It has been four months since our last visit to Gardens by the Bay. So, itโs high time to visit the beautiful garden again before our annual membership expires in May. And Iโm SO excited to know that Gardens by the Bay is displaying pretty cherry blossoms at the Flower Dome. I canโt wait to step into the cooled conservatory and imagine myself in Japan viewing the pretty cherry blossoms. Oh, have I mentioned that Iโve never seen a real Sakura before? (pardon me for being so sua-ku)ย ย ๐
Sakura Matsuri, which means Cherry Blossom Festival, is now taking place at Gardens by the Bay from 16 March to 8 April 2018. During this period, visitors to the Flower Dome can experience the pretty pink blooms which captivate Japan during this time of the year. Want to catch a glimpse of Japan’s cherry blossoms? Letโs go!ย ย ๐
Sakura Matsuri 2018
We came here on 18 Mar, Sunday โ and it was super packed! I was wondering if itโs because of the last day of school holiday, or the start of this festival. The carpark was full, we waited for half an hour before we could park our car. And there was also a queue to get inside the Flower Dome. Nonetheless, the beautiful sight of Sakura that greeted us are well worth our queuing time!ย ย ๐
Hereโs a red torii gate near the entrance of Flower Dome. As we walked through it, we were mesmerized by the view of Sakura trees at the Flower Field below.
The cherry blossom trees line the paths around the Flower Field floral display area.
These cherry blossoms come in different colours and varieties, including the pale pink Prunus โAccoladeโ and the white, five-petal Yoshino Cherry. Sakura Matsuri 2018 also features decorative Japanese-themed display items such as traditional Japanese tea house and Japanese resin dolls. They provide a perfect backdrop for visitors to take photographs around the floral display.
These Japanese resin dolls are dressed in traditional kimonos and can be found at different locations throughout the Flower Field.
The cherry blossoms trees can be found in different stages of development. Some are still developing buds, but most are already in bloom, providing stunning opportunities for photo-taking.
We missed the Pokemon Parade on 17 Mar *cry*. Nonetheless, Edison was thrilled with the roaming cosplayers at the festival. They’re all friendly-enough for selfies or even pose for action shots!ย ๐
For your info, this yearโs floral display showcases 23 varieties of Cherry Blossom brought in from Japan and Europe. These include the romantic weeping, Prunus โSnow Fountainโ and favourites such as the Prunus โAccoladeโ. In addition, Gardens by the Bayโs Cherry Blossom Festival includes, for the first time, sakura bonsai. Wow!
In addition to the cherry blossom displays, various programs will be held between 17 March and 8 April 2018 within the Flower Dome. These programmes are free, but admission charges to the Flower Dome apply.
Here are some of the programs you can expect:
On selected days, there will be a series of performances and demonstrations at the Flower Dome and The Canopy. These mainly take place on 17 and 18 March and include Japanese Drum performances, a Kimono Parade and Kendo Demonstration.
Visitors can also look forward to a Japanese Tea Ceremony demonstration presented by The Japanese Association, Singapore on 17, 18, 31 March and 1, 7 and 8 April at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm at the Flower Dome.
From 30 March to 8 April 2018, visitors will also enjoy a specially curated Sakura Japan Fair organised in partnership with JTB Pte Ltd. It will feature performances and workshops covering topics such as bento-making, sake appreciation, baking and kokedama. Visitors can rent yukatas to wear and stroll amidst the Sakura trees!
Additionally, thereโs also a photo booth for visitors to bring home a photo souvenir of Sakura Japan Fair! Free prints in limited quantities will be offered at selected timings throughout the day on a first come, first served basis.
After enjoying the gorgeous view of the Sakura display, we proceed to our favourite part of Gardens by the Bay โ thatโs the OCBC Skyway! No matter how many times I went up, I still loved it to bits.ย ย ๐
Hurry up! For a limited time only, the blushing beauties at Sakura Matsuri Gardens by the Bay is definitely not to be missed. However, the crowd is going to be insane on weekends (this event is very popular!) and if you can, go on a weekday.
Event Details
Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 – Sun, 8 Apr 2018
Venue: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Time: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Admission charge to the conservatories applies
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