Cherry Blossom: The Sakura Festival at the Jerusalem Botanical Garden Returns in Full Glory

Once a year, the Japanese people go out to the parks to experience and celebrate the blooming of the cherry tree – the Sakura, which lasts for about two weeks. Crowds in Japan wait an entire year for the bloom that symbolizes the elusive and transient beauty of spring. Beyond the mesmerizing beauty of the blossoms, it is a cultural event symbolizing renewal, connection to nature, and the seasons. It embodies a rich Japanese philosophical view of aesthetics, culture, and the ephemeral nature of life.

This year, as every year, the Botanical Garden awakens to the budding of the mesmerizing Sakura blossoms. Visitors are invited starting this coming Friday, February 6th, to an event that is a rich celebration, combining the blooming of the Sakura trees with unique cultural content: traditional and contemporary Japanese cultural performances, traditional kimono dressing stations, authentic Japanese food stalls, musical performances, martial arts, creative workshops on Japanese arts, a tour along the Bonsai and Sakura path and a visit to the traditional Japanese house, guided tours, a bonsai tree exhibition, and a host of activities that allow for an up-close experience of fascinating Japanese culture.

The festival will take place throughout the blooming period, which is short and usually lasts two to three weeks per year.

Activity Days within the Sakura Festival: Please check the Garden's website for updates. Content may change depending on weather conditions and the actual blooming time.

Cost: Included with the entrance ticket. Adult 40 ILS | Child 35 ILS | Members - Free | Jerusalem Children are free upon presentation of ID and parental accompaniment.

For more details:

The Hebrew University Botanical Garden, Tel: 02-6794012

On the Botanical Garden website:

https://www.botanic.co.il/

To purchase tickets in advance:

https://tickets.botanic.co.il/

(Photo: Arnon Bossani)