Cherry blossom season returns to Chicago, Jackson Park

By South Loop TV News Team

Chicagoans are welcoming spring at Jackson Park, where cherry blossom trees have reached peak bloom.

The annual tradition, known as “hanami,” is a Japanese custom centered on flower viewing and appreciating the fleeting beauty of nature. As warmer temperatures arrive, visitors are gathering in the park to take part in the seasonal experience. 

In Japan, cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” symbolize renewal, good fortune and new beginnings. According to the National Park Service, thousands of cherry trees were originally gifted to the United States from Japan as a gesture of friendship and have since been planted across the country.

In Chicago, the tradition is reflected through the Hanami Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival at Jackson Park, which celebrates cultural exchange through art and community events.

The bloom period is brief, typically peaking from late April to early May. The trees are currently in mid-bloom stages, with buds opening and flowers becoming fully visible.

The cherry blossoms can be found around the Columbia Basin in Jackson Park, near the Museum of Science and Industry. Additional viewing spots include the Osaka Garden and the northern end of Wooded Island.

More information about the festival and viewing times is available through the Chicago Park District.

Reporter and Camera: Jazmyne Walker

Web writer: Vivian Richey