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!
Event Details
Sakura Days Japan Fair takes place in the spectacular VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak Street).
🌸 Saturday, April 12, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30PM)
🌸 Sunday, April 13, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30PM)
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!
Event Map
You can download our Event Map here.
What’s New?
We are continuing the success of the last two years and fine tuned the event to make it even more enjoyable.
We have maintained the increased numbers of food vendors and the extremely popular Yukata Dressing Tent. The Floral Stage is back as 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
Day Of tickets are on sale:
- Apr 12, 00:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Apr 13, 00:00 AM to 5:00 PM
| Advance (Until Apr 11) | Day Of (Apr 12-13) | |
| Adult | $24.00 | $26.00 |
| Senior | $19.00 | $21.00 |
| Children | $9.00 | $11.00 |
| Garden Member Adult* | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Garden Member Senior* | $14.00 | $16.00 |
| Garden Member Child* | $7.00 | $9.00 |
| Children 4 and under** | Free | Free |
| Disability Support Attendant** | Free | Free |
*Garden Members only. Garden Members are required to show their valid membership card at the entry point. Learn how to purchase or renew your Garden 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 and in advance:
- 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 30 minutes 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.
Ticket Purchase Terms and Conditions
Ticket prices do not include ticket platform fees, GST, and credit card processing fees. All purchases are final. The event is rain or shine. Event ticket purchases are only valid for the specific date and time detailed on the ticket, and it is not possible to change a Saturday ticket for a Sunday ticket and vice versa. Entry must be at least 30 minutes before the event ends.
Tickets are sold online. Tickets purchased at the door still use the same online process. 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.
Garden Members that hold a valid membership card can purchase discounted event tickets in advance of the Day Of event. Please be sure to select the appropriately named event ticket. Valid membership cards must be presented along with the discounted event ticket. Both tickets and memberships will be checked at the door. Discounted VanDusen membership rates are only applicable for those persons with a valid membership and do not extend to their guests. If you are a current member and would like to bring family or friends, please select the regular tickets for your guests.
Membership benefits and discounts do not transfer to guests accompanying members.
Click here to renew or purchase a Garden Membership.
See full event ticket purchasing terms and conditions here.
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 Botanical 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 30 minutes before the event ends.
- Garden 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].
Cherry Stage Schedule
Saturday, April 12, 2025
| 11:15-11:40 | Vancouver Kyudo Club |
| 12:00-12:20 | Opening Ceremony |
| 12:35-13:00 | GO Taiko |
| 13:15-13:35 | The Sakura Singers |
| 13:50-14:10 | Otowa Ryu Japanese Dance Group |
| 14:35-15:05 | FEATURED: Tsumugu Project Presents [Tsunagari] |
| 15:20-15:40 | Vancouver Eishin Ryu Iaido Club |
| 16:05-16:30 | APPARE Yosakoi Vancouver |
| 16:45-17:15 | Vancouver Okinawa Taiko |
| 17:30-18:00 | Vancouver Ondo Parade |
Sunday, April 13, 2025
| 11:15-11:45 | Southern Wave Okinawan Music and Dance Society |
| 12:00-12:25 | World Soran! |
| 12:40-13:00 | Kisyuu Japanese Calligrapher |
| 13:15-13:35 | Shorinji Kempo BC |
| 13:50-14:20 | Tomoe Kai Dance |
| 14:40-15:10 | FEATURED: Tsumugu Project Presents [Tsunagari] |
| 15:25-15:40 | Tenrikyo Joyous Stars |
| 15:55-16:15 | WAILELE WAI WAI |
| 16:30-17:00 | BOYiSH7 |
Floral Stage Schedule
Saturday, April 12, 2025
| 11:30-12:00 | APPARE Yosakoi Vancouver |
| 12:15-12:35 | Samurai Method – Kengido |
| 13:00-14:00 | FEATURED: English Rakugo by OKEICHAN & Shinobue Flute by Keiko |
| 14:20-14:50 | CoSei (Pico, Seira & Isaac) |
| 15:05-15:50 | Goosefeather Kamishibai |
| 16:10-16:30 | Maple Blossom |
| 16:45-17:10 | Samurai Method – Kengido |
| 17:30-18:00 | CoSei (Pico, Seira & Isaac) |
Sunday, April 13, 2025
| 11:00-11:30 | Dub Beets |
| 11:45-12:05 | Samurai Method – Kengido |
| 12:30-13:30 | Ko and Kaitotunes |
| 14:00-15:00 | FEATURED: English Rakugo by OKEICHAN & Shinobue Flute by Keiko |
| 15:20-15:50 | CosCafe |
| 16:05-16:25 | Maple Blossom |
| 16:40-17:00 | Samurai Method – Kengido |
Wood Craft by Kenyukai on the Plaza
Kenyukai consists of individuals and corporate members who work in the architectural and construction Industry and also in affiliated fields in the Greater Vancouver area. The group will work with children to make a windmill.
