Cherry Blossom Festival

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 1 p.m., the City of Carmel will host its first Cherry Blossom Festival in the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden behind Carmel City Hall. The free event is held in partnership with Carmel Sister Cities, Inc. and celebrates spring, Japanese culture, and the 30th anniversary of Carmel’s Sister City relationship with Kawachinagano, Japan.

Guests of all ages can take part in traditional Japanese activities like calligraphy, origami, taiko drumming, and kimono try-ons. Local vendors will offer a selection of Japanese food. A rededication ceremony will also be held for the Japanese garden, originally built in 2009, with displays showing upcoming renovation plans.

The festival takes place on Greenery Day, a national holiday in Japan that honors nature, reflecting shared values between the two cities.