Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival

Saturday, April 15, 10am-3pm

Experience the beauty of Morris Arboretum’s cherry tree collection in bloom.  Both Saturdays will feature traditional Japanese cultural activities.

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 12pm, 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. KyoDaiko, under the sponsorship of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, is a community-based taiko drumming group offering classes in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia.

Kimono Dressing Demonstration

11am, 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 to 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 and 2pm, 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 Railway entrance

Led by an Arboretum guide, this tour will highlight the Arboretum’s Japanese-style gardens.

All events free with admission.