2025 Hanami Nights: Stroll Japanese Garden Event (Live Performances, Bar: Sake & Japanese Beer, Japanese Snacks, Bonsai..) 4 DaysNEW

Enjoy Magical Access to the Garden’s Famous Kanzan trees!
Find a spot on Cherry Esplanade to enjoy the cherry blossoms, lit up for maximum effect, and savor the spring vibe with family and friends. Stroll in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and along Cherry Walk, and view a curated display of bonsai in the Visitor Center. The evenings feature live performances, a bar selling sake and Japanese beer, and Japanese snacks (while supplies last).

Advance tickets required. Special discounts for Garden members.

Event Dates
April 22, 23, 24, 25 - 2025

Time
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Overall, Hanami Nights is an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with the richness of Japanese culture. It is a time to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms and to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Tickets

ACTIVITIES

Origami with Sato Yamamoto
Guided by instructors, visitors of every skill level can learn the Japanese art of folding paper. Atrium

Bonsai Display
View a selection of bonsai specimens from the Garden’s famous collection. Atrium

Japanese Food & Drinks
Purchase treats from a special menu presented in collaboration with Sunrise Mart and picnic under the cherry blossoms. Outside food not permitted.

SCHEDULE
Cherry Esplanade emcee: Saori Goda

Tuesday, April 22
• 5:15, 6:15, 7:15 p.m. - Masayo Ishigure and MIYABI koto Ensemble (Traditional koto performance) | Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden Tea House
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. - The Miki Yamanaka Trio (Jazz standards & originals) | Cherry Esplanade
• 7:15-8 p.m. - Japanese Folk Dance and Song by 10tecomai-Kogyoku featuring Rino Aise (Yosakoi dance & folk songs) | Cherry Esplanade

Wednesday, April 23
• 5:15, 6:15, 7:15 p.m. - Shamisen Variation (Traditional shamisen performance) | Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden Tea House
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. - The Tsutomu Nakai Quartet (Improvisational jazz) | Cherry Esplanade
• 7:15-8 p.m. - Awa Odori New York Ren (Traditional Tokushima dance) | Cherry Esplanade

Thursday, April 24
• 5:15, 6:15, 7:15 p.m. - The Hudson Valley Shakuhachi Choir (Japanese bamboo flute music) | Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Miki Hayama Trio (Jazz & folk fusion) | Cherry Esplanade
• 7:15-8 p.m. - Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York (Traditional folk dance & bon odori) | Cherry Esplanade

Friday, April 25
• 5:15, 6:15, 7:15 p.m. - Tenri Gagaku Music Society of New York (Traditional Japanese court music) | Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Monday Michiru (Jazz, soul & world music fusion) | Cherry Esplanade
• 7:15-8 p.m. - Samurai Sword Soul (Samurai sword performance & interactive bootcamp) | Cherry Esplanade

Know Before You Go
• Advance tickets required; tickets are nonrefundable.
• Enter at 990 Washington Avenue; nearest subways: 2/3 to Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum or 4/5 to Franklin Avenue (no elevator).
• Doors open at 5 p.m.; event takes place on and around Cherry Esplanade (other areas of the Garden are closed; no reentry).
• Blankets and stadium chairs allowed (no folding chairs); a reserved section is available for wheelchairs and those needing a seat. For accessibility accommodations, contact [email protected].
• Follow Garden rules:
    • Do not lean on tree trunks, hang items, or shake cherry blossom branches.
    • No outside food or beverages (baby bottles and pocket snacks for dietary needs allowed).
    • Properly dispose of trash; do not pour liquids or ice on the lawn