Viewing blossoming sakuras in Japan is right up there on many Singaporeans’ bucket list. If you have no plans to make a trip this cherry blossom season, then you’ll be glad to know that there’s a great alternative here in Singapore. The ninth edition of Gardens by the Bay’s sakura floral display is back this March – and this time with its first-ever day to night experience.
From now until April 21, head to the Flower Dome to view more than 140 blooming cherry blossom trees of over 40 varieties, all set in a tranquil garden landscape. Look out for the crowd favourite Prunus accolade, which produces an abundance of pink blooms; the Prunus Pendula Rubra which has deep pink to red flowers which grow out to form an umbrella-like canopy; and a new European plum blossom species, Prunus domestica, which has white to pale pink flowers.
This year, a shimmering pavilion reminiscent of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), forms a stately backdrop to the blush-pink flowers. Step into the temple replica to snap photos, or wander the Flower Dome to visit more Kyoto-inspired exhibits: traditional thatched houses like those from Miyama Village, Japanese garden features like the engawa (a veranda found in traditional homes), and sozu (bamboo water fountains).
Viewing cherry blossoms is more than a daytime experience. At night, the yozakura (night sakura) comes to life. Whip out your phone to capture lighted cherry blossom trees, paper cranes, and mesmerising floor projections as the sky darkens.
Visitors to Sakura 2024 will stand a chance to win a pair of All Nippon Airways (ANA) economy class tickets to anywhere in Japan. Just scan a QR code at the Sakura floral display to answer a simple question and put yourself in the running. The contest is open to Singapore residents (aged 18 and above) who are registered ANA members. The contest runs from March 22 to April 21.
Vibrant Japanese cultural activities
It’s not a mere sightseeing trip at Sakura 2024. Gardens by the Bay and Japan Creative Centre are presenting a series of Japanese cultural activities. Some programmes are exclusive to Flower Dome ticket holders, such as a Japanese drum performance by the group Hibikiya (March 23) and a Yosakoi Japanese dance performance done to the beat of a naruko. There are free public programmes too, like an aikido demonstration, a folk dance performance by Minyo Club of The Japanese Association, and a thrilling sparrow dance (Suzume Odori) by Japanese members of Sendai Suzume Odori Singapore.
If you love Japanese cuisine, then don’t miss Touring Springtime Japan. This March 23 and 24 event includes activities showcasing six of Japan’s key regions. Learn about the diverse culture and food of these prefectures – and yes, you get to sample delicious snacks too. One popular activity that’s returning this year is mochi-pounding, an age-old tradition where a wooden mallet is used to pound flour into mochi.
The return of Anime Garden
There’s no talking about Japan without talking about anime. Lovers of Japanese animation can indulge at Anime Garden, returning after a four-year hiatus. This is your chance to meet celebrity cosplayers like BaoBao and anisong artistes, catch Japanese pop culture performances, snack on Japanese street eats, and shop for anime merchandise. Anime Garden is happening from March 30 to 31 at Flower Dome and Supertree Grove.
Entry fees to the Flower Dome apply to Sakura 2024 and selected Japanese cultural programmes. For more information about timings and ticketing, visit gardensbythebay.com.sg.