After new redesigns and site enhancements have been made, Carmel’s Kawachinagano Japanese Garden has officially reopened to the public. This garden is one of the only few places in Indiana where you can see cherry blossoms, or sakura. Keep reading to learn more about the redesign process and what cherry blossoms can bring to your life and how to celebrate it all at this year's Japan SpringFest.

 

Japan SpringFest

Celebrate the spring season and all things Japan at the second annual Japan SpringFest (formerly the Cherry Blossom Festival) on Sunday, May 3. Presented by the Carmel Sister Cities Inc. Japan Committee in partnership with the City of Carmel, this free, family-friendly celebration of Japanese culture takes place at One Civic Square from noon to 5 p.m.

Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, Japan SpringFest 2026 promises a bigger, bolder experience for the community. Attendees will enjoy returning fan-favorite performers alongside exciting new acts, with a full afternoon lineup of traditional Japanese drumming, dance and live on-stage entertainment. The festival will also feature twice the food vendors as last year, giving guests an even wider selection of authentic Japanese cuisine and fusion offerings to explore. Visitors of all ages can jump into hands-on cultural activities including calligraphy, origami, kimono try-ons and more.

This year's festival also coincides with the recent reopening of the newly redesigned Kawachinagano Japanese Garden, located just steps from the festival grounds at Civic Square.

Kawachinagano Japanese Garden

What are cherry blossoms and their significance?

Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura in Japanese, are tied to Japan's history, culture and identity. Throughout March to May, visitors can see the flower in its fullest bloom all the way until the flowers fall. Originally meant to divine harvest, it shares a deeper reminder that life is beautiful, but also short, just like the cherry blossoms' life cycle.

 

What new redesigns were made to the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden?

The garden was reimagined by world-renowned designer Hoichi Kurisu, whose portfolio includes the celebrated Portland, Ore. Japanese Garden. Visitors can expect refined pond areas, enhanced northern garden landscaping and improved stormwater capacity to support long-term sustainability. The tranquil setting can be enjoyed year-round, and another phase of improvements to the new southern pond will be implemented later this year.

 

Who worked on the redesigns?

The project would not have been possible without a great group of collaborators. Hoichi Kurisu, former landscape director for the Japanese Garden Society in Oregon, led the redesign. The City of Carmel and Clay Township funded the garden design and construction, with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation overseeing its long-term maintenance.

 

When is the park open and who can visit?

The park is open daily and free to the public from dawn to dusk.