Sakura Floral Display Returns with Cultural Programmes at Gardens by the Bay

Experience the magic of Japan at Gardens by the Bay this March, featuring stunning cherry blossoms, vibrant anime festivals, and authentic cultural workshops.

Venue: Gardens by the Bay
Dates: 13 Mar - 15 Apr 2026
Admission: Fees apply for selected programmes

You don’t need a plane ticket to Tokyo to soak in the beauty of the cherry blossom season. This year, Gardens by the Bay is bringing the "Land of the Rising Sun" to Singapore with a massive celebration of Japanese culture. 

Visitors to Flower Dome can stroll through a recreation of old Japanese streets once walked by samurai and visit teahouses where geisha once gathered, as part of the 11th edition of Gardens by the Bay’s iconic Sakura floral display! 

Sanrio Characters and Japanese Culture Amidst the Sakura Floral Display 

Come admire close to 40 varieties of cherry blossoms throughout the display, showcasing a range of silhouettes from elegant upright forms to cascading weeping branches, in soft shades of pink and white.

Among the highlights is the return of popular cultivars Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’, admired for its dense clusters of soft pink double-petalled blooms, and an 8m-tall Prunus ‘Somei Yoshino’, well-loved in Japan for its delicate blossoms that soften from pale pink to near white at full bloom. Also featured are Prunus ‘Kiku Shidare’, known for its richly layered blossoms resembling delicate pink pom-poms, and Prunus pendula, recognised for its graceful weeping form.

Against the backdrop of the pink and white blossoms, the centrepiece of the floral display is a recreation of the two-storey Nomura residence, modelled after the former home of a samurai of the Maeda clan, now maintained as a historic house. The house features an engawa, or veranda, overlooking a serene courtyard garden — a space traditionally used to enjoy the outdoors from within the home.

A tribute to Kenrokuen, regarded as one of Japan’s Three Great Landscape Gardens, comes in the form of a bridge overlooking a tranquil body of water and framed by cascading blossoms and stone lanterns, reflecting the serene balance characteristic of traditional Japanese garden design. The display also features a façade inspired by the main hall of the 1,300-year-old Natadera Temple, which is backed by the jagged rock formations of Mount Haku, where meditation caves are carved into the cliffs.

Adding a touch of whimsy to the display, familiar Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll and Kuromi can be spotted among the blossoms in the display.

Anime Garden 2026

Venue: Supertree Grove & Flower Dome
Dates: 21 - 22 Mar 2026, 3 pm - 9 pm
Admission: Free, admission to Flower Dome applies for selected activities

Step into a weekend where anime, music and cosplay come together. Anime fans can expect the return of the Anime Garden. This is a high-energy weekend where the Supertree Grove transforms into a pop-culture paradise. Enjoy celebrity cosplayer meet-and-greets, a vibrant marketplace with exclusive merchandise, and "anisong" concerts under the stars.

Japan Springtime Showcase

Venue: Flower Field Hall
Dates: 14 - 15 Mar 2026, 2 pm - 8 pm
Admission: Activities are free, admission fees apply 

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and cuisine at the Touring Springtime Japan showcase.

Discover the distinct character of Japan’s six key regions through engaging activities, cultural insights and regional specialities. Learn about the prefectures that shape each region’s identity, from traditions and crafts to the flavours that define their cuisine. Savour a selection of Japanese snacks as you explore, and experience how food and culture come together in everyday life.

A highlight of the showcase is the age-old tradition of mochi pounding. Watch as a wooden mallet rhythmically pounds steamed rice into soft, sticky mochi. The demonstration happens on 2.15 pm and 6 pm on 14 Mar, and 4.45 pm on 15 Mar 2026. 

Japanese Culture Programmes

Venue: Flower Dome
Dates: 14 - 15 Mar 2026
Admission: Programmes are free, admission fees apply 

Japanese Association Singapore Koto Club

A graceful performance of the koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, showcasing the elegance of Japanese musical heritage.

• Dates & Times: Sat, 14 Mar 2026 | 3.00pm & 3.30pm

Sendai Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance)

A lively and playful "Sparrow Dance" from Sendai featuring quick, rhythmic movements that capture the joyful spirit of Japanese festivals.

• Dates & Times: Sat, 14 Mar 2026 | 4.15pm & 5.45pm

Ladies' & Men’s Chorus of Japanese Association

An uplifting choral showcase featuring harmonious renditions of well-loved songs from both Japan and Singapore.

• Dates & Times: Sat, 14 Mar 2026 | 4.45pm & 5.15pm

JAS Japanese Drum Group (Taiko)

A high-energy, powerful taiko drumming performance that celebrates unity and tradition through thunderous rhythms.

• Dates & Times: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 | 2.15pm & 2.45pm

Yosakoi Shisai (Modern Folk Dance)

A dynamic performance combining traditional roots with modern flair, featuring vibrant choreography and rhythmic naruko clappers.

• Dates & Times: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 | 3.30pm & 4.30pm

Minyou Folk Dance Club

Traditional folk dances from across Japan, including the Singapore Ondo accompanied by live singing.

• Dates & Times: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 | 4.00pm

JCC Cinema: Castle in the Sky (Movie Screening)

A special screening of the timeless Studio Ghibli masterpiece following Pazu and Sheeta’s quest for a legendary floating castle.

• Dates & Times: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 | 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Watch tea masters perform the graceful, centuries-old ritual of preparing and serving matcha, complete with traditional Japanese sweets.

• Dates & Times:
  • Sat, 14 Mar & Sun, 15 Mar 2026 | 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm & 5.00pm

  • Sat, 21 Mar & Sun, 22 Mar 2026 | 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1.00pm & 1.45pm

BYKidO Pro-Tip If you are visiting for the Anime Garden (21–22 March), head to the Supertree Grove in the late afternoon. You can browse the marketplace while it's cooler, then stay for the free concerts and the Garden Rhapsody light show at 7.45pm or 8.45pm for a full evening of free entertainment!

For more details, check Gardens by the Bay.