Ohanami is delightful on the UA campus at the corner of University Boulevard and Stadium Drive. Takemine Mochizuki of Narashino City donated the cherry trees at Shelton State Community College, as well as those in the Narashino Grove of Lurleen Wallace Boulevard. Also, you can view the lovely cherry blossoms at the UA Arboretum, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and from Interstate 20/59 just east of Skyland Boulevard.
Each year, the CIC, along with the sponsors and participants, holds a Sakura Festival in early spring. The 34th annual Sakura Festival will be held on March 28, 2020 at the Tuscaloosa River Market. The program will include a null kumdo sword demonstration, karate demonstration, taiko drumming, and Okinawan traditional dance. The public will learn calligraphy, origami, participate in a Japanese tea ceremony, learn about our sister city, Narashino, and participate in other activities to learn more about Japanese culture.
