Japanese Cherry Trees Washington DC
Road Trip Stops . Washington DC . Washington DCJapanese Cherry Trees Washington DC
One of my favorite spots around the Tidal Basin was the area dedicated to the famous cherry trees. It was such a beautiful garden area with rocks and Japanese decor.
Unfortunately, the trees weren’t in bloom while we were there so we didn’t get to see the pretty pink trees. Perhaps we will plan our next trip around the bloom times so that we can see them. We’ll have to weigh whether it is worth dealing with the crowds or not.
Since they weren’t in bloom, I think my son didn’t know what the big deal was about the trees. So we didn’t stay long, just long enough to talk about why they’re so iconic and how they look when they bloom. I think he was less than impressed still.
After reading the signage and discussing a little, we moved on around the Tidal Basin, continuing to the next memorial.
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About Japanese Cherry Trees Washington DC
In 1912, Japan gifted 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States. First Lady Helen Herron Taft and the Viscountess Chinda planted two Yoshino cherry trees on March 27, 1912 on the northern bank of the Potomac River Tidal Basin. The remaining trees were planted along the Tidal Basin and the grounds of the White House
The Japanese government gifted 3,800 more cherry trees to the United States fifty three years later, in 1965. Then First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and Mrs. Ryuji Takeuchi planted them on the grounds of the Washington Monument.
The Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates these gifts as Living Symbols of Friendship and gives us the opportunity to experience and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
These famous cherry trees bring 1.5 million visitors to the Tidal Basin each and every year.
Located near the National Mall at 701 E. Basin Drive SW, the cherry trees are free to visit 24/7/365.
Summary
We visited a lot of iconic places during this Washington DC road trip. We made lots of memories. I’m so glad we ran into these trees.
Of course I recommend visiting the iconic cherry trees. It is a must do, especially if they are blooming.
Have you been there? I’d love to hear what you thought of it. Have you seen them in bloom?
Please drop a few lines in the comments box below and let me know how your visit went.
In the meantime, safe travels!
~Kris M.
P.S. If you happen to use travel journals, be sure to check out the travel journal I created for my future Washington DC Road Trips.
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