Spring Cherry Blossom Hike: West Fairmont Park (In Person)
Join us for a spring walk along the Centennial Loop in West Fairmount Park during the peak of cherry blossom season. We will pass by notable sights including the Horticulture Center, the Ohio House, the Please Touch Museum, the Smith Memorial Arch, the Cedar Grove historic house, and of course, cherry blossoms trees.
The walking tour will be approximately 2.5-3 miles on flat terrain. Kids and pets are welcome! The event is free for alumni, families, and friends, but please RSVP by Friday, April 8. We will meet near the entrance of the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden between Lansdowne Drive and Horticultural Drive. [Map]
About Philadelphia’s Cherry Trees:
They are a symbol of friendship with Japan. 1600 trees were given in 1926 to commemorate the American Sesquicentennial, and in 1933, Japanese residents from Philadelphia gave an additional 500 cherry trees that were planted alongside the Schuylkill River. The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia has planted more than 1000 trees since 1998.
April 10 is also the last day of the annual Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival, a weekend-long, non-ticketed concert open to the public. The hike will not include tickets to the Shofuso house, but those who wish to visit should make timed reservations ahead here: https://japanphilly.org/shofuso/. Please note Shofuso is not wheelchair or scooter accessible and requires visitors to remove their shoes and wear socks to keep with Japanese tradition. Parks on Tap is also available in the park, offering fresh food, local beers on tap, and specialty themed cocktails. A valid ID is required for entry.
Spring Cherry Blossom Hike
Date: Sunday, April 10, 2022
Time: 10am - 11:30am
Meeting Location: near the entrance of the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden [Click here to see map]
Parking: There is limited free parking near Shofuso and the streets near the Please Touch Museum (a 3 minute walk away). $10 parking is available at the Mann Music Center.
Where:
Fairmont Park
Lansdowne Dr Lansdowne Dr
Philadelphia, PA 19131 USA
[ Get Directions ]
Look Who's Coming:
Harvard