Meet Sakura Afro Pikachu At Gardens By The Bay's Sakura Floral Display

This year’s floral display revolves around the theme of travel, and will showcase different interpretations of the sakura, from floral art to the more traditional representations of trees in bloom

Sakura Afro Pikachu Sakura Floral Display Image credit: Gardens by the Bay

The launch of Gardens by the Bay’s annual Sakura floral display today was marked by a special visit by Sakura Afro Pikachu – the first time ever it is making an appearance outside of Japan.

This year’s Sakura, which is the eighth edition of the well-loved and iconic floral display in Flower Dome, was launched by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat. DPM Heng, together with the Ambassador of Japan to Singapore His Excellency Hiroshi Ishikawa and CEO of Gardens by the Bay Felix Loh, broke a traditional sake barrel to symbolise the official launch. DPM Heng also toured the floral display and engaged in a meet-and-greet session with Sakura Afro Pikachu.

Pokemon Snorlax Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay’s Senior Director of Conservatory Operations Gary Chua said, “The essence of cherry blossoms is in their fleeting beauty. Such ephemeral fragility is a reminder to everyone to slow down, take notice of our surroundings and cherish each moment. As such, the theme of Sakura this year is travel in Japan, where on a leisurely journey, visitors will enjoy picturesque sights of a Japanese landscape amidst cherry blossoms. We also wanted to explore showcasing cherry blossoms through different interpretations, from ikebana to the more traditional representation of trees in bloom. Coupled with an exciting line-up of Japanese-themed activities for the public, this year’s Sakura will be a beautiful, fun-filled experience as we strive to welcome both local and overseas visitors back to Gardens by the Bay.”

Pokemon and Pikachu Sakura Display

A scenic train journey across a Japanese landscape

This year’s floral display highlights the beauty of cherry blossoms through different interpretations, from using the cherry blossom in floral art, to the more traditional representation of cherry blossom trees.

Japan Sakura Flora Display Flower Dome

Inspired by the theme of travel across scenic spots in Japan, visitors are taken on a sight-seeing trip through a changing landscape that features scenes such as a lake where animals associated with Japan like deer and cranes gather, as well as toy trains making their way across picturesque scenes dotted with cherry blossoms, torii gates and iconic Japanese landmarks such as Mount Fuji.

Sakura Flora Display Flower Dome

Along the journey, visitors will also see four ikebana pieces specially created for the Sakura floral display by Ikebana International Singapore (Chapter 135). With cherry blossoms as the main theme, the simple yet structured art form not only accentuates the delicateness of the blooms, but also evokes an air of elegance and traditional Japanese charm.

Visitors can also spot several first-generation Pokémon interspersed throughout the floral display – another highlight of their train journey.

The return of Japanese-themed public programmes

For the first time since the pandemic, Gardens by the Bay will be bringing back a series of public programmes to Flower Dome, to complement the Sakura floral display, and for visitors to experience and appreciate both Japanese traditional and popular culture. These activities will take place on selected weekends.

The public will have a chance to meet and greet Sakura Afro Pikachu up close. In addition, there will be dance performances put up by adorable Pikachu.

Pikachu Flower Dome Gardens by the Bay Image credit: Gardens by the Bay

There will also be a myriad of cultural activities, such as ikebana workshops, traditional tea ceremony, mochi pounding, as well as folk dance and musical performances, organised in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Singapore’s Japan Creative Centre.

Sakura Afro Pikachu Meet-and-Greet

Get close up with Sakura Afro Pikachu and its trademark fluffy pink hairstyle, as this adorable Pokémon makes its first appearance outside of Japan only at Gardens by the Bay!

📅 ⏰ 18 Mar 1pm – 1.30pm | 19 Mar 10am – 10.30am & 1pm – 1.30pm
📍 Flower Dome
🏷 Admission charge to Flower Dome applies

You can get tickets online via Klook, KKday or Trip.com.

Pikachu Dance

Don’t miss the iconic Pokémon Pikachu, as they dance at Gardens by the Bay!

📅 18 Mar 2023
⏰ 11am & 2pm
📍 Flower Dome entrance
🏷 Free

For more information, visit here.

Sakura Floral Display

📅 11 Mar to 9 Apr 2023
⏰ 9am – 9pm
🏷 Admission Charges to Flower Dome applies.

You can get tickets online via Klook, KKday or Trip.com.

For more information, visit here.

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