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Cherry blossom watch: Over 100 Sakura trees preparing to bloom on Keele Campus
By Nichole Jankowski
April 17, 2026
1:54 pm
Expert available to comment on cultural significance of the flowering Sakura
York’s Sakura cherry trees have officially reached Stage 2, with large, rounded buds revealing their first hints of green. These unfurling tips are the first sign that the University’s more than 100 trees are beginning their seasonal transformation. The blossoms are on track to reach their spectacular peak by late April or early May. Peak bloom, when 70 per cent of a tree’s buds have opened, typically lasts just four to 10 days. The duration of the display will depend on the region’s unpredictable spring weather.
In 2003, York became the first university in Canada to participate in the Sakura Project, an initiative by the Japanese government to plant 3,000 cherry trees across Ontario by 2005. Today, the trees are a symbol of the long-standing relationship between Japan and Canada, as well as the University’s deep academic and cultural ties with Japanese institutions.
¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Associate Professor of Japanese StudiesÌýÌýis available to discuss the cultural significance of the Sakura and the upcoming 100th anniversary ofÌýJapan-Canada diplomatic relations in 2028. Yabuki-Soh teaches Japanese language, linguistics and culture courses. Her research focuses on second language acquisition and Japanese linguistics. She has organized the provincial and national Japanese language speech contests and proctored the Japanese Language Proficiency Test administered by the Japan Foundation since the early 2000s.
The largest stand of cherry trees on York’s sprawling Keele Campus is located outside the Calumet Residence on Arboretum Lane, with smaller clusters outside the Tait McKenzie Centre, Vanier College, the Kinsmen Building and along Campus Walk.
Visiting York’s Keele Campus:
Transit: Visitors to the Keele Campus can arrive via the Pioneer Village or ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ TTC stations, with Pioneer Village being the closest to the main grove near Calumet College.
Accessibility: Both Pioneer Village and ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ TTC stations have elevator access. All trees are located along accessible, paved routes.
Parking:Paid parking is available across campus for those driving.
For specific tree locations and walking directions, visit York’s . High-resolution photos of previous seasons’ blooms are available for media use upon request.
About ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ
¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
Media Contact: Nichole Jankowski, ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Media Relations and External Communications, 647-995-5013, jankown@yorku.ca
