Gardens by the Bay's Sakura Floral Display 2024 - First Day-to-Night Experience

Inspired by the city of Kyoto, the iconic Kinkakuji Temple takes centrestage in this year's Sakura Floral Display at Gardens by the Bay. 

Venue: Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome
Dates: 22 Mar - 21 Apr 2024
Admission: Admission Fees apply (compare ticket prices here) 

The ninth edition of Gardens by the Bay’s iconic Sakura floral display marks the first time that visitors can enjoy a day-to-night experience since the debut show in 2016.

Inspired by the city of Kyoto, the iconic Kinkakuji Temple takes centrestage, in which visitors can step into and imagine they are within the actual temple – a UNESCO World Heritage site. At night, the floral display is transformed into a landscape inspired by “yozakura” (night sakura) in Japan. At the Gardens, the trees are specially lit and there are light projections that only appear when the sky darkens.

140 Cherry Blossoms Trees

This year’s floral display features more than 140 cherry blossom trees of over 40 varieties, including crowd favourites such as Prunus Accolade, known for its abundant clusters of pink blooms, Prunus Kiku Shidare with its distinctive weeping form, and Prunus Pendula Rubra which has an umbrella form and bears deep pink to red flowers. Visitors can also expect to see a new European plum blossom species, Prunus domestica, which stands out with its white to pale pink flowers. 

The essence of Kyoto is also conveyed through a traditional thatched house like those from Miyama Village, which is known for its peaceful, old-world charm. Elements of Japanese gardens feature in the floral display, such as an engawa, a contemplative veranda found in traditional homes, and the soothing sounds of a sozu, a bamboo water fountain commonly seen in Japanese gardens. 

There is the chozuya, a large basin with wooden dippers used to purify oneself before entering sacred shrines and temples as well as ema, small wooden plaques hung at shrines or temples for people to write their prayers or wishes on. 

Lighted Experience at Night

At dusk, the Flower Dome transitions into “yozakura”, with soft lights casting a glow on the blossom trees, creating scenes inspired by the night landscapes in many Japanese cities during sakura season.

Paper cranes that adorn the entrance of Flower Dome come to life with LED lights, while projections transform the ground into a koi-filled stream or a street where fallen sakura petals are teased by a gentle breeze.

Cultural Activities

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, the public can see traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, music and dance performances, demonstrations of the mochi-pounding tradition, a screening of Japanese animated film Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, and more. 

Anime Garden

Making a return to the Supertree Grove after a four-year hiatus is Anime Garden. On March 30 and March 31, anime enthusiasts are in for a treat, with 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, including the popular We Are!

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. Additionally, for those who love Japanese cuisine, a broad selection of food and drinks will be available throughout the event.

Stand A Chance To Win A Flight to Japan

Win a pair of economy class tickets to ANYWHERE in Japan! Wander beneath a canopy of delicate cherry blossoms and immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of Sakura season at Flower Dome. 

Just scan the contest QR code at the Sakura floral display to answer a simple question and stand a chance to win! For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/sakura.