About

The radiant blossoming of sakura is an annual spectacle ending winter’s solemnity and welcoming the vitality of spring throughout Japan.  The flowering cherry trees, planted along major streets and in parks, draw visitors and residents to marvel at the fleeting beauty of the clouds of delicate pink flowers.  After their brief glory, the blooms will be followed by soft green leaves that refresh the spirit through the spring and summer months and blaze with gold and crimson in the fall.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first official vessel from Japan, the Kanrin Maru, in San Francisco in 1860, a project has been created to plant 150 flowering cherry trees in the heart of the Japantown community. Through this Sakura 150 Project a new, living landmark will be created that honors the culture and heritage of Japan and the ties of friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.

One day, San Francisco’s historic Japantown will be noted for its breathtaking annual display of sakura and draw visitors from all over the world for the Japanese tradition of hanami, cherry blossom viewing.  Your donation can help make this dream take root and grow.
Donors will receive:

•    Information on planting dates and locations, including opportunities to participate in the plantings, will be sent to donors.
•    Announcement of the anticipated prime viewing dates for the sakura blossoms.
•    Invitations to special events and performances sponsored by the Sakura 150 Project
•    Public acknowledgement of donations of $500 or more will be on display in Japantown.
•    Donations of $100 or more will be acknowledged with a special “San Francisco Japantown Sakura Donor” certificate