You Nearly Missed: Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen

by Kristi Alexandra on April 11th, 2024 at 9:58 AM

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Celebrating the bounty of the pink blooms from Japan is the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival’s Sakura Days Japan Fair, happening this weekend at VanDusen Botanical Garden.

Taking place Saturday and Sunday (April 13 and 14), the fair boasts a schedule full of activities from 10am to 6pm (with timed entry). The weekend-long fest showcases traditional and modern Japanese culture and customs—all in front of stunning cherry blossom trees.

Included in the fair are performances by Japanese artist duo Keita Kanazashi and Chie Hanawa, who will present traditional dance styles, as well as workshops on cultural practices like rakugo storytelling, taiko drumming, and—for the adults—sake tasting.

For the arts-inclined, there will be temari making, ikebana flower arranging, and even a haiku workshop led by poet Michael Dylan Welch.

All of that can inspire an appetite, and the festival’s food offerings will feature savoury Japanese culinary favourites like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and sushi. Food trucks and vendors will include Yamacafe, Zakkushi, Teriyaki Boys, and Japadog.