22 March 2024
In 1912 Tokyo’s Mayor Yukio Ozaki gifted DC with cherry blossom trees and now each spring over 3,000 of the trees bloom across the city. Notably this spring, the Tidal Basin’s Japanese Lantern, a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States, celebrates its 70th anniversary in Washington, DC. Carved in present-day Tokyo in 1651, the eight-foot stone lantern is lit at the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival each year.
Washington, DC celebrates with the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, featuring events honouring American and Japanese cultures. Highlights include the Opening Ceremony and Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza, the annual Parade and the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival. Check out a complete guide here.
“When the cherry blossoms are blooming, there isn’t a more special place to be than Washington, DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “From the views at the Tidal Basin and beyond, to petal-themed experiences at hotels and acclaimed restaurants, it feels like the entire city blooms this time of year, too.”
Spring is the perfect time to visit Washington, DC and travellers can enjoy a blossom inspired trip with a range of food and drink as well as hotel packages.
Blossom-Inspired Food and Drinks:
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National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Cherry Picks Program: In collaboration with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, participating restaurants highlight creative spring menus.
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During RAMW’s Spring Wine Fling, participating restaurants offer a two-course dinner menu and two glasses of wine for $55 (March 19-31).
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Fairmont’s Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea: Served in the Loggia, overlooking the cherry blossom trees in the Courtyard (March 23-April 14).
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Waldorf Astoria’s Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea: The menu at iconic Peacock Alley will feature seasonal favorites. The grand lobby boasts oversized décor and an installation from a local artist.
Blossom-Inspired Hotel Packages:
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Conrad Washington, DC: The extravagant Concierge experience includes a Sakura Club room with daily gourmet breakfast, dinner and Japanese whiskey tasting, a four course cherry blossom inspired dinner with wine pairing at Estuary, one-hour photography session at the cherry blossoms, David Yurman his and her rose gold jewelry, private shopping experience with a $1,000 gift card at CityCenterDC, personalized picnic basket, a lapel pin collection and official Festival fleece (March 14-April 30).
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Hilton Washington, DC National Mall The Wharf: Celebrate with cherry blossom-themed décor in the lobby and deluxe guestrooms (March 20-April 14).
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Hotel Zena: Half-off parking, plus the hotel will plant one tree for every reservation booked in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-April 14).
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InterContinental Washington, DC – The Wharf: With a two-night stay, receive daily breakfast, a Kodak camera, one-hour bike rental, cherry blossom map, welcome amenity and drink for two (March 17-April 14).
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The Jefferson: With the “Blossoms by Boat” package, enjoy leisurely, unobstructed views via a private luxury boat tour with Embark DC (March 10-April 30).
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Kimpton Hotel Monaco and Kimpton George: 90-minute DIY “Parfums & Blooms” floral fragrance class for two hosted on-site by B Parfums, two custom fragrance bottles, bottle of Rose bubbly, cherry blossom scented bath salts and travel candle (March 1-April 30).
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Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection: Fly your custom Mayflower kite, plus receive a downloadable map of the best sites for kite flying (March 14-April 28).
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Pendry Washington, DC – The Wharf: Enjoy e-bike rentals, a picnic for two, and a digitally guided experience to the perfect picnic destination. Also enjoy a Boozy Tea at Bar Pendry, treatments at Spa Pendry and a sightseeing tour aboard the hotel’s captain-chartered luxury dayboat (through June 9).
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Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square: Welcome amenity, daily breakfast and nightly cherry blossom cocktails at Opaline Bar & Brasserie, and a signed print of local artist Maggie O’Neill’s cherry blossoms painting.
Book a luxurious trip to Washington, DC
Featuring a timeless design that echoes the capital’s neoclassical buildings, Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown has long been the preferred address for visiting dignitaries and Hollywood royalty. Located in the elegant West End, Fairmont Washington borders Georgetown, a D.C. neighbourhood renowned for historic architecture, shopping and dining.
4 nights from £1,799pp. Includes: International direct flights from LHR with United Airlines, 5★ hotel and Monuments by Night Tour
Priced for April departures, based on 2 adults travelling together. To book call Trailfinders on 020 7368 1317 (trailfinders.com)
