Sakura Matsuri 2020 at Gardens by the Bay

Marvel at the lush blossoms and take part in cultural activities at Gardens by the Bay’s Sakura Matsuri 2020 event.

As this year’s Sakura Matsuri event takes place in an uncertain period affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, Gardens by the Bay has adjusted some of its programming and attraction operations to allow visitors the chance to enjoy a Cherry Blossom festival in Singapore.

New Initiative: Where Flowers Never Stop Blooming

Sakura Matsuri Giveaway
Singapore residents whose trips to Japan are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak may qualify for tickets to Flower Dome. The Gardens is giving away 500 of such tickets, and some may even win a staycation at Pan Pacific Singapore. More details can be found here.

Attractions discounts
Singapore residents can enjoy a 50% discount for admission tickets to the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy and Supertree Observatory, from 6 to 22 Mar 2020.

Children who are Singapore residents and aged 12 and below can receive free admission to the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy and Supertree Observatory, from 14 to 22 Mar 2020.

Free Parking
The carparks at Bay South Gardens will be free for the first four hours for all visitors, from 6 Mar 2020.

Other promotions
Visitors with Gardens by the Bay conservatory tickets can also enjoy discounts at selected restaurants at Pan Pacific Singapore, as well as a variety of retail and dining promotions within Gardens by the Bay. Apparently more of such deals are in the works and details can be found at this page when available.

Measures in response to COVID-19
Gardens by the Bay has announced that is has stepped up cleaning across its attractions, and is conducting temperature screening at key attractions. The air-chilling systems in both conservatories are equipped with germicidal UV emitters to improve air quality, and hand sanitisers are made available at key visitor touchpoints.

Sakura Matsuri: Tale of the Peach Boy floral display

Inspired by the story of Momotaro (Peach Boy), this year’s Sakura Matsuri floral display features over 20 varieties of cherry and peach trees.

With some 500 trees on display, and many already in bloom, the flower field does look pretty magical.

Unique this year is the “village” of Gassho-style farmhouses, featuring their steep roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall.

For those who come here specially to take photos, good news: The Tori gates are back again, and this particular intersection has the densest blooms so far.

Elements of the Momotaro story (cartoon props) are kept at one side of the Flower Field, which is a good thing for visitors who prefer to enjoy the beautiful landscaping.

Sakura Matsuri Hanami Experience

Gardens by the Bay is offering a Hanami Experience for $20. The package includes a two-way ride on the Auto-Rider (an autonomous vehicle) from Bayfront Plaza to the Flower Dome, a pack of snacks and green tea imported from Japan, as well as as sakura sake tasting. Of course, the package also includes Yukata rental for those precious photos around the Flower Dome!

Yukata rental is limited to 30 minutes per visitor, so you have to put them on and quickly go snap photos around the Flower Dome. The stall also has a selection of Yukata and fashion accessories for sale.

Note: Admission to Flower Dome is not included in the Hanami Experience Package.

For best use of the two-way ride, I suggest buying tickets from Bayfront Plaza, which is the revamped area directly beside the underpass exit from Marina Bay Sands and Bayfront MRT station. Of course, if you are taking advantage of the Gardens’ free parking, you can always buy from Flower Dome to go on a joy ride around the Gardens.

Also, it appears that the Gardens has revised the Auto Rider’s hours – now only operating from 3:30pm to 9:30pm daily, so bear in mind when making plans.

Sakura Matsuri Cultural Programmes

UPDATE: Sakura Matsuri Cultural programmes have been cancelled.

The Flower Dome’s lower level will host a series of cultural events, from tea ceremonies to dance (Minyo) and even martial arts (Kendo) demonstrations. Shown here are some highlights of the line-up in March.

HIBIKIYA returns to the Flower Dome, this year with a new segment with the masked demon warriors.

Witness the ritual-like preparation and serving of powdered green tea during Japanese Tea Ceremony, held on weekends at 11am and 12pm.

The Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden event is slated to return on 28 and 29 Mar 2020, taking place mostly at The Meadow (outdoor) area of the Gardens.

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled.

Sakura Matsuri (2020) at Gardens by the Bay

Now till 29 March 2020

Tale of the Peach Boy floral display

Now till 29 March 2020. Admission charges apply, numerous promotions available.

Cultural Programmes in Flower Dome

Various weekends, from now till 29 March 2020. More details here. Admission to Flower Dome required.
UPDATE: The programmes have been cancelled.

Anime Garden

28 – 29 March 2020. Free admission, except select activities which require admission to Flower Dome or purchase of merchandise. For full event line-up and schedule, visit this page.
UPDATE: This event has been cancelled.

Also available: #FutureTogether by teamLab Japan and GIC.

Now till 22 March 2020. More details here.

You can buy tickets online for Gardens by the Bay and other attractions via my Klook link.
(Purchases made via Klook link will help support Dejiki.com at no extra cost to you)