There may be a gazillion types of flowers around but come springtime, one reigns supreme: the cherry blossom. They’re pretty, they’re pink, and they make us all feel like friggin princesses. Not all of us have ALs to spare or the budget to book peak period prices for the real deal. So, fork out just $12 instead to visit “Japan” at the Gardens by the Bay’s sakura display.
Yes, the trees are real and the event runs only till 9th April 2023.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Returning for its 8th edition, the highly anticipated sakura display whisks visitors away into a pastel pink landscape filled with cherry blossoms and peach blooms – which are also pink but have a more teardrop-shaped appearance compared to the former.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
While the flowers are the star of the show, you won’t just be frolicking through rows of pink trees. The display this year largely mimics a train journey across Japan. In between snapping your new IG profile pic and recording footage for TikTok, stop and smell the flowers – or in this case, observe the intricate decor.
You’ll find mini-mechanised trains chugging along a railway, a small Mount Fuji display, and also statues of animals commonly found in Japan, like cranes and deer.
Crane display among sakura trees.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Walk through torii gates as you would at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and enter the pastel carriage-like structure in the middle of the dome for a dose of fairytale vibes. Who says you have to fly to Japan to feel like you’re on a holiday?
Carriage-shaped photo op.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Pokémon fans, you’re in for a treat. If you couldn’t get enough of the Pokémon GO Safari Zone that happened late last year, this year’s sakura display features first-generation Pokémon like Squirtle and Charmander.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
The cutest display has to be the Snorlax, which looks like it’s snoozing on the forest floor. You can also snap selfies with many other characters interspersed around the Flower Dome, like a Pokémon Scarlet and Violet game come to life.
Say “sakura” and most would say “let’s go”. For a cute date idea or weekend family activity, enjoy a respite from Singapore’s heat with “springtime” in the air-conditioned Flower Dome.
The limited-time event also has a free Japanese Tea Ceremony demonstration happening every weekend till 26th March 2023, from 10.30am to 3.45pm. For a romantic activity, also sign up for the Have Fun with Ikebana! workshop, where you can learn the art of Japanese floral arrangements for $80.
Admission (Singaporean and PR): $12/adult | $8/senior | $8/child for Flower Dome only
Admission (Standard): $53/adult | $40/child for Cloud Forest & Flower Dome
Date: Until 9th April 2023
Time: 9am-9pm, Daily
Venue: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953
Contact: 6420 6848 | Gardens by the Bay website
Cover image adapted from: Gardens by the Bay
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