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Overview

Apr 13, 2024 - Apr 14, 2024
VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street

Sakura Days Japan Fair celebrates all things Japan – from Japanese food, drink and performances, to music and art. Join us and immerse yourself in Japanese culture – participate in a traditional tea ceremony, try Japanese festival food, sample premium sake, learn new Japanese games, and enjoy a range of cultural performances. Discover a wide variety of vendors and exhibitors featuring local Japanese food, crafts, and businesses.

Most activities will take place outdoors, with select vendors, tea ceremony, and curated experiences that will take place indoors. Look forward to taiko drumming, theatre performances, and woodworking demonstrations, just to name a few!

Looking forward to seeing you at this year’s Sakura Days Japan Fair!

Sakura Days Japan Fair takes place in the spectacular VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak Street).

🌸 Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5PM)

🌸 Sunday, April 14, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4PM)


Tag Us On Social Media!

We would love to see your photos and posts from the upcoming Sakura Days Japan Fair and Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival! Please remember to tag us @japanfair and @vancherryblossomfest on your social media posts, and use the hashtag #VanCherryBlossomFest and #SDJF to help us find and share your content. We can’t wait to see your experiences at the event!

What’s New This Year?

We have built upon the success of last year and fine tuned the event to make it even more enjoyable. 

The number of food vendors has increased by 50% and we have brought back the ever popular Yukata and Experience Japan Tents. We are also introducing the Floral Stage, a second performance stage.

We are continuing to provide a smooth guest entry experience with the use of a second entry gate and timed ticket entry at the start of the day.


Event Tickets

Ticket Prices

Adult$19.90
Senior (ages 65+) / Youth (ages 13-18)$15.41
Children (ages 5-12)$7.06
VBGA Adult Member*$12.84
VBGA Senior/Youth Member*$11.56
VBGA Child Member*$5.14
Children 4 and under**FREE
Disability Support Attendant**FREE
Prices are subject to GST and online service fees.

*Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA) members only. VBGA members are required to show their valid membership card at the entry point. Learn how to purchase or renew your VBGA membership here.
**Children age 4 and under are admitted free of charge. Patrons requiring the assistance of an Attendant can request a complimentary ticket for their Attendant. Please see the on-site box office team at the Main Entry Gate.

To continue our goal to provide a smooth guest entry experience, Timed Ticket Entry returns for the start of each day. Tickets are purchased for the Saturday and/or the Sunday event. Tickets can not be exchanged for the other day and there are no refunds. All purchases are final.

Here are the following entry time periods that can be purchased online:

  • 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
  • 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
  • 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
  • 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Sat) or 5:00 PM (Sun)—Entry must be at least ONE (1) hour before the event ends.

Please do not lineup more than 15 minutes ahead of your Timed Ticket Entry.

In addition to the Main Entry Gate at the main entrance to VanDusen off Oak Street, we are continuing to provide a second alternate entry at West Entry Gate located on the west side of the garden’s parking lot. Any Customer Service or Box Office questions will be managed at the Main Entry Gate at the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre.

Please contact [email protected] with any ticket purchasing questions or group ticket sales (10 or more regularly priced Adult tickets). Children age 4 and under are admitted free of charge. Patrons requiring the assistance of an Attendant can request a complimentary ticket for their Attendant. Please see the on-site box office team at the Main Entry Gate.

Please read our Terms and Conditions before purchasing your tickets.


Explore The Event

Click here to open the Sakura Days Japan Fair site map!


How to Prepare Yourself for the Event

Here are some tips to prepare yourself for a wonderful day at the event:

  • The event is rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
  • There is limited outdoor seating. You may wish to bring a blanket to picnic on.
  • There is no stroller parking. Please be prepared to use your stroller for the day.
  • Parking is very limited. We strongly encourage using public transit, walking, or biking. VanDusen Garden is located on the #17 Oak bus route and is a 15-minute walk from the Oakridge Canada Line station. Once the VanDusen lot is full, parking is limited to the surrounding neighbourhood streets. Plan ahead so you do not miss your timed ticket window.
  • There is no bicycle valet, but there will be a limited number of unattended bicycle racks.
  • Passenger drop off zone is located off Oak Street.
  • Please have your tickets ready on your mobile device or printed out for scanning upon arrival. Turn up your screen brightness!
  • Visitors must arrive within their designated entry ticket slot. Please do not lineup more than 15 min ahead of your Timed Ticket Entry. Entry must be at least ONE (1) hour before the event ends.
  • VBGA Members are required to show their valid membership card for scanning with their tickets.
  • Leave pets at home. Working guide and service dogs are welcome.
  • This event is wheelchair accessible.
  • Masks are welcome. Some indoor activities take place in smaller rooms.
  • Come hungry! There are plenty of food vendors on site. Visit vcbf.ca for additional event details.
  • Many vendors are cash only. 
  • Have fun & snap some photos – don’t forget to use #SDJF #VanCherryBlossomFest and tag @japanfair @vancherryblossomfest in your posts!

If you have general event questions, please contact [email protected] or connect with us through social media. For any ticketing questions, please email [email protected].


Thank You, Sponsors!

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is delighted to present Sakura Days Japan Fair in partnership with the Japan Fair Association of Vancouver (JFAV), the all-volunteer organizing committee of this two-day event.

Programs subject to change. All event titles are protected trademarks of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.