This was the perfect weekend to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival at the VanDusen Botanical Garden. The sun was shining, a gentle wind was in the air, and the cherry blossoms were out in full bloom. This is the Sakura Days Japanese Fair.
Parking was no easy task, with the garden’s lot quick to fill and the need to find space blocks away within the residential neighborhoods. At least the walk to the garden had its own fair share of blossoms to enjoy.
This is a ticketed event with timed enteries. I made sure to be one of the firsts to be able to enjoy the gardens with as much space and peace as possible.
The expanse of the property had plenty of sprawling room for all the activities, performances and Japanese vendors.
On the main stage there were set performances by traditional taiko drummers, singers, dancers, and a parade. During the opening ceremony there was even a sake barrel smashing.
There was a kids area with traditional Japanese paper crafts and games. You could fold origami or try on a mask.
The water balloon yo-yo stall was especially popular. Equipped with a hook and rod, kids “caught” a balloon and kept it as their prize.
There were workshops where guests could partake in flower arranging, tea ceremonies, wooden crafts, and even make their own pinwheel.
The marketplace had artists and vendors selling their homemade wears: jewelry, soap, ceramics, accessories, clothes, and hobby collectables.
I would spend most of my time amongst the food stalls and trucks. There was an extensive selection of savoury, sweet, and iced drinks. Japanese street foods the likes of okonomiyaki, katsu sandos, taiyaki, and teriyaki noodles and burgers. Coming early also had me waiting in minimal lines.
I would spend my money on Sakura flavoured snacks, buying and trying all, except the stall that was cash only. The following is what I had.
At Aiyaohno Cafe I was drawn in by their Matcha + Salted Sakura Latte. A layer of green and pink mixed together. Fresh matcha highlighted by the saltiness, ending on a lovely floral note.
I also couldn’t pass up trying one of their Mitarashi Dango Skewer. A round of plain (white), matcha (green), and salted Sakura (pink), just liked the emoji; but grilled for a slightly crunchy exterior hiding a soft and chewy glutinous centre.
At Yama Cafe I tried their made to order Sakuramochi. Pink mochi pancakes with an actual dried Sakura blossom pressed into each. Cooked on a grittle then rolled with red bean paste and held in place with a shisho leaf.
The cherry blossom is in the colour, whereas the flavour is more red bean, making it fairly filling. I expected the shisho leaf to be overwhelming in flavour, but having it cooked, dulled its herbal fragrance. This was my first time trying this. It doesn’t read like it would work all together, but it does.
The Sakura Madeleines from Boketto Tea Bar were pre-made. More the classic honeyed sponge cake than the lightly floral essence I was hoping for. This however, would be nice with their teas.
The Sakura Bagel from Wa-Bagel wasn’t actually cherry blossom flavored. I didn’t read the fine print and was suckered in by the name and the marketing. This was actually a strawberry bagel filled with red bean paste and chocolate. It is only named “Sakura Bagel” for its colour and the blossom print on the actual bagel.
I am already a fan of Coconama‘a milky creamed flavoured chocolates, so did not hesitate to pick up container of their limited edition Sakura Chocolates. Each block slightly salty with a dried blossom at its centre. The latter gave it a chew and an almost perseved plum quality.
And for those who wanted to get a little creative with their own cherry blossoms at home, Tea Lani had bags and bottles of Freeze Dried Cherry Blossoms for purchase. You could steep them to have as tea, use them as a garnish in a cocktail, or as the secret ingredient in your next baking project.
In short this was a great way to spend a beautiful Vancouver day. However, for those who missed Saturday, April 12th’s showing, they are doing it all again Sunday, April 13th, 2024. For more detail and how to get tickets, follow the link below.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1
(604) 257-8463
vandusengarden.org
