Gardens By The Bay: Sakura - Blossom Into The Night

Many people in Singapore dream of seeing cherry blossoms in Japan. But if you can’t go there this season, don’t worry! Gardens by the Bay in Singapore has a fantastic alternative. Their sakura floral display is back until April 21. This time, it’s even better with a day-to-night experience.

In the Flower Dome, you’ll find over 140 cherry blossom trees with more than 40 types of blossoms. It’s like a peaceful garden filled with beauty. Look for favorites like the Prunus accolade with many pink flowers, the Prunus Pendula Rubra with its umbrella-like canopy of deep pink to red flowers, and a new kind called Prunus domestica with white to pale pink flowers.

This year, they’ve added a stunning pavilion resembling the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. You can take photos there or explore other exhibits inspired by Kyoto, like traditional houses and Japanese gardens with bamboo water fountains. It’s a taste of Japan right here in Singapore!

Seeing cherry blossoms isn’t just for the daytime. At night, there’s something magical called yozakura, or night sakura. You can take out your phone and capture the beauty of illuminated cherry blossom trees, paper cranes, and stunning projections on the ground as the sky gets dark.

If you visit Sakura 2024, you might even win economy-class tickets to anywhere in Japan with All Nippon Airways (ANA)! Just scan a QR code at the Sakura floral display, answer a simple question, and you’ll be entered into the contest. It’s open to Singapore residents who are 18 or older and registered ANA members. The contest runs from March 22 to April 21. It’s a chance to experience Japan in a whole new way!

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Fort Canning Park, Best Indoor Playgrounds For Children, Free Water Parks in Singapore and SEA Aquarium.

Paper Cranes

Image Credit: Gardensbythebay.com.sg

Make a wish upon the paper cranes hanging from the ceiling of Flower Dome. According to Japanese tradition, folding 1,000 paper cranes can grant wishes, bring happiness, eternal good luck, or even long life and recovery from illness or injury. When folded into a group of 1,000, these origami cranes, known as a senbazuru, hold special significance. The crane is considered an auspicious creature in Japanese folklore, believed to have lived for 1,000 years.

Torii

A torii is a traditional Japanese gate, typically found at the entrance of Shinto shrines. It symbolizes the transition from the ordinary to the sacred, sometimes marking places of deep religious significance. It signifies entry into a holy space, and bowing one’s head before passing beneath it is customary. Walk through the torii gate at Flower Dome and step into a Japanese landscape adorned with delicate Sakura blossoms.

Temple of the Golden Pavilion

Sakura Golden Pavilion Gardens by the Bay

Image Credit: Gardensbythebay.com.sg

Rokuonji Temple, also known as Kinkakuji Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prominent Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto. Named after the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), which stands as the centerpiece of the temple grounds, it’s one of the most famous historic structures in Kyoto. The temple is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the lush city.

Vibrant Japanese Cultural Activities

Sakura Japanese Cultural Activities Gardens by the Bay

Image Credit: Gardens By The Bay via Facebook

Sakura 2024 isn’t just about seeing beautiful flowers. Gardens by the Bay and Japan Creative Centre have organized many Japanese cultural activities. Some of these are only for people with tickets to the Flower Dome, like a drum performance by Hibikiya on March 23 and a Yosakoi dance to the beat of a naruko.

But don’t worry if you don’t have a ticket! There are free activities for everyone to enjoy. You can watch an aikido demonstration, see a folk dance performance by the Minyo Club of The Japanese Association, and even experience the excitement of a sparrow dance (Suzume Odori) performed by Japanese members of Sendai Suzume Odori Singapore. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture in Singapore!

If you’re a fan of Japanese food, mark your calendar for Touring Springtime Japan happening on March 23 and 24. This event features activities highlighting six of Japan’s central regions. You’ll discover these prefectures’ rich culture and cuisine and indulge in some tasty snacks along the way.

One beloved tradition making a comeback this year is mochi-pounding. It’s an ancient practice where flour is pounded into mochi using a wooden mallet. It’s a journey through Japan’s flavors and traditions that you won’t want to miss!

The Return of Anime Garden

In Japan, anime is a big part of the conversation. Anime Garden is making a comeback after a four-year break, and it’s a paradise for fans of Japanese animation. At this event, you can meet celebrity cosplayers like BaoBao, enjoy performances from anisong artists, savor Japanese street food, and browse a wide selection of anime merchandise. Anime Garden will be held from March 30 to 31 at Flower Dome and Supertree Grove.