Natural Philly: Philadelphia, America's Garden Capital, a City Where Japanese Culture Breathes

Shofuso ©PHLCVB

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (April 23, 2026) - The streets of Philadelphia, affectionately known as 'Philly', are colored in a blanket of pink and white in the spring, conveying a 100-year friendship with Japan to this day. In 1926, the Japanese government donated 1,600 cherry trees to Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of American independence.

This cherry blossom forest has continued to expand since then, with 1,000 trees added between the late 1990s and early 2000s, and another 250 trees newly planted over the past three years to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026.

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from late March to early April, but during this season, many visitors also visit cultural spots throughout the city. Among them, the 'Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center' in West Fairmount Park is particularly noteworthy. A 17th-century style Japanese house and a nationally acclaimed Japanese garden sprawl here, allowing visitors to feel the history of Japanese culture alive in Philadelphia. Built in Japan in 1953 using traditional techniques and materials, the building was later relocated to Philadelphia and has been maintained to this day. This location is also a historic site where Japanese architecture has been passed down since the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Visitors can take their time to view the traditional architecture with a hinoki bark roof—said to be the only one of its kind outside Japan—as well as the gardens, a pond with swimming koi, and small islands. Open throughout the season, Shofuso is a special spot where you can experience authentic Japanese culture and scenic beauty.

Bartram's Garden ©PHLCVB

The charm of Philadelphia, also known as 'America's Garden Capital', further deepens these historical and cultural ties. Within a 30-mile radius of the city center, there are over 30 public gardens, arboretums, and historic landscapes. There is no other region in the United States with such a large number of gardens scattered about. A must-see among them is 'Bartram's Garden', founded in 1728 and known as the oldest surviving botanical garden in America. Spreading along the Schuylkill River, this garden is a historic oasis boasting an area of about 50 acres. Visitors can experience the rich landscape and cultural value woven by America's diverse flora that has been carefully nurtured over centuries, including the Franklinia tree discovered by John Bartram himself.

Longwood Gardens ©PHLCVB

In recent years, Longwood Gardens has also enriched its bonsai collection, which strongly reflects Japan's traditional horticultural culture. The meticulously maintained bonsai trees, cultivated over many long years, captivate those who visit. This collection began in 1959 based on 13 bonsai trees donated by the renowned bonsai master Yuji Yoshimura. Subsequently, it expanded under the guidance of experts, and has now grown to possess a collection of over 150 bonsai spanning 14 different styles. Many of them have been shaped by the hands of leading active bonsai artists.

With all these experiences coming together, Philadelphia enhances its appeal as one of the world's premier travel destinations where nature, history, and international friendship meld.

■ About the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) engages in activities such as marketing the city and the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight travelers, in order to bring positive economic effects to the entire Philadelphia region, promote job expansion, and enhance the health and vitality of the tourism industry.

The activities of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau widely involve not only partner companies and the local Philadelphia community, but also culturally and ethnically diverse domestic, regional, and international conventions, sporting events, and tourism customers.

Additionally, as the official tourism promotion agency of the City of Philadelphia, it bears the responsibility of driving the increase in international leisure travelers visiting from around the world each year.

For details, please visit www.discoverPHL.com.
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