Celebrate spring with Japanese culture at Sakura Days Japan Fair

This article was published on March 24, 2023 and could contain information that has since changed or become out-of-date.
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Welcome spring with a wonderful Japanese festival celebrating the cherry blossoms at the Sakura Days Japan Fair for two days on Saturday April 15th and Sunday, April 16th, 2023.

Held in Vancouver’s lush VanDusen Botanical Gardens, explore Japanese culture surrounded by budding blooms. Food stalls will serve up classic Japanese treats — steaming ramen, savoury yakitori, crispy karaage, sumptuous sweets and more! Stages will host live musical performances, taiko drumming, dances, tea ceremonies, and interactive displays for all ages making this a great family outing. Bring some of the fun home from vendors selling everything from yukatas, kimonos, snacks and to handcrafted artisan wares.

The fair faced cancellation upon the collapse of their major sponsor Coromandel; it was saved by support from Edge Construction and Design which stepped in to help shoulder the costs of running the event.

Paid admission is required for entry to Sakura Days Japan Fair; tickets are available online through the festival website. Doors are open between 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday, and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday.

As the festival takes place in the outdoors, wear appropriate attire as it may rain making portions of gardens muddy. Parking is limited, so save the hassle and take transit (either the #17 bus, or walk from the Oakridge-41st Avenue Canada Line Station west along 41st Avenue, and then north along Oak Street) to reach VanDusen Botanical Gardens; it’s about a 15-20 minute stroll.

The fair is part of the larger Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival which includes picnics, haiku writing competitions, educational programs and walks to view the many cherry trees across the city.

 

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