Hamburg Cherry Blossom Festival

A Tradition Since 1968

In 1968, Hamburg and Osaka established a city partnership that remains one of the most intensive between Germany and Japan. As a gift of this partnership, the German-Japanese Society Hamburg has organized the Cherry Blossom Festival since the late 1960s—a deliberate homage to the Japanese Hanami tradition (cherry blossom viewing) and an annual showcase of Japanese culture in Hamburg.

The Fireworks over the Outer Alster

On May 29, 2026, starting at 10:30 PM, the traditional Japanese fireworks display will light up the sky over the Outer Alster. Several hundred thousand spectators gather along the Alster's banks—Jungfernstieg, Alsterpark, Lange Reihe, Schöne Aussicht. The fireworks are conceptually Japanese, with characteristic patterns and color sequences referencing Hanami aesthetics. Hamburg's Outer Alster—an artificial inland body of water in the city center—provides one of Europe's best backdrops for such a display.

Japanese Festival in Planten un Blomen

On May 31, 2026, two days after the fireworks, the Japanese Festival takes place in the Japanese Garden of Planten un Blomen park. From 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, drumming groups, cosplay performers, calligraphy workshops, martial arts demonstrations, and Japanese delicacies transform the park into an immersive tribute to Japan. Admission is free.

Culinary and Cultural Delights

In the Japanese Garden, you'll find sushi stalls, onigiri, yakitori, takoyaki, mochi, matcha tea, and Japanese sweets. Simultaneously, cultural performances unfold: Taiko drumming, dance groups, calligraphy workshops for visitors, and cosplay shows featuring young Hamburg anime fans. This blend appeals to a broad audience—from older Japan enthusiasts to the younger generation of anime fans.

Organizers

The German-Japanese Society Hamburg e.V. and the Japanese Consulate General Hamburg jointly organize the festival. The Hamburg Ministry of Culture and Media supports the event, reflecting the political appreciation of the city partnership.

Location in Hamburg City Center

The Outer Alster is located directly north of the main train station in the districts of Hamburg-Mitte (south) and Hamburg-Nord (north). Planten un Blomen is in the St. Pauli/Neustadt district—a spacious park forming the inner-city ring north of the Wallanlagen. Both venues are central and easily accessible by public transport.