Want to travel to Philadelphia and see the Cherry Blossom Festival for only $10? The Asian Studies Department will be taking a field trip to Shofuso Japanese Garden in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Friday, April 7, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Not only will students be able to see the beautiful garden, but students will also go take a tour of the Japanese house and be walked through a traditional tea ceremony.

Sakura Matsuri is an annual sakura, or cherry blossom, viewing that takes place around the United States. The origins of this custom came from Japan, as they have their period of hanami, or flower viewing. Usually, this period begins from the end of March to the beginning of May. Japan gave 3,000 sakura trees as a gift to the United States, which were planted around Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia. 

Because of these beautiful sakura trees, it became a tourist attraction for many, as well as an admiration of Japanese culture and nature.

Space will be limited, so students should sign up as soon as possible by filling out a form and making a $10 payment for their ticket. Tickets can be bought from Mary Woubneh at the Department of History in Townsend Hall room 117.

Every spring, the Asian Studies Department travels to Shofuso Japanese Gardens, so if students will not be able to make it this spring, there is always next spring!