Exhibitors
Our vendors sell traditional and contemporary Japanese delicious food items and all kinds of Japanese products. The locations are spread in our venues including Floral Hall, Great Hall, Bentall Plaza, and the Perennial Garden. Check out all the vendors and find your favourite items!
The Floral Hall is located across from Shaughnessy Restaurant.
The Great Hall is located inside the Visitor Centre and is located just beyond the Main Entry Gate at the main entrance.
Bentall Plaza is located past the Visitor Centre in the garden.
The Perennial Garden and the Lath House are located in the garden close to the Great Lawn and Cherry Stage.
Cedar Room Workshops
The popular ikebana and temari-making workshops return to Cedar Room, located adjacent to the main entrance and the Visitor Centre. Seats are limited so please pre-register to participate!
Saturday, April 12, 2025
| 10:00-11:00 | Ikebana Workshop with Vancouver Ikebana Association (pre-registration required) Register here |
| 12:00-13:00 | Ikebana Workshop with Vancouver Ikebana Association(pre-registration required) Register here |
| 13:45-15:15 | (SOLD OUT) Temari-Making Workshop with TEMARIMO |
| 16:00-17:30 | Temari-Making Workshop with TEMARIMO (pre-registration required)Register here |
Sunday, April 13, 2025
| 10:00-11:00 | Ikebana Workshop with Vancouver Ikebana Association(pre-registration required) Register here |
| 11:30-12:30 | Ikebana Workshop with Vancouver Ikebana Association(pre-registration required) Register here |
| 13:30-14:00 | Japanese Calligraphy Workshop by VJLS (walk-in) |
| 14:30-15:00 | Japanese Language Workshop by VJLS (walk-in) |
| 15:30-17:00 | Kare-San-Sui (Japanese Rock Garden) Workshop by VJGA(pre-registration required) Register here |
Ikebana Workshop with Vancouver Ikebana Association
The Japanese art of flower arranging will help you focus on the natural beauty of your surroundings. This hands-on workshop will teach you the basic techniques of ikebana in an easy to understand way. Give yourself a break and treat yourself by creating your own unique, spring-themed arrangement. All supplies will be provided, no equipment or previous experience necessary.
Temari Making Workshop with TEMARIMO
Temari was once a traditional toy given at New Years from parents to their children. Over time, the practice has evolved into a detailed artform. You will learn the basic techniques of how to make a design on Temari (ball). Using nature-friendly materials, TEMARIMO’S goal and ambition is to bring beauty joy into people’s lives through the centuries-old art of Temari. Like each well made, delicate thread ball, a Temari is symbolic of wishing its recipient a full and well-rounded life.
Click here to register for Saturday 16:00-17:30 Temari-Making Workshop
Japanese language and cultural experience with Vancouver Japanese Language School (VJLS)
Founded in 1906, the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to education, culture and community.
This year’s workshops will be calligraphy experience and Japanese language lessons. Workshop attendees will learn to write Japanese characters such as “cherry blossom” and “spring” using a brush and ink. Your finished work will be pasted on a colored paper for you to take home.
Drop in these VJLS workshops to experience Japanese culture and language!
