Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival

The 13th Annual Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival was held on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, at the Buffalo History Museum and the Japanese Garden. Although we had some rain on Saturday, Sunday turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 people visited over the course of the weekend.

On Saturday, we were honored to welcome Ambassador and Consul General Satoshi Katahira from New York, who enjoyed the performances in the auditorium.

Saturday’s program featured an elegant traditional dance by the Odori No Kai (Japanese Traditional Dance Group), followed by a lively “Pokemon Ondo” dance with the audience. Ambassador Katahira also joined in the fun, dancing along with the community.

The powerful performances by Wadaiko SHIBUKI were held on both days, captivating the capacity crowd that filled the auditorium.

Throughout the venue, volunteers hosted popular origami tables, and the vendor corners spread across three floors were bustling with activity.

In recent years, the cherry blossom season in Buffalo has been arriving earlier and earlier. If you missed it this year, we look forward to seeing you for “Ohanami” (flower viewing) at the Japanese Garden next year!