Photos: Japantown’s 59th annual Cherry Blossom Parade

Attendees gather to celebrate the Japanese American community in San Francisco

Lindsey Hoang, Staff Photographer • Apr 20, 2026

A streetcar representing Rosa Parks Elementary School and the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program, a program which offers classes in Japanese language and culture to kindergarten and elementary school students in the San Francisco area, on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Lindsey Hoang / Golden Gate Xpress)

As people fill the streets surrounding Japantown, actor and comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, as well as PJ and Roy Hirabayashi, prepare to begin the marshaling of the many organizations and figures lined up for the 59th annual Cherry Blossom Parade.

Starting at Civic Center, the parade marches down towards their disbandment checkpoint at Post Street, where thousands await the procession amongst the other festivities and vendors that came for the two-weekend festival.

About the Contributor

Lindsey Hoang, Staff Photographer

Lindsey Hoang (she/her) is a staff photographer for Golden Gate Xpress. She is majoring in broadcast and electronic communication arts and minoring in marketing. She was born and raised in Oakland, California. During her free time, Lindsey enjoys hanging out with her friends and listening to music. Lindsey Hoang (ella, de ella) es una fotógrafa para el Golden Gate Xpress. Ella está estudiando Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts con una especialización en mercadotecnia. Ella nació y creció en Oakland, California. En su tiempo libre, Lindsey disfruta de pasar tiempo con sus amigas y escuchar música.