As a native San Franciscan and Sansei, or third generation Japanese American, the Cherry Blossom Festival holds special meaning to me. I look forward to those two weekends in April when Japanese, Japanese Americans and the greater community gather together in San Francisco's Japantown to celebrate cultural heritage and pride. During childhood, I participated in the Cherry Blossom Parade as a student at Morning Star School and girl scout in a Japanese American troop. When I was in my 20's, I had the pleasure and honor of representing Northern California as the 1991 Cherry Blossom Queen. That year was filled with invaluable learning experiences, including a goodwill trip to San Francisco's sister city, Osaka, and meetings with key individuals and companies in Tokyo. It spawned new and meaningful friendships, greater self-confidence and interpersonal skills, and a deeper appreciation of my ethnic roots.

This year, the Festival takes place on April 11, 12 and April 18, 19th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highlights include the Cherry Blossom Queen Program on April 11th at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, a Karaoke Song Festival, cultural exhibits, an anime costume competition, and live entertainment including taiko performances and martial arts demonstrations. On Sunday, April 18th, the Grand Parade starts at 1 p.m. at the Civic Center and ends at Fillmore Street in Japantown. Actor George Takei, most recognized for his role as Mr. Sulu in Star Trek, will be the Grand Marshall. Of course, there will be plenty of food booths. A total of 29 groups will sell snacks including BBQ ribs (Asian American Recovery Services and Asian Firefighters Association), Teri Burgers (Kimochi, Inc.), pineapple hotdogs (Cherry Blossom Festival), gyoza (Miwa Kai Dance Group), shaved ice and fried mochi (Kagami Kai).



If you're looking for more of a sit-down experience, try these casual spots that are easy on the wallet for lunch or dinner. For traditional soba and udon, Mifune in the Kintetsu Mall is the place to go. They have slurpable bowls of noodles in tasty broth with various toppings. You can also get shabu shabu, sukiyaki, donburi and crispy korroke, or Japanese potato croquettes. My kids love the cold zaru soba and unagi don. Admittedly, service can sometimes be lackluster, unless you get Maya who is a sweetheart, but remember you're there mainly for the food. Mifune's sibling, Mifune Don, is located in the Miyako Mall upstairs and has a similar menu but also serves good okonomiyaki, savory Japanese-style pancakes. Izumiya in the Kinokuniya building is also known for their okonomiyaki. There is piping hot ramen that hits the spot at Tanpopo in Buchanan Mall. They have assorted shoyu (soy sauce) and miso ramen as well as some non-noodle dishes like mackerel and gyoza. You can eat at the counter and watch Japanese TV. The only unusual thing about this place is that they don't serve hot tea unless you order it from a can or bottle which is displayed on the counter. They will heat it up for you and serve it in a teacup. It's odd, but I can overlook it since the ramen is so satisfying. If you're craving sushi, Fuku-Sushi is open for dinner in the Kinokuniya building. Toraya across the street from the Japantown Mall on Post Street also serves good, fresh sushi. Nothing fancy, in fact, it has been there since I was a kid and could really use a facelift, but it serves decent traditional fare and is relaxed and spacious enough for larger groups and kids. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article which will cover desserts!

For more info: 42nd Annual Northern Cherry Blossom Festival. (Photo of cherry blossoms courtesy of AP/Haraz N. Ghanbari).