Sakura display at Gardens by the Bay features train displays, Pikachu mascots till Apr 9

Springtime has arrived once more at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay with the return of the Sakura floral display and its array of Japanese spring blossoms and cultural activities.

This is the eighth edition of the Sakura floral display, which lets visitors admire the fully-bloomed blossoms in full bloom till Apr 9.

This year’s theme is centred around train travel in Japan. As visitors journey around the floral displays in the Flower Dome, they can experience a scenic “train journey” across a Japanese landscape.

They would be greeted with traditional torii gates, deers, cranes and toy trains chugging through arrays of cherry and peach blossoms.

Along the way, visitors may also catch a glimpse of ikebana floral arrangements handmade by Ikebana International Singapore (Chapter 135), and iconic Japanese landmarks like Mount Fuji.

Several first-generation Pokémon can also be found scattered all over the display.

For those that would like to see more Pokémon up close, Pikachu will be making a few appearances at the Flower Dome from Mar 18 to 19. Catch it dancing with its fellow Pikachu friends, or get up close with the Sakura Afro Pikachu, as it makes its first appearance outside of Japan.

In addition to the floral display, Gardens by the Bay will also be hosting several other programmes that focus on the cultural aspects of Japan during springtime.

Free performances of Japanese folk dance, harps and drums will be put up in partnership with The Japanese Creative Centre (JCC) at the Flower Field Hall. 

For something a little more hands-on, visitors can participate in the Touring Springtime Japan showcase at the same venue, where they will be immersed in knowledge about Japan’s culture and leave with a deeper appreciation of it.

Food sampling and mochi pounding lessons are available for visitors to try out at the showcase as well.

For visitors dropping by from Mar 25 to 26, Gardens by the Bay will be organising Japanese tea ceremonies in the Flower Dome’s South American Garden.

Admission to the various programmes are free, though charges of $8 for local residents still apply for entry into the Flower Dome.