In April of 2012, the State of Florida chose Pensacola and the University of West Florida as the hosts for its annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This annual state event is held in conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival which takes place every spring in Washington D.C.

That national festival commemorates the gift of 100 cherry blossom trees presented to the United States in 1912 by the city of Tokyo. Since 1935, the city of Washington D.C. and other state and municipal governments have celebrated the gift with festivals and programs.

The 2012 Florida Cherry Blossom Festival was commemorated through the planting of 100 trees at this spot on the campus of the University of West Florida. The ceremony included cultural performances and keynote speeches by Congressman Jeff Miller, Florida Secretary of State Kenneth Detzner and Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward.

The Cherry Blossom orchard is adjacent to the Japan House, a public-private project celebrating the university and community's connection to the country and people of Japan.

The building's construction reflects traditional Japanese architectural styles and houses international education classrooms, an authentic tatami room, and a Japanese tea room.