Kare-San-Sui (Japanese Rock Garden) Workshop by Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association (VJGA)
Immerse yourself in the timeless craft of Karesansui, the Japanese art of dry landscape gardening, where nature’s beauty is expressed through the careful arrangement of rocks, sand, and other natural elements. This hands-on workshop is guided by the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association (VJGA), an organization that focuses on strengthening and uniting local communities through special gardening events. Workshop participants will learn how to craft your own Japanese dry rock garden. All materials are provided, including a box, a 5-piece rake set, sand, stones, and moss, so whether you’re a beginner or a garden enthusiast, you can enjoy the meditative process of designing your miniature landscape.
Tea Ceremony by Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association (Classroom)
Tea Ceremony Demonstration by Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association
Chado, or the Way of Tea, is a comprehensive cultural practice that embraces art, religion, philosophy, social life-virtually every aspect of life. Urasenke grand master expresses his goal through the phrase, “Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea.”
$9 per participant for each 30-minute session (maximum 20 people each session)
Tickets for the Tea Cyueremony will be sold outside of the Classroom in the Visitor Centre each day when the gate opens. This area can be accessed from the Garden Plaza. Ticket holders will enjoy freshly made matcha green tea and wagashi, Japanese sweets.
Saturday, April 12, 2025
| 11:00 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #1 |
| 12:00 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #2 |
| 13:30 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #3 |
| 14:30 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #4 |
| 15:30 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #5 |
Sunday, April 13, 2025
| 11:00 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #1 |
| 12:00 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #2 |
| 13:30 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #3 |
| 14:30 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #4 |
| 15:30 | Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association Tea Ceremony Demo #5 |
Ikebana Display by Vancouver Ikebana Association (Floral Hall)
Saturday, April 12, 2025
| 11:00AM – 6:00PM | Vancouver Ikebana Association Ikebana Display |
Sunday, April 13, 2025
| 11:00AM – 5:00PM | Vancouver Ikebana Association Ikebana Display |
Sakura Kids Tent by Jpcanada
Sakura Kids Tent is located on the lawn near the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association Tea House. There are five stations with a Japanese cultural craft or activity, as well as the return of the stamp rally. Receive a stamp on your stamp rally card after completing a craft or activity, repeat for all five stations, then show your full stamp card to get a small prize! Prizes are limited to the first 500 completed cards per day, so join early!
Food Vendors
We are continuing the success of the last two years and fine tuned the event to make it even more enjoyable.
We have maintained the increased numbers of food vendors. These vendors are located outside of Floral Hall, under the Lath House (beyond the Rose Garden), and in the Upper Lawn (beyond the Cherry Stage).
Food Tents
Boketto Tea Bar
Hatchan
Jeggs OKONOMIYAKI
Japan Rice Bowl Assoc.
Aiyaohno Cafe
SKR Partners Inc.
Japanese Crepe SASUKE
Rika Plant Kitchen
Vancouver Mikoshi Sakurakai Society
Manpuku (Master Daddy’s food)
Teppan Yaro
Sai (Vegan Pudding & Co.)
WA-BAGEL
Tatchan Noodle
Potato san
yamacafe
Pantora Curry Pan
93 Coffee – Japanese Tea Stand
Zakkushi
Food Trucks
MatsuBox
TAKENAKA
Teriyaki Boys
Tokyo Katsu-sand
JAPADOG
Wakwakburger
Haiku Installation
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Haiku Invitational attracts writers from all over the world to submit poems from which winners are selected in six categories. The winning haiku are then given to emerging and established artists from cultural partners of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations and Japanese Canadian artists to produce exciting new visual works to celebrate the 2024 winning haiku and the transcendent fleeting beauty of the flowering cherry tree. Each piece of art wraps around a tree in the Cherry Tree Grove by the Upper Lawn.
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.
Photo Credits: Barry Yip, Gianell Campos (@gianellcamposphoto, gianellcampos.com), Kiran G. (@kgug.yvr). Please credit the photographer as listed in the photo.
Programs subject to change. All event titles are protected trademarks of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.