Hello, Buffalo!
Can we talk about how the weather the past few days were knocking it out of the park? I mean, seriously, it’s like the sun decided to throw a party. (I’m miffed that the sun didn’t want to throw this party on a Friday, but I digress.) The warm weather put me in a springtime mood, and you know what that reminds me of? The fantastic cherry blossom season that hits us every late April to early May.
The weather was like a sneak peek, getting us all hyped up for the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival coming our way. It was a perfect nudge, to remind you all of it!
Growing up in Japan, cherry blossoms were my jam, and now Buffalo brings a piece of that magic 5 thousand and some odd miles away. Circle April 27th and 28th on your calendar, because the 11th annual Cherry Blossom Festival is happening! Food, music, and activities– you name it, are happening in the beautiful Japanese Garden located near the Buffalo History Museum. Stay updated on festival details by visiting the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival.
The Japanese Garden, a serene oasis in Buffalo, reminds me of the cherry tree-lined streets and canals of Japan. It might just be my favorite location in this city. Established in collaboration with Kanazawa, a traditional city in Japan that happens to also be the sister city to Buffalo, the 6-acre park was designed in 1970 and completed in 1975 with contributions from Kanazawa, including trees, shrubs, stones, and lanterns.
Did you know that even though we simply call them cherry blossoms, they have two main types? My preference leans towards the darker pink, multi-petaled Yae (八重) variety, which typically blooms slightly later than the white Somei-Yoshino (ソメイヨシノ). Perhaps my bias stems from the fact that Yae blossoms often adorned the streets of Japan during my late April birthday celebrations.
During the cherry blossom season in Japan, families partake in Hanami (花見), a delightful tradition that translates to “Flower-Looking.” This community-wide picnic involves waking up early to secure the perfect spot under a cherry blossom tree. In my family, my aunt was the designated spot-snagger, and we would gather under the tree with a bento (弁当) or lunchbox to revel in the beauty bestowed upon us by Mother Nature.
While we may not picnic under the blossoms in Buffalo, the sight of the blossoms is not to be missed. Consider planning a day trip out to the Japanese Garden in Delaware Park to witness the magnificent cherry blossoms and, who knows, maybe even become the first spot-snagger in Buffalo.
Miles from Home 
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