Washington, D.C. Celebrates 100 Years of Cherry Blossoms

Annual festival marks a century since the first trees were gifted from Tokyo

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic photograph of cherry blossom petals floating on a pond, with soft, warm light and muted colors creating a serene, celebratory mood.The annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. celebrates the enduring legacy of the city's iconic trees, a century-old symbol of international friendship.Fort Wayne Today

On March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and the wife of Japan's ambassador to the U.S. planted the first two cherry trees in Washington, D.C. as a symbol of international friendship. Today, the nation's capital is home to nearly 4,000 cherry trees, and the annual Cherry Blossom Festival is the longest-running festival in the city.

Why it matters

The cherry blossom trees have become an iconic part of D.C.'s landscape and a major tourist draw, with the annual festival celebrating the cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan. As the festival marks its 100th anniversary next year, it highlights the enduring legacy of this international gift and the ongoing ties between the two countries.

The details

The original 3,000 cherry trees were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912. First Lady Helen Herron Taft and the wife of Japan's ambassador to the U.S. planted the first two trees along the northwest wall of the Tidal Basin, where they still stand today. By 1938, the trees had become so popular that when construction began on the Jefferson Memorial, around 150 society ladies chained themselves to the trees to protect them. President Franklin Roosevelt dubbed the incident the 'Cherry Tree Rebellion' and promised the women the trees would be transplanted instead.

  • On March 27, 1912, the first two cherry trees were planted.
  • By 1938, the trees had become so popular that 150 society ladies chained themselves to them to protect them during construction of the Jefferson Memorial.
  • Today marks the start of the four-week-long Cherry Blossom Festival, the longest-running festival in the city.
  • The festival will celebrate 100 years next year.

The players

Helen Herron Taft

The First Lady of the United States in 1912 who planted one of the first cherry trees in Washington, D.C.

Franklin Roosevelt

The President of the United States in 1938 who dubbed the incident of society ladies chaining themselves to the cherry trees the 'Cherry Tree Rebellion' and promised the trees would be transplanted.

Mayor of Tokyo

The mayor of Tokyo in 1912 who gifted over 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. as a symbol of international friendship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Next year, the Cherry Blossom Festival will celebrate its 100th anniversary, marking a century of this international gift and the ongoing cultural ties between the U.S. and Japan.

The takeaway

The enduring legacy of the cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. is a testament to the power of international cooperation and the ability of a simple gift to create lasting cultural connections. As the festival marks its centennial, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering global friendships and celebrating shared traditions.