Discover SF -- Cherry Blossom Festival, Japantown, SF

WhatsApp Channel:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/J7E8YFKQ2f24P0eKOnGuK8

We use WhatsApp channel for real time coordination while walking the parade and in the festival.
--------------------------------------------------------

For the culture connoisseurs who wants a taste of exotic culture, for the new in towns who want to explore the city, for the curious professionals who want to build new connections, and our returning alumni who want to meet some familiar faces, we present you the 58th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Parade & Festival with over 200,000 people to Japantown, for a dazzling display of Japanese culture, food, and tradition, on April 19th.

📋 THE PLAN

12:15 PM — Meet at La Boulangerie de San Francisco (500 Hayes St, Hayes Valley). Grab a coffee or pastry, meet the group, and get to know each other. Counter-service, so just order what you like — no pressure for a full meal!

~12:55 PM — We walk together through Hayes Valley toward the parade route. This is a great chance to chat and warm up before the excitement starts.

~1:05 PM — We arrive on Polk Street just as the Grand Parade rolls through — taiko drummers, dancers, colorful floats, and this year's Grand Marshal, comedian Atsuko Okatsuka! We'll watch for a bit, then fall in alongside the parade as it heads into Japantown.

~2:00 PM — Festival time! Explore food booths (takoyaki, yakitori, mochi, ramen…), cultural performances, martial arts demos, arts & crafts, and more. Wander freely, eat your heart out.

~ 3:30 PM -- First regroup at Peace Pagoda

~5:00 PM — Optional regroup for drinks and conversation. Watch the WhatsApp channel. This is where the real connections happen.

Want to get more involved?

• For our returning alumni, we offer you the chance to be one day volunteer Hosts, so you get chance to connect with and know more people, to build a crew in the festival.
• We are putting together a community program for new in town folks to socialize and explore together. If you are new and interested in acting as a host, or a bay area veteran who would like to help being a guide, talk to us.

🚇 HOW TO GET THERE

• BART: Civic Center station, walk 3 blocks west on Hayes St
• Caltrain: Take N-Judah from 4th & King to Van Ness station (you can tap your phone or contactless card — no Clipper needed!), then walk 2 blocks south
• Muni: Any Metro line to Van Ness station
• Driving: Street parking available in Hayes Valley

💡 TIPS
• Save your appetite — the festival food booths are the main event!
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. We'll be on our feet for a few hours.
• The festival and parade are free and open to everyone.
• Rain or shine — this is San Francisco, layer up just in case.

Come discover the beauty of Japanese culture right here in SF, meet people, and make your April's memories.

TownFlame: Connections & Communities

Liability Waiver: Participation in TownFlame events is voluntary and involves social interaction in public spaces. Activities are designed to be inclusive and respectful. Participants assume all risks and release TownFlame, its organizers, volunteers, and affiliates from liability for injury, illness, or damages, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

By attending, participants acknowledge that photographs, audio, and video recordings may be taken during events, and grant TownFlame the right to use such media for promotional and marketing purposes, in any format or platform, without further consent or compensation.