One of two Lanterns that stood for 300 years Tokyo's Ueno Park, the Lantern stands 8 and one-half feet tall and weighs two tons. The Lantern was moved from Tokyo and presented to Washington, DC in 1954 as a gift to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of America's first treaty with Japan negotiated by Commodore Mathew Perry of the U.S. Navy in 1854. The same two trees are still flowering at the site. Since 1954, the lantern is only lighted once each year during the Cherry Blossom Festival by the Cherry Blossom Princess representing the Embassy of Japan. All times are Daylight Savings Time, which begins the night before the ceremony.
Handicapped facilities are available.
Adjacent parking is available with an entrance on 13th Street. Local TV, newspaper, and civic celebrities will model both women's and men's fashions. Many state societies will hold individual receptions for their Cherry Blossom Princess in House and Senate Office Buildings and at Fort Meyer, Virginia. The Japan Cherry Blossom Queen will visit several of these receptions. NCSS Congressional Reception in Room 902 on the top floor of the Hart Senate Office Building.