You find yourself strolling on a narrow path lined with recently blossomed cherry trees. All around you are people dressed in Kimono borrowed from a local merchant. The aroma of pan-fried soba noodles wafts past you while children play with a Shiba Inu dog. Farther along the path you hear the sound of drums and flutes in precise rhythmic synchronization followed by delighted cheers and applause from a large group. And everywhere are merchants and artisans displaying their work and selling their wares. Finally you turn the corner to a sign with familiar text that reads: Welcome to the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival.
The Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event presented by the Cupertino-Toyokawa Sister Cities Organization (cupertinocherryblossomfestival.org) and benefits a middle school student exchange program between the two cities every year. In its 37th year the festival features a wide range of displays, performances, merchants, children’s activities, and food reflecting the history and culture of Japan. Performances, displays, and hands-on demonstrations in Cupertino’s Quinlan Center include Japanese Calligraphy, Origami, Sumi-E painting, embroidery, Ikebana flower arranging, paper and fabric doll making, Bonsai, sword historians, tea ceremony, and many musical performances such as koto ensembles, shakuhachi flute, and even ukuleles.
Outdoors, in Cupertino Memorial Park, you’ll find Koi fish, Japanese dog fanciers showing Akita and Shiba breeds, bounce houses, slides and rides for kids, and a food court with everything from sushi to shaved ice. Enjoy a cold beer, a sake, a plum wine or a soft drink with your meal. The Memorial Park Amphitheater showcases skilled performances of martial arts like Judo and Kendo, as well as musical performances of Taiko groups, including San Jose Taiko, this year’s featured artist.
Find out what's happening in Cupertinofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Cupertino Senior Center is home to Japanese cultural merchants that have items for sale that allow you to take some of the history and culture of Japan back home with you. And throughout the festival are merchants with a wide variety of products and services you will enjoy browsing.
The 37th Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on April 25 and 26 in Cupertino’s Memorial Park, Quinlan Center, and Senior Center. Admission is free, exhibits are free, and parking is free in De Anza College parking lots A & B. Make a plan to come out the park and spend a day in Japan without leaving your neighborhood.