony.
Japanese Music and Dance
Another highlight of the festival is the traditional Japanese music and dance. You will get the chance to listen to the music from a koto, or Japanese harp. This is one of the most popular Japanese musical instruments.
You also get the chance to see minyo, a traditional Japanese folk dance and song that has been handed down from generation to generation and has evolved over the years.
They usually have several performances both weekends.
Sanrio Kids Corner
Every year, there is also a special game and craft area for kids. The Sanrio Kids Corner features Hello Kitty and her friends.
Some of the games here in past years have included the Hello Kitty Spin & Win and Characters Sand Painting. Usually there is an extra charge for this, around $10 per child.
Schedule of Events on the Main Stage
Below you will find the schedule for the first weekend on the Peace Plaza Stage. This is where many of the largest performances are held and they are very popular.
- Saturday, April 14
- 11:30am: San Francisco Taiko Dojo
- 12:30pm: Opening Ceremony
- 1:00pm: Michiya Hanayagi and Michisuya Hanayagi Kai
- 1:30pm: Nihon Buyo Kiyonomoto
- 2:00pm: Childrens' Tsuzumi Challenge
- 2:15pm: Ito Yosakoi
- 2:30pm: Kali Martial Arts
- 3:00pm: Essence with Masayuki Koga
- 3:30pm: Northern California Naginata
- 4:00pm: Sakura Mino Doo Koo Kai
- 4:30pm: World Oyama Karate
- 5:00pm: Kendama USA
- Sunday, April 15
- 12:00pm: San Francisco Taiko Dojo
- 1:00pm: 2018 Queen Introductions
- 1:30pm: Yamasho-Kai
- 2:00pm: Soko Joshi Dojo
- 2:30pm: Ensohoza Minyoshu
- 3:00pm: Kendama Prelue
- 3:30pm: El Cerrito High School Japanese Club
- 3:45pm: San Francisco Wushu Team
- 4:15pm: Suio Ryu Iai Kendo
- 4:45pm: Rinka Buyo
- 5:15pm: Kendama USA
Here is the 2018 schedule for the Peace Plaza Stage for the second weekend (April 21 & 22):
- Saturday, April 21
- 12:00pm: San Francisco Taiko Dojo
- 1:00pm: Rosa Parks Elementary School
- 1:30pm: Tsuzumi Challenge by Willow Creek Academy
- 1:45pm: Ocarina Group from Tohoku
- 2:15pm: Zanshin Dojo
- 2:45pm: SF Okinawa Kenjin Kai
- 3:15pm: Senjukai Hawaii
- 4:00pm: Aoba Taiko
- Sunday, April 22
- 11:00am: San Francisco Kendo Dojo
- 12:00pm: Enshin Karate
- 12:30pm: Shorinji Kempo
- 1pm to 3:00pm: No Performances, Parade
- 3:30pm: SF Awakko Ren
- 4:00pm: Dream Show with TiA (Naruto singer)
- 4:45pm: Sakura Ren
- 5:15pm: Raffle Drawing
You will find dozens of other performances at this year's event. Visit the official Cherry Blossom site for a full schedule of events.
Savings Tip: Are you looking for other fun things to do this weekend? If so, then check out the ticket selection on Goldstar. They offer a variety of tickets for events, tours, and other activities at up to 50% off! Click here to check them out today!
San Francisco Hotels
Are you still looking for a hotel for your stay? Here are several recommendations based on budget, amenities, and neighborhood.
Tips for Visiting Japantown
Are you looking for other things to do in Japantown? Do you need a hotel near the festival?
On this page, you'll find out about other top activities, top hotels, and some of my favorite restaurants in this SF neighborhood. You will also find the best public transportation options to get to the festival.
Learn More: Japantown
More Fun Events in April
SF Giants: The San Francisco Giants kick of their season in early April. Get ready to watch exciting games at AT&T Park in SF's SoMa District! Click here for additional details.
SF Theater: Every month in SF, you will find a variety of theater productions. They range from well known shows such as the The Lion King and Hamilton, to smaller performances in intimate settings. Click here for ticketing details and the full theater calendar for this April.
Free SF Events: Did you know that SF has dozens of free events every week? You will find events large and small all year long. To make it easier to find the most popular, I created a list of the 101 best free events in SF. Click here to learn more!
Other Places in SF to See Flowers in Bloom this Spring
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Other Top Events in April
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Hi there! I'm Jill and I love writing about San Francisco travel as much as I love exploring my amazing city. Thanks for stopping by and let me know how I can help!
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