It is cherry blossom season again at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay! Sakura 2026 is blossoming in the 11th edition floral display at Gardens by the Bay from 13 March to 15 April 2026 and this time around the Hello Kitty and friends are helping to make the display, which showcases the heritage of Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, extra special.
Sakura 2026: Cherry Blossoms & Sanrio Characters at Gardens by the Bay
The Sakura display at the Flower Dome is the only place in tropical Singapore where visitors can experience the ephemeral beauty of different cherry blossom varieties in a single setting.
Held in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, Sakura 2026 at Gardens by the Bay is set against a lush backdrop of over 30 varieties of cherry, peach and plum blossoms in soft pinks, whites and deep pink hues.
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Koinobori
When you first step into the Flower Dome, you will be greeted by Koinobori or carp-shaped windsocks.
While they may be a familiar sight at matsuris or festivals, what you may not is that they have their origins in a samurai custom. They were once raised by warrior families to wish health and strength for boys.
At the Flower Dome, you can walk under these brightly coloured Koinobori as they flutter away above you.
Showcase of Ishikawa’s Historic Districts
Down at the Flower Field, you will find yourself amidst a display inspired by Ishikawa’s historic districts.
Wander through streets inspired by a geisha quarter. You can also imagine that you are in Kanazawa’s Higoshi Chaya District, where wooden teahouse or chaya buildings line the way. These building are characterised by vertical wooden lattices known as kimusuko. They help to screen the facade, allowing those inside to look out while maintaining privacy.
Ishikawa has a famously wet climate. At Sakura 2026, this wet weather received a nod through a rain feature where water comes lightly pattering down.
Recreation of the Nomura Samurai House
Then take a walk to a recreation of an Edo-era samurai residence modelled after the Nomura family estate, once home to a prominent samurai family in Kanazawa. The actual house can be found in the samurai quarter of Nagamachi, west of Kanazawa Castle.
Inside the residence, you can view traditional crafts from Ishikawa — including lacquerware, gold leaf, dyed kimono textiles and other regional arts.
However, the best view – in our opinion – is the view that you can get looking out to the garden and water. The original house opens inwards to an intricately composed garden This is recreated at the Flower Dome and you can step out onto the engawa, or narrow strip of wooden flooring beyond the sliding screen door of the house, and imagine that you are in Japan admiring the beautiful garden.
Natadera Temple & Community Paper Fans
There is a backdrop inspired by the Natadera temple. It holds a flower display and serves as a pretty backdrop for photos.
Close by, next to a water feature of a wooden bucket, take a moment to admire a display of community paper fans. These are the heartfelt creations of migrant workers and foreign domestic workers from The Salvation Army, and seniors from Fei Yue Community Services and Methodist Welfare Services – beneficiaries of Gardens by the Bay’s outreach initiative, Gift of Gardens.
Hello Kitty and Sanrio Characters at Sakura 2026
Adding to the charm of the Sakura 2026 display are Sanrio characters. You can find them all around the display at the Flower Field.
Hello Kitty stands in a pretty kimono beside a rickshaw.
Other characters that are posing around the cherry and plum blossom trees include My Melody, Kuromi and Cinnamonroll.
Win a Trip to Japan with ANA
While admiring the cherry blossoms, you can also stand a chance to win a trip to Japan on ANA Airlines. To do so, visit the Sakura floral display at Flower Dome from 13 March to 15 April 2026, scan the contest QR code on display at Sakura floral display, and fill in your first and last name, email address, FOG membership ID (last 8 digits) or ticket number and visitation date.
Sakura 2026
Sakura 2026 is now on till 15 April 2026. Get more details and purchase admission ticket to Sakura 2026.
If you enjoyed this story and you may also enjoy this other story on things to do during the March 2026 school holidays in Singapore.
