Sakura at Gardens by the Bay is one of the most popular and anticipated floral displays at the Flower Dome. For Sakura 2024, the floral display from 22 March to 21 April takes on a new nocturnal twist in addition to the usual stunning backdrops and cultural experiences that have come to be expected from this Gardens by the Bay floral display.
1,000 Cranes at Sakura 2024 at Gardens by the Bay
As you enter into the Flower Dome, you will be greeted by a display created out of bamboo. Suspended above are 1,000 colourful paper cranes.
Origami cranes or orizuru that have been folded into a group of 1,000 are known as a senbazuru.
In Japanese culture, the crane is an auspicious creature and is said to live for 1,000 years. This lends significance to the folding of 1,000 paper cranes.
And, according to Japanese tradition, if you fold a 1,000 paper cranes, you will get a chance to make one special wish that will come true. So, take the chance to make a wish upon the colourful cranes as you walk beneath them into the Flower Dome.
Cherry Blossoms at the Flower Dome’s Flower Field
Down at the Flower Field, vermillion red torii gates signify the entrance to the various display areas, designed to look like scenes from a Japanese landscape, where you can view the cherry blossoms.
Both cherry blossom and peach blossom trees fill the Flower Field. These ethereal flowers only bloom for a short while so if you wish to catch the delicate beauties of the trees in full bloom, keep tabs on the Gardens by the Bay social media where the state of bloom is typically updated.
Originally, the custom of hanami or “flower viewing” began in the Nara Period (710 to 794) with ume or plum blossoms. However, by the Heian period (794 to 1185), it moved on to cherry blossoms or sakura and is now most closely associate with sakura.
The obsession with sakura is closely tied to the concept of mono no aware. This is directly translated to “the sadness or pathos of things”. The fleeting nature of the blooms serve as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the need to our appreciate what is around.
Japanese Landscapes at Sakura 2024, Gardens by the Bay
And all around the field at the Flower Dome, you will find different scenes from Japanese landscapes complementing the blossoms.
There is a chashit su or “tea room”, where Japanese traditional tea ceremonies are held. These small, simple wooden buildings with thatched roofs are most often located in the gardens or grounds of private homes, temples or parks.
Another feature is a shishi-odoshi, a water feature found in gardens. They were originally intended to startle as deer or boars and prevent them from grazing on the plants in the garden. They are now typically installed for their aesthetic value.
You will also find jinricksha, or rickshaws as they are better known locally, adorning the sakura display. The two-wheeled passenger vehicle pulled by one person was once widely used in Japan.
One significant feature at Sakura 2024 is an engawa. This is a boarded floor running along the outside of a traditional Japanese house, similar to a veranda.
The engawa allows people to sit and relax while eating or drinking, and a place where people can gather to view trees and plants in the garden.
Temple of the Golden Pavilion
Occupying the centre of the field is a replica of the Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. It is named after the famouse Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and is one of the historic structures in Kyoto.
Take a walk into the golden structure to admire a samurai warrior’s armour and a delicate floral display.
Yozakura: Night Sakura
Sakura 2024 at Gardens by the Bay will feature a yozakura or night sakura experience.
Pay a visit in the evening when the sun goes down to view the cherry blossom trees lit up and light projections that create a dazzling display at the Flower Dome.
Cultural Activities at Sakura 2024, Gardens by the Bay
In conjunction with the sakura display at the Flower Dome, you can also expect various cultural and pop culture activities.
Japanese Culture Programmes
Be immersed in Japanese culture with a selection of performances and demonstrations. These include performances by Japanese drum group Hibikiya playing the taiko and other traditional instruments (23 March, 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm) and the sounds of Japanese koto by Koto Group of The Japanese Association, Singapore (24 March, 1 pm). There will also be aikido demonstrations and other performances. Get the details about the Japanese Culture Programmes.
Touring Springtime Japan
Touring Springtime Japan on 23 and 24 March showcases the best of Japan’s six key regions! Learn about each of the prefectures, culture and food of these regions as well as sample delicious snacks from Japan.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the age-old tradition of mochi pounding, where you will use a wooden mallet to pound flour into a sticky, delicious mochi cake.
Get more details about Touring Springtime Japan.
Sakura: Anime Garden 2024
Meet celebrity cosplayers and popular artistes, catch Japanese pop culture performances and more on 30 to 31 March 2024. Sakura: Anime Garden 2024 is your chance to see celebrity cosplayers and popular artistes, enjoy Japanese pop culture performances and more.
Get more details about Sukura: Anime Garden.
Pay a Visit to Sakura 2024 to View the Cherry Blossoms and Experience Japanese Culture
To find out more about cherry blossoms at Gardens by the Bay, visit the Sakura 2024 website.
Remember to go to the Gardens by the Bay social media for the latest updates on the state of bloom.
When: 22 March to 21 April 2024, 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Usual admission charges apply.
