The Cherry Blossom Festival in Los Angeles – April 4-5, 2009

Another last minute suggestion for you festival fans out there.

Spirited dance, tongue-tickling cuisine, awe-striking craft, passionate art and ebullient people* – the rich cultures of the Japanese and Japanese Americans are the focus of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival of Southern California in Los Angeles, and if you’re in the area on April 4 or 5, 2009, you owe it to yourself to experience it.

This exciting free admission festival features exhibits, demonstrations and pavilions dedicated to every facet of Japanese heritage. The main stage is the best place to see and hear traditional Japanese fashion, dance and music presented with the honor and reverence that it should so readily command. You’ll enjoy authentic Japanese dance, Taiko (Japanese ensemble drumming), a Kimono fashion show, and a wedding and ceremonial congratulatory dance.

Outside the main stage the presentations and exhibits range from historical to artistic to just plain entertaining. Hawaiian entertainers have a stage to themselves along with a selection of native crafts and goods at the Hawaiian Pavilion. The Cultural Pavilion has a number of delights: a demonstration of kimekomi dolls, a place to play ancient Chinese board game GO, and what everybody really wants, martial arts demonstrations (including Sumo Wrestling).

Even though admission is free, you’ll definitely want to bring some cash. If not for the incredible crafts, clothing and artwork for sale along the streets, then for the delicious and real-as-it-gets goodies in the Cherry Blossom Food Court.

The Cherry Blossom Festival of Southern California takes place on April 4 & 5 in the Little Tokyo District of downtown Los Angeles. The official entrance is on 1^st Street in front of the Japanese American National Museum. Admission is free. Learn more.

Conveniently enough, one hotel we’ve already given due props to in the past is located in Little Tokyo, so what better choice? Stay at the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens. To really get in the mood, consider one of their Japanese-inspired suites.

*That’s right! Ebullient! I talk good!

Image of Taiko drummers available under GNU Free Documentation License v. 1.2

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