Several hundred visitors were on hand for the event that featured theatrical performances by UC-Berkeley students, ikebana (flower-arrangement demonstrations), tea ceremonies and a sake barrel breaking, according to the garden's executive director, Lon Saavedra.

"This was the most successful festival in Hakone's history," Saavedra says. "There was something for everyone to participate in."

The affair was not only to educate the community about the Japanese culture, but also to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Amity, which was signed by Commodore Matthew Perry and a representative of the Japanese emperor in Tokyo. The treaty opened trade relations between the U.S. and Japan.

As part of the celebration, Makoto Yamanaka, Japan's 50th consul general, Joan Hackworth, a descendant of Commodore Perry, and Mayor Ann Waltonsmith planted a cherry blossom tree at the front entrance of the garden, which is what was done in Japan when the treaty was signed.