The cherry trees around the Tidal Basin, in Washington DC was a gift from the city of Tokyo in 1912 to the people of Washington, but the idea to plant the trees originates back to 1885 when a Ms. Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore, after visiting Japan suggested that cherry trees should be planted along the waterfront in Washington.

For 24 years she tried to get through with her idea until in 1909 after a letter to the First Lady - Mrs Helen H. Taft wife of president Taft, the idea finally was accepted. Read More about the history

The time of the blooming at the beginning of April became a tourist attraction and in 1935 the first Cherry Blossom Festival was celebrated.

The 2 week festival has become a large event with around 700.000 visitors.

Read More at:

The Cherry Blosssom Festival official site

Cherry Blossoms Brighten Washington article at National Geographic