The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival‘s Sakura Days Japan Fair takes place at VanDusen Botanical Garden in mid-April and showcases Japanese cultural activities.
Japan Festival at VanDusen Garden
In 2019 the Sakura Days Japan Fair occurs on Saturday, April 13, from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sunday, April 14, from 10 am to 5 pm.
At the event each year there is traditional Japanese music, Japanese anime fans dressed in costume, flower arranging, flute making and and calligraphy workshops. There is also lots of traditional Japanese fair food including okonomiyaki (a kind of savory cabbage pancake), takoyaki (fried octopus in dough) and other tasty treats.
If you plan to visit VanDusen Garden in the spring, during the Sakura Days Japan Fair is a good time to do it. The garden is still usually about a month away from its beautiful best, but the Japanese activities and entertainment are worth seeing.
Don’t expect lots of cherry blossoms at VanDusen garden this late in the spring – some years they are in bloom at this time and other years they aren’t. It’s a bit hit and miss. Flowers in general are starting to come out though and the place is beginning to look increasing spring-like.
Sakura Days Admission
The cost for the Sakura Days Japan Fair depends on whether you have a membership with VanDusen Garden and whether you buy your tickets at the door on the day or online in advance.
2018 prices including taxes and online fees were the following (and 2019 prices will be similar):
- Adults: $13.94 in advance and $16.17 on the day
- Seniors: (ages 65+): $11.18 in advance and $12.84 on the day
- Youth: (ages 13-18): $11.18 in advance and $12.84 on the day
- Children: (ages 4-12): $4.25 in advance and $6.18 on the day
Children ages 3 and under are free. Members of VanDusen Garden paying at the door also get an additional discount.
Prices for the Sakura Days event are not a lot more than regular admission at VanDusen Garden, so it’s not unreasonable, especially if you like Japanese culture.
Note: Admission rates and other details are subject to change,
Other Information
Click Sakura Days Japan Fair for more information about the event or VanDusen Garden to learn more about the venue.
Click Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival for other cherry tree-related events taking place in April including the Cherry Jam Concert and Spring Lights Illumination Night.
For ideas on other things to do in the Lower Mainland, check out the following:
