Gardens by the Bay’s Sakura floral display is an enchanting Kyoto-inspired day-to-night experience

From now till Apr 21, visitors get the chance to experience cherry blossoms in a different way after dark. 

For the first time, Gardens by the Bay’s ninth annual Sakura floral extravaganza at the Flower Dome extends into the night and transforms the area into a landscape inspired by yozakura (night sakura). 

There are 140 cherry blossom trees of over 40 varieties, light projections, a replica of Kyoto’s Kinkakuji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and other traditional Japanese elements.

The cherry blossom tree species include Prunus accolade, which bears abundant clusters of pink blooms, Prunus Kiku Shidare, which has a distinctive weeping form; and Prunus Pendula Rubra, featuring deep pink to red blooms. Additionally, there is the Prunus domestica, a new European plum blossom species that stands out with its white to pale pink flowers.

An illuminated “Kyoto”
Nightly from 7pm, the Flower Dome displays illuminated yozakura which emanate an ethereal glow. There are LEDs embedded in the paper cranes at the torii (traditional Japanese gate) located at the entrance to Flower Dome, while projections transform the ground into a koi-filled stream, a street with fallen petals.

The essence of Kyoto is captured through a replica of a traditional thatched house from Miyama Village. The floral display also incorporates elements of Japanese gardens, including an engawa (contemplative verandah); a chozuya (large basin with wooden dippers used to purify oneself before entering sacred shrines and temples); and ema, the small wooden plaques hung in shrines and temples for writing prayers or wishes. 

Ikebana arrangements by local societies, Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Singapore Chapter, Singapore Sogetsu Association, and Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135, are also part of the artistically presented landscape.

All things Japanese
Complementing the Sakura floral display are Japanese cultural programmes on selected weekends, organised in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Singapore’s Japan Creative Centre. 

Ticket holders to the Flower Dome can catch a performance by Japanese drum group Hibikiya, witness a Japanese tea ceremony, or try their hand at wielding the wooden mallet and pounding their own mochi.

Free programmes include folk dance performance, Aikido demonstration and a screening of the anime Josee, The Tiger And The Fish. Visit here for more programme details. 

On the topic of anime, what’s a Japanese-themed event without it? Anime Garden returns to Supertree Grove on Mar 30 and 31 (3.30pm to 10pm) after a four-year hiatus. While admission is free, charges apply for the Flower Dome. 

It’ll be a packed weekend schedule that includes appearances by regional cosplay artists such as Baobao, Thames Malerose, Mikki, and Xiaoyukiko, who will also be judges for the popular Cosplay Singles Competition.

Anime Garden will also feature an exciting concert line-up of Japanese artists, including legendary anisong singer Hiroshi Kitadani, known for singing multiple opening themes of the popular anime series One Piece.

The marketplace will feature a cosplay hub with booths offering merchandise from cosplayers and unique works by artists and creators from various parts of the region. For those who love Japanese cuisine, a broad selection of food and drinks will be available throughout the event.

Admission to Gardens by the Bay’s Sakura floral display is from 9am to 9pm, Mar 22 to Apr 21, 2024. Tickets to the Flower Dome are available here.

All photos courtesy of Gardens by the Bay.