The Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival returns  in Hot Springs, offering a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture. Sponsored by the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation, this free, family-friendly event invites attendees to immerse themselves in the beauty and traditions of Japan through cultural displays, interactive games, and demonstrations.

This year, we’re excited to partner with the Sake Brewers Association of North America to bring SakeFest to Hot Springs on Saturday, April 12 after the Cherry Blossom Festival ends.

The fourth Annual Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival Haiku Competition is currently accepting submissions. Top entries will be invited to read their winning haikus at the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival on April 12, 2025, and will be published and displayed at the event.

A haiku is a traditional Japanese poem made of three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables. Haiku often feature an image, or a pair of images, and capture the essence of a specific moment in time or a way of looking at the physical world and seeing something deeper. These short poems aim to leave the reader with a strong feeling or impression. The competition is open to all Arkansas residents and there are separate categories for adults and youth. Entries are due March 30!