Hanami Nights - Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Hanami Nights

Hanami Nights

Special Events | Evenings

Tuesday, April 22–Friday, April 25, 2025 | 5–8:30 p.m.
Cherry Esplanade
Ticketed Event

Enjoy magical access to the Garden’s famous Kanzan trees!

Find a spot on Cherry Esplanade to enjoy the cherry blossoms, lit up for maximum effect, and savor the spring vibe with family and friends. Stroll in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and along Cherry Walk, try your hand at origami, and view a curated display of bonsai in the Lillian and Amy Goldman Atrium.

Advance tickets required. Special discounts for Garden members.

Get Tickets

ACTIVITIES

Origami with Sato Yamamoto

Guided by instructors, visitors of every skill level can learn the Japanese art of folding paper. Atrium

Bonsai Display

View a selection of bonsai specimens from the Garden’s famous collection. Atrium

Japanese Food & Drinks

Purchase sushi, bento boxes, and other Japanese favorites from a special menu presented in collaboration with Sunrise Mart, Saiko Sushi, and Joto Sake and picnic under the cherry blossoms. Outside food and beverage not permitted.

Starters and snacks

Edamame | $3.50 (VG, AG)
Osumashi Soup | $10 (AG)
dashi, nori, mushroom, scallion
Japanese Snacks | $3 to $5

Sushi by Saiko Sushi

Spicy Tuna Roll | $11 (AG)
Cucumber Avocado Roll | $11 (VG, AG)

Bento sets by Sunrise Mart

Karaage-Onigiri Set | $18.50
picnic-temperature fried chicken, salmon and nori rice balls, pickled vegetables
Vegan Set | $21 (VG, AG***)
picnic-temperature cherry-blossom rice, tofu, pickled vegetables

Beverages

Oyuwari | $12
hot water, barley shochu, lemon wheel, 6 oz.
Joto Sake | $12
‘Graffiti’ One-Cup, 6 oz.
Junmai, 4 oz.
Nigori, 4 oz.
Red or White Wine | $12
Beer | $9.50
Canned Cocktails | $15
Hot Green Tea | $4.25
Water | $4.50
Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale | $5

VG | VEGAN, V | VEGETARIAN, AG | AVOIDS GLUTEN
VGO | CAN BE MADE VEGAN, VO | CAN BE MADE VEGETARIAN, AGO | CAN BE MADE TO AVOID GLUTEN

PERFORMANCES

Tuesday, April 22

  • Three people in traditional Japanese robes play string instruments.

    Masayo Ishigure and Miyabi Koto Ensemble
    5:15, 6:15, 7:15 p.m. | Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden Tea House

    Listen to a traditional-style koto performance by Masayo Ishigure and Miyabi Koto Ensemble.

  • The Miki Yamanaka Trio
    5:30–6:30 p.m. | Cherry Esplanade

    The Miki Yamanaka Trio plays jazz standards and original compositions from her acclaimed release Chance.

  • A group of Japanese folk dancers pose between two rows of cherry blossoms.

    Japanese Folk Dance and Song by 10tecomai-Kogyoku featuring Rino Aise
    7:15–8 p.m. | Cherry Esplanade

    The energetic Japanese dance style yosakoi is performed by two New York–based teams of Yosakoi Dance Project—10tecomai and Kogyoku Yosakoi, accompanied by traditional Japanese folk songs by singer Rino Aise.

Wednesday, April 23

  • A man and woman pose holding koto instruments.

    Shamisen Variation
    5:15, 6:15, 7:15 p.m. | Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden Tea House

    Listen to the traditional Japanese instrument variation performed by Masayo Ishigure & Ken Hutchinson (Jiuta shamisen), Kristen Carey (Tsugaru shamisen), and Rino Aise (Okinawa sanshin) as you stroll the Japanese Garden.

  • Tsutomu Nakai Quartet
    5:30–6:30 p.m. | Cherry Esplanade

    The Tsutomu Nakai Quartet performs improvisational jazz, emphasizing unique guitar work and melody.

  • Rows of dancers wearing traditional Japanese clothing parade down a New York City street.

    Awa Odori New York Ren
    7:15–8 p.m. | Cherry Esplanade

    Awa Odori New York Ren performs a traditional dance from Tokushima known for its lively movements and rhythmic music. Dancing along is encouraged!

Thursday, April 24

  • 10 smiling people in black jackets hold wooden flutes

    Hudson Valley Shakuhachi Choir
    5:15, 6:15, 7:15 p.m. | Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden

    The Hudson Valley Shakuhachi Choir explores the resonant overtones and rich timber of the Japanese bamboo flute. The repertoire includes traditional shakuhachi pieces, folk music, and contemporary works.

  • A woman wearing a vibrant dress smiles.

    Miki Hayama Trio
    5:30–6:30 p.m. | Cherry Esplanade

    Grammy-nominated keyboardist Miki Hayama presents original compositions, jazz standards, and Japanese folk songs with her electronic trio.

  • Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York

    Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York
    7:15–8 p.m. | Cherry Esplanade

    Enjoy an evening of traditional dance spanning over 1,000 years, and then join in and dance the night away in the bon odori!

Friday, April 25

  • Six seated people wearing traditional Japanese clothing play various wind instruments.

    Tenri Gagaku Music Society of New York
    5:15, 6:15, 7:15 p.m. | Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden

    Enjoy an engrossing performance of traditional Japanese court music Gagaku.

  • A woman wearing a blue fedora-style hat smiles.

    Monday Michiru
    5:30–6:30 p.m. | Cherry Esplanade

    Monday Michiru performs music inspired by jazz, soul, Brazilian, folk, and other urban and world flavors.

  • Five people wearing traditional Japanese clothing dance with samurai swords.

    Samurai Sword Soul
    7:15–8 p.m. | Cherry Esplanade

    Don’t miss Samurai Sword Soul’s thrilling performance, followed by an interactive Samurai Bootcamp—a fun and immersive experience for all!

Cherry Esplanade emcee

  • Headshot of brunette woman with shoulder length hair and blue sweater.

    Saori Goda

    Cherry Esplanade emcee Saori Goda is a performer and actress who has appeared in “Love Your Selfie,” My Daughter Yoshiko, and on The Tonight Show.

Partners

Sake Partner, Hanami Nights

Logo: JTO