The Japan Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival 2016 opened at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Ha Noi on April 16, marking the 10th year of the festival in the capital city.
Branches of cherry blossoms, brought from Japan, are on display at the festival (Photo: VOV)
A total of 300 branches of cherry blossoms, brought from Japan, are on display at the two-day event, which attracted thousands of visitors on the opening day.
Visitors to the event are invited to enjoy Japanese traditional Yosakoi dance, drum and martial arts performances as well as the country’s elaborate and refined tea ceremony.
They can also taste popular Japanese dishes such as Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) and Takoyaki (ball-shaped snack).
The annual festival, hosted by the Viet Nam-Japan Cultural Exchange Association, aims to introduce Japanese culture to Hanoians while tightening friendship and co-operation between the two countries.
A similar event will be held at the September 23 Park in Ho Chi Minh City on April 22-23, marking the first time the festival has been held in the city so far.
Earlier, a cherry blossom festival also took place on March 18-21 in Ha Long City in the Northern province of Quang Ninh and one on March 21-22 in Bac Ninh Province.