A blossoming legacy: the Hanami Line comes to life 

July 25, 2024

Hanami ribbon cutting ceremony at the Hanami Line Capital Campaign celebration

On Thursday, June 20th, the Sacramento Tree Foundation proudly marked the conclusion of our Hanami Line Capital Campaign by unveiling the Hanami Line at Robert T. Matsui Park. The event was the official debut of our stunning cherry blossom park—a project that was over a decade in the making! Located along the Sacramento River, the Hanami Line is a beautiful space to gather, relax and play while celebrating the rich cultural contributions the Japanese American community have made to our region. This park is a testament to our partnership with the City of Sacramento and the staff that worked on this project. The Hanami Line is officially open to visitors! Visit the park at 450 Jibboom Street. To learn more about the creation and significance of the project, visit sactree.org/hanami

Consul General of Japan OSUMI Yo, hands Tree Foundation’s Executive Director Dr. Jessica Sanders the Consul General’s Commendation. 

The Tree Foundation’s welcome reception at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MoSAC), included a traditional sake barrel breaking ceremony symbolizing good fortune and new beginnings and Congresswoman Doris Matsui marked the official opening of the Hanami Line with a ribbon cutting. The event featured notable speakers including the Congresswoman, Campaign Chair Julie Teel of the Raley’s Companies, Tree Foundation Executive Director Dr. Jessica Sanders, and San Francisco’s Consul General of Japan OSUMI Yo, who awarded the Tree Foundation the Consul General’s Commendation. 

How to Visit the Hanami Line and What You Will See There

How to Visit

The Sacramento Tree Foundation’s Hanami Line can be found at Robert T Matsui Waterfront Park, 450 Jibboom Street. The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily and is open to the public. To use the park for events, rentals, picnics, etc. all park visitors must contact Sacramento City using their picnic page for park permitting documents and information.

A sign hanging from a cherry tree reading, "You look stressed. Thanks, it's all the stress"
Planting new trees can be stressful on the tree
“Pink Flair” blossoms
Cherry trees

The park is home to over 100 ‘Pink Flair’ ornamental cherry trees. Each spring, the vibrant blooms peak for about two weeks then the petals gently fall to the ground. Donors can find their dedicated tree using our online tree map

Planting trees at a new location can be stressful for the tree, which we are seeing at the Hanami Line. The Tree Foundation is committed to ensuring all trees are healthy at this park and we will keep these trees under careful watch and replace them if needed. 

Art sculpture

In the heart of the park is a one-of-a-kind kinetic art sculpture with 400 glass mobiles that flutter in the wind designed by Reed Madden Designs

Matsuyama Dori

The spectacular blue Matsuyama Dori (or walkway) leads visitors from the foot of an iconic lighted sculpture along seigaiha wave-patterned pavers and art-infused inlays on a path pointing directly toward our Japanese sister city, Matsuyama who helped raise funds for the project. 

Seating

Unique concrete and wood benches that incorporate reclaimed redwood direct from the Tree Foundation’s Urban Wood Rescue. Picnickers can also relax on the park’s terraced step seating and distinctive “twig” benches throughout the park. 

A heartfelt thank you from the Tree Foundation

The Tree Foundation would like to thank all our amazing partners, donors, and supporters who brought this park to life. We would also like to thank the various departments of the City of Sacramento: Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, Sacramento Department of Utilities, Sacramento Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment Sacramento, Office of Arts and Culture, Sacramento Office of Economic Development, and the Sacramento Public Works Department for working so closely with Sacramento Tree to make this park come to life. Thank you, Mayor Steinberg and Sacramento City Council as well for your dedication to the Hanami Line.