Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
Saturday, April 16, 10am-3pm
Experience the beauty of Morris Arboretum’s cherry tree collection in bloom. Both Saturdays will feature traditional Japanese cultural activities.
Free with admission.
Cherry Walk
10:15am and 12:15pm, meet at Garden Rail entrance
Visitors are invited to discover and appreciate the variety of cherry species planted throughout the Arboretum. This 45 minute walk will be led by an Arboretum expert. Space is limited.
Kyo Daiko Drumming Crew
10:30am and 12:00pm, Haha Wall
Taiko drumming has been practiced in Japan for hundreds of years at festivals, battles, and as a means of communication over long distances. A combination of choreography and drumming, taiko drumming is physically demanding and visually compelling. Kyo Daiko, Philadelphia’s only Japanese-style drumming crew, is a community-based group, formed by collaboration between the Settlement Music School and the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park.
Kimono Dressing Demonstration
11:00am, Upper Gallery
Young and old alike will delight in the beautiful kimonos exhibited by Fumiyo Batta. As a “Cultural Ambassador” for the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, Mrs. Batta has given numerous classes and demonstrations, including seminars on the art of kimono, traditional Japanese attire, since the festival’s inception in 1998, and has been considered a significant Japanese cultural asset in the Delaware county area for the past two decades. As an extensive collector of kimonos, she will talk about the history of the kimono and demonstrate how to wear them. Participation from the audience
will be welcomed.
Origami Workshops
1:00 and 2:00p.m.; Upper Gallery
Learn how to make an origami crane under the tutelage of local resident and Japanese native Yuki
Flores. This art form of paper folding has been practiced for centuries and become a lasting symbol of traditional Japanese culture.
Japanese Garden Elements Tours
2-3pm; meet at Garden Rail entrance
Led by an Arboretum docent, this tour will highlight the Arboretum’s Japanese style gardens.
All events free with admission.