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Cherry blossoms in Seattle

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Cherry blossoms on the University of Washington campus

Cherry blossoms play an important role in the city of Seattle, in the U.S. state of Washington.[1][2] Seattle has more than 1,000 cherry trees donated by Japan as a symbol of friendship.[3] Christine Clarridge of Axios Seattle wrote, "The annual bloom of cherry trees across Seattle symbolizes the end of the dark months and the beginning of spring, drawing residents and swarms of tourists to the city's most popular viewing places."[4] The season's peak varies depending on weather conditions, but generally lasts from January to March.[5]

Cherry blossoms are used for beautification purposes and have been as a symbolic gesture of friendship between Japan and the U.S. for more than a century.[6] In 2024, Time Out included Seattle in a list of the thirteen best places for cherry blossom viewing in the United States.[7]

Viewing sites and associated events

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Flowering cherry trees in Queen Anne, 2017

Popular sites for cherry blossom viewing can be found in the University District, at Seattle Center, at Seward Park, as well as a stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard north of the park. The annual Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival was established in 1976 following the gift of 1,000 cherry trees to Seattle on behalf of Japan by then prime minister Takeo Miki.[8][9] The festival was originally held at the park before moving to Seattle Center.[10][11] Eleven new cherry trees were planted at Seattle Center in February 2024. Other parks with cherry trees include Green Lake Park, Jefferson Park, and Washington Park Arboretum.[10]

The Seattle Japanese Garden has cherry trees.[3] Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle also has cherry trees;[12][13][14] eight trees were planted along Pike Street in December 2023.[15] A stretch along 22nd Avenue, between East John Street and East Republican Street, has Chinese double cherry, Kwanzan flowering cherry (Prunus 'Kanzan'), and Yoshino cherry blossoms. Part of Condon Way West, has Kwanzan trees. An area near NE 55th Street and 12th Avenue NE is also known for blossoms.[10]

Outside Seattle, cherry trees can be found throughout the region, including Downtown Bellevue Park, the Washington State Capitol campus in Olympia, and Tacoma's Point Defiance Park.[10]

University District

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The cherry blossoms on the University of Washington campus are a popular attraction.

The Quad, on the campus of the University of Washington, has 29 Yoshino cherry trees.[16] According to an arborist with the university, "Historically, peak bloom in the Quad typically begins during the third full week of March and goes into the fourth week of March."[10]

Peak viewing season at the Quad can result in increased traffic and limited parking.[10] In 2024, approximately 80 businesses participated in the U District Cherry Blossom Festival, which features "blossom-themed" activities and food options. The Seattle Cherry Blossom Run goes through the campus and Burke-Gilman Trail.[17]

Chinatown–International District

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In the Chinatown–International District, Little Saigon has cherry trees, and Mt. Fuji cherry trees can be found along the northeast edge of Kobe Terrace.[3][12] In 2024, the Seattle Department of Transportation planted eleven new cherry trees outside the Japanese Cultural and Community Center.[18][19]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Cherry blossoms attract tourists … and UW researchers". The Seattle Times. 2024-03-20. Archived from the original on 2024-03-20. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  2. ^ "Where to see cherry blossoms in the Seattle area". The Seattle Times. 2023-03-30. Archived from the original on 2023-04-26. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  3. ^ a b c Thankachen, Jasmin (2024-03-28). "8 great places to see cherry blossoms around Seattle in the spring". Seattle's Child. Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  4. ^ Clarridge, Christine (March 19, 2024). "Peak cherry blossom bloom arrives in Seattle". Axios Seattle. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  5. ^ "UW cherry blossoms are reaching peak bloom. Here's what to know". The Seattle Times. 2024-03-19. Archived from the original on 2024-04-01. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  6. ^ "SDOT plants Cherry Blossom trees at Japanese community center". KIRO 7 News Seattle. 2024-02-24. Archived from the original on 2024-04-13. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  7. ^ "13 weekend getaways to see cherry blossoms this spring". Time Out United States. 2024-02-16. Archived from the original on 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  8. ^ Spalding, Robert (2021). Monumental Seattle: The Stories Behind the City's Statues, Memorials, and Markers. Washington State University Press. ISBN 9781636820569.
  9. ^ "Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival: History". Retrieved 2024-06-08.
  10. ^ a b c d e f Oxley, Dyer (2024-03-15). "Seattle cherry blossoms are nearing peak bloom 2024". www.kuow.org. Archived from the original on 2024-03-16. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  11. ^ "Enjoy a celebration of Japanese culture and other spring events in Seattle and Bellevue". The Seattle Times. 2019-04-24. Archived from the original on 2022-06-19. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  12. ^ a b "Cherry blossom fever hits Seattle". Northwest Asian Weekly. 2024-03-20. Archived from the original on 2024-03-29. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  13. ^ "Seattle to replace aging cherry trees next to Pike Place Market". The Seattle Times. 2023-03-10. Archived from the original on 2023-12-08. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  14. ^ Oxley, Dyer (2023-03-10). "Seattle will save cherry blossom trees on Pike Street, but the old ones still have to go". www.kuow.org. Archived from the original on 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  15. ^ "Seattle replaces cherry trees that were removed near Pike Place Market". The Seattle Times. 2023-12-02. Archived from the original on 2023-12-09. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  16. ^ "Peak blossom time: Insider tips from outdoors experts on where, when to walk". The Seattle Times. 2024-03-12. Archived from the original on 2024-03-29. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  17. ^ "Peak bloom for UW cherry blossoms is here. Here's what you should know". king5.com. 2024-03-20. Archived from the original on 2024-04-13. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  18. ^ "SDOT plants Cherry Blossom trees at Japanese community center". KIRO 7 News Seattle. 2024-02-24. Archived from the original on 2024-04-13. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  19. ^ "Seattle continues tradition with cherry tree planting ceremony". Northwest Asian Weekly. 2024-02-16. Archived from the original on 2024-02-19. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
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