March has come and with it the promise of warmer weather and opportunities for fun in the sun and gazing at natural beauties. One of those opportunities you should definitely let Travels By Donna help you take advantage of this spring is the The National Cherry Blossom Festival to be held in Washington D.C. from March 20th to April 16th, 2023! On top of getting to gaze at the blossoms of the approximately 3,800 cherry blossom trees planted around the Tidal Basin and getting to feel like you’re wondering in a spring inspired fantasy-land, the four-week-long cultural festival also offers tons of events to celebrate American and Japanese cultures and the bond between the two counties that is represented through the trees initially gifted by Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki in 1912. There’s something for everyone within the planned musical performances, art inspired events, and so much to do and see as a family too!

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The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony is definitely worthy of being towards the top of your list to do and this unique arrangement will include special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries. The ceremony is scheduled for March 25, 2023 from 5 to 6PM, and this year’s lineup features:

• TRAVIS JAPAN

This formidable 7-member dance and pop group from Tokyo has a captivating style featuring a mix of modern, jazz, and hip hop. The group caught the attention of Capitol Records and UMG with their performances on “World of Dance” and "America's Got Talent” and has since got the chance to release their music globally.

• ANNA SATO X TOSHIYUKI SASAKI

This duo of performers offers a completely original style by producing traditional music that is relevant to present audiences. Anna Sato is a Shimauta singer and Toshiyuki Sasaki a drummer, and together they combine traditional Japanese styles of singing and instruments, such as the Chijin, Sanshin, and Amami Tategoto, with a more Western style of drumming.

• MIKA STOLTZMAN

A globally known marimbist, Mika Stolzman is sure to bring an amazing and energetic performance of jazz inspired music. She has toured 19 countries and 60 cities around the world and released her first album, Mitsue, in 1998.

• PETÆL

This duo of charismatic musicians Miray Ito, Violinist, and Benedict Kloeckner, Cellist, are known for their classical expertise and promise to bring to the stage a riveting performance of classical masterpieces. The Two artists are also known for working with Ryuji Ueno on his research with the Delta Method, an analysis of music Based on brain physiology.

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Another experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on is The Blossom Kite Festival to be held at the Washington Monument Grounds March 25, 2023 from 11AM to 5:30PM, which welcomes kite enthusiasts and beginners both, with the chance to bring your own kite, purchase one on site, or even pick up a free kite kit that you can decorate onsite. There is also the promise of fun activities, music, competitions, and performances to mix in with the fun Springtime activity of kite flying. Some of the events promised for the 2023 Blossom Kite Festival include:

• Sakura Taiko Fest at Sylvan Theater, produced by Miyako Taiko, which promises a day-long celebration of dynamic traditional Japanese drumming. 
• Mr. Mikio Toki, a master of traditional Edo-style kites, is traveling all the way from Japan to showcase his kites.
• And performances and demonstrations by the local Wings Over Washington Kite Club.

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The last but certainly not least exciting event on our list of recommended experiences for this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival is the Japan-America Society of Washington DC’s Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival, held April 15-16, 2023 and known as the largest celebration of Japanese Culture in the United States! This two day celebration is full of opportunities to shop, eat, and experience Japanese culture, both traditional and pop, including:

• Over 40 different performances promised between the festival’s four stages, featuring martial arts, Japanese dance, music, taiko, and more.
• Mouth-watering food options inspired by both cultures and the shared love for everything tasty, with three must visit experiences being the three Matsuri Market locations for beverages and Japanese snacks, Kirin Beer Gardens, and Hakutsuru Sake Tasting Pavilion.
• The “Japan Now” section of the festival promising the greatest in modern Japanese fashion, anime-inspired hats and accessories, and the Japan Wow! Pavilion, where you can experience the latest in video games and Japanese pop-culture.
• The Ginza Marketplace section of the festival offering the chance to browse and purchase a wide and stunning variety of Japanese home goods, accessories, and artworks that are either directly from Japan or inspired by the cherry blossoms. 
• The Arts and Culture section of the festival, which offers the chance to learn about the cultural impact of Japan in the United States and enjoy interactive cultural activities. 

These are definitely worth considering, but The National Cherry Blossom Festival has so much more to offer and explore. The event even has partnerships with hotels featuring spring packages, deals, and discounts! Let Travels By Donna help you welcome this spring and celebrate the history and culture of America and Japan together.