NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE SOCIETIES
Schedule of Events
Washington DC Cherry Blossom Program Events
Payment Portal for Dues ($175)
Princess Fees ($550)
Cherry Blossom Royal Buds ($150, $45 Additional Guests)
Junior Princess Fees ($105 without Sash; $155 with Sash; $45 Additional Guests)
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10:00am
Cherry Blossom Royal Buds of Promise Program - NEW
We are inaugurating our Cherry Blossom Royal Buds of Promise Program. The program is open to girls ages 1 to 4.
Our Cherry Blossom Royal Buds will participate in the Cherry Queen’s Storytime & Royal Cherry Blossom Tea Party, be individually introduced, and receive a crown from the U.S. and Japan Cherry Blossom Queens. They will also participate in a cultural activity and have the opportunity to take a photo with our Queens.
We encourage our Buds of Promise to attend the Lantern Lighting and NCSS Celebration Gala (ticket not included) as well where they will be recognized.
State and Territorial Societies can have more than one part, it is not limited, and applications are accepted on a first come - first serve basis.
Photography Provided by Gedalie Vera
Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 3pm
Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony - Join NCSS and the National Park Service for the traditional lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern, located amidst the cherry blossom trees (map located here). Lantern is approximately 375 years old and weighs over 4,000 lbs and given as a gift by Japan in 1954. Musical Prelude starts at 2:30 PM with ceremony beginning at 3 PM until 4:30 PM.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 6:30pm
Congressional Reception and Crowning - An annual event since the 1950s, the Congressional Reception draws numerous members of Congress and foreign diplomats, who escort Cherry Blossom Princesses representing their respective states, territories, or embassies.
This event is by invitation only for State Society Members and Delegage families.
More information to come on the location and programming for the event.
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 2:00pm
The Junior Cherry Blossom Princess Program is a cultural program and celebration for young girls ages 5 to 15 years old held each year in Washington, DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The 2023 Program will commence with the Sashing event on Saturday April 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM.
Other events for Jr. Princesses include the Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting, Afternoon Tea/Fashion Show and Grand Ball. RSVP Required
Saturday, April 12, 2025
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade - The newly-crowned US Cherry Blossom Queen and her Japanese counterpart make their first public appearance during the National Cherry Blossom Parade presented by Events DC.
Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival - The Japan-America Society of Washington DC presents the annual Japanese Street Festival, a vibrant afternoon featuring Japanese food, merchandise, arts and culture.