Each spring, Como Park transforms into a vibrant celebration of culture and community with the annual St. Paul Cherry Blossom Festival. This free, family-friendly event honors the enduring friendship between St. Paul and its sister city, Nagasaki, Japan, while celebrating the beauty of spring through the symbolic cherry blossoms.
The festival commemorates the 2012 gift of cherry trees from Nagasaki to St. Paul—part of a global goodwill gesture by the Japanese government to mark the 100th anniversary of the cherry trees in Washington, D.C. Since then, the trees have bloomed into a powerful symbol of peace, unity, and cross-cultural connection.
2025 festival details
📅 Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Cherry Tree Grove near the Mannheimer Memorial at Como Park (search “Butterfly Parking Lot” on Maps)
🎟️ Cost: Free and open to the public
Event highlights
- Opening performance by Taikollaborative (9:00 a.m.)
- Traditional Sakura dances by Sansei Yonsei Kai, with audience participation
- Edo Bayashi performance, featuring a traditional Japanese Lion Dance
- Cultural crafts: origami, watercolor painting, cherry blossom branches, festival headbands, samurai hats, uchiwa fans
- Japanese games and family activities across the Mannheimer area
- “When Will the Cherry Trees Bloom?” contest winners announced
- Guided walk through the Global Harmony Labyrinth near the lily pond
- Special guest: Former Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue
The event offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and traditions in the heart of St. Paul, creating moments of joy and connection across generations.
A history of harmony
In 2012, St. Paul was selected as one of 36 U.S. cities to receive 20 cherry trees from the Japanese government. The city was chosen in recognition of its nearly 60-year sister city relationship with Nagasaki. The trees were planted and dedicated on June 9, 2012, near the Mannheimer Memorial, with a ceremony attended by local leaders, Japanese officials, and community members.
The original dedication included performances by Sansei Yonsei Kai, shakuhachi flute player Leo Hansen, and Ryusuke Jono on western flute. Today, the blooming cherry trees continue to stand as a living tribute to peace, friendship, and shared values.
To learn more about the trees and the St. Paul–Nagasaki relationship, visit stpaulnagasaki.org/cherry-trees-celebration.