Cultural Exchange

Closeup of blooming cherry flowers with green leaves growing

NPS photo

A Gift of Friendship


The cherry trees in Washington DC began as a gift of friendship from Japan.

When we celebrate this annual event, we join a centuries old tradition. Together, we welcome the spring by observing and celebrating the cherry trees blooming.

Explore the cherry blossom festival, history, art, and more to learn more about Japanese culture.

Gifts from Japan

The Japanese Stone Lantern standing on green grass among blooming cherry trees
Japanese Stone Lantern

This 300 year old Stone Lantern symbolizes the enduring cultural partnership between Japan and the United States. It's made stands in Japan.

The Japanese Pagoda in the foreground, the Washington  Monument in the background, cherries blooming
Japanese Pagoda

This granite structure, ca. 1600, was dedicated on April 18th, 1958, a gift to the city of Washington from the Mayor of Yokohama, Japan.

Cherry Blossom Art

Celebrating Cherry Trees Through Time

People have been enjoying the annual blooming of the cherry trees in much the same ways in the United States and Japan for more than 100 years.

Black and white photo of people gathered to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Japan in 1910 Black and white photo of people gathered to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Japan in 1910

Left image
Tokyo, 1910
Credit: Library of Congress, Bain News Service

Right image
Washington DC, 1919
Credit: Library of Congress, Harris and Ewing

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    Last updated: January 31, 2024