National Harbor Partners with The Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan in the U.S.A. in Celebration of Cherry Blossoms

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., March 2, 2022—
National Harbor will celebrate cherry blossoms again this year from March 17 to April 17. This year, the property is partnering with The Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan in the U.S.A. to host a special concert and tree planting on Saturday, March 19.

The day will kick off with the formal planting at 3 p.m. on March 19. National Harbor has selected a special Kanzan cherry tree. They have been characterized as the “showiest” cherry trees with dramatic, deep pink blossoms. This tree will join National Harbor’s more than 200 cherry trees. The existing trees bloom each year in March and are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region.

Minyo Crusaders
will perform from 4 to 5 p.m. on the waterfront stage (150 National Plaza.) The group performs minyo music with Latin and African influences and uses instruments from around the world. They will give a short talk explaining minyo and traditional Japanese dance and then will invite (voluntary) audience participation in learning the dance choreography and being part of the performance. The Japan Foundation organized the performance in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the U.S.A. and National Harbor.

“We are honored to partner with The Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan,” said Jackie Saunders, AVP of marketing at National Harbor. “The formal cherry tree planting and concert are a significant contribution to our month of planned activities.”

Masashi Mizobuchi, the spokesperson for the Embassy of Japan said “In 1912, 110 years ago this year, the famous gift of cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington D.C. created a unique bond between our capital cities. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, the largest annual celebration of Japan-U.S. friendship, has become a fabulous opportunity to commemorate this gift together as a community. Now, we are delighted to also celebrate the cherry trees at National Harbor and participate in National Harbor’s Cherry Blossom Celebration.”

The Cherry Blossom Celebration at National Harbor will be held from March 17 to April 17 and will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more. In addition, the property will hold its Sakura Sunday event on April 3 with free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music, dance, culinary delights and a Japanese market.

Art in Bloom
artist Josue Martinez who has a gallery at National Harbor will update his chair in time for the festival. Last year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival featured a number of artist’s cherry blossom inspired chairs. National Harbor artist Martinez has updated his chair at National Harbor and will have it on display.

During the same timeframe, National Harbor will light up every night as The Capital Wheel and lights throughout the property turn pink in honor of the celebration.

For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/.

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About National Harbor

Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. National Harbor is home to eight hotels including two of Maryland’s Four Diamond rated hotels—Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center and MGM National Harbor. Also within National Harbor is Tanger Outlets’ 85 designer brands. The vibrant Waterfront District at National Harbor features boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment options along picturesque promenades as well as the iconic Capital Wheel, a 180-ft observation wheel and the Guide by Cell outdoor art gallery tour. National Harbor typically welcomes more than 27 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.