Cherry Blossom 2025 in Arizona

Arizona's arid climate may not seem ideal for cherry blossoms, but the state is home to a few native cherry species, including bitter cherry and two varieties of chokecherry. These species bloom beautifully in areas such as Flagstaff, Sedona, and even Phoenix. In addition to these native cherry trees, Arizona also celebrates its own version of the sakura matsuri festival, inspired by the Japanese hanami traditions, where visitors can enjoy the cultural festivities associated with the season and much more.

Flagstaff

Cherry trees are quite widespread in Flagstaff. They make spring especially beautiful in the city and even occasionally bear some fruit. Cherries are especially scenic on the corner of Milton and Butler Streets and at the Northern Arizona University campus.

Visit the Arboretum at Flagstaff to enjoy the beauty of tree blossoms along two scenic paths: the 0.5-mile (0.8 km) Wommack Tree Walk, beginning at the northeast corner of the Blome Building, and the 0.5-mile (0.8 km) Littleman Tree Walk, starting at the south entrance to North Union. The Arboretum reopens on April 30, 2025, with tickets priced at $12 for adults (18+), $6 for youth (5–17), and free admission for children under 5.

Phoenix

The Japanese Friendship Garden is a serene oasis in Phoenix, offering some of the city's most stunning spring blooms. While cherry blossoms are absent here—not just due to Phoenix's hot desert climate but also because of the guiding principles of Japanese gardening—the garden boasts its unique beauty.

Instead of azaleas, visitors can enjoy the vibrant display of Indian hawthorn, with hundreds of pink flowers blooming from March to April. In place of cherry blossoms, ornamental pear trees bloom in late January, followed by flowering almond and peach trees in February, and purple leaf plum in March, among many other beautiful blooms.

Arizona Matsuri (February 22–23, 2025)

Arizona Matsuri is a vibrant two-day festival held at Steele Indian School Park on the last full weekend of February from 10 am to 5 pm. The event offers an array of experiences, including martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, music, dance, origami, and delicious food. Admission is free for all.

Arizona Matsuri isn't exclusively dedicated to cherry blossoms or hanami, as the festival occurs in late February, which doesn't align with the cherry blossom season and doesn't feature actual cherry blossoms due to Arizona's desert climate. Instead, Arizona Matsuri celebrates Japanese culture as a whole, encompassing traditions, art, food, music, and performances. Still, this event is a must-see for anyone passionate about Japanese culture.

Organized by a dedicated team of volunteers, Arizona Matsuri aims to showcase the beauty of traditional and modern Japanese culture while fostering friendships and understanding between Japan, Japanese Americans, and the local community.