Sakura trees in bloom in Japan (Image: Unsplash)
Cover Sakura trees in bloom in Japan (Image: Unsplash)

You don't need to fly to Japan to enjoy the sakura season this year. Enjoy the beauty of 'cherry blossoms' at these places in Singapore this year

Japan, particularly Tokyo and Kyoto, are popular tourist destinations during this time of the year. Spring is gorgeous in Japan with its abundance of cherry blossoms or sakura in the western and eastern parts of Japan. 

Cherry blossoms, which are also known as Japanese cherry or sakura, are also the national flower of Japan and they are extremely popular with tourists who enjoy taking Instagram-worthy photos of the flowers. And don't forget about sakura-inspired food, too. 

Due to the pandemic, we will unfortunately not be able to travel to Japan this year. However, that doesn't mean that we have to miss out on the festivities. 

Read on to find out where you can enjoy the local version of 'sakura' flowers in Singapore this year.

(Related: Covid-19 Vaccine: These Countries are Now Welcoming Vaccinated Travellers)

Tatler Asia
Telok Blangah Hill Park (Image: NParks)
Above Telok Blangah Hill Park (Image: NParks)

1. Telok Blangah Hill Park

Located near Henderson Road, Telok Blangah Hill Park is a popular spot for residents to exercise, take in the views of Sentosa Island and even enjoy a meal at The Alkaff Mansion. 

In March, the park is home to an array of pink bougainvillaeas which bloom and fall all over the park. It makes for a beautiful pink landscape that is perfect for a photo or two. 

2. Japanese Cemetery Park

Hidden in a small residential neighbourhood in Hougang, Japanese Cemetry Park is home to almost 1,000 Japanese civilian and soldier graves. 

Located at the cemetery are many trees that bear bright pink bougainvillaea flowers. These flowers look extremely similar to sakura flowers and provide an incredible backdrop for pictures. 

In fact, if you venture deeper into the cemetery, you will find an archway decorated with the flowers that make a beautiful spot for photos. 

(Related: Kyushu Spirits Debuts with Singapore Launch of its Asakura Premium Japanese Whisky)

3. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is a massive park that boasts walking trails, a dog park, plenty of flora and fauna. 

This season, a line of trumpet trees have bloomed in the park. The pink and white flowers provide a beautiful backdrop that will certainly make you feel like you are in Japan again.

4. Jurong Lake Garden

If you live in the West, don't worry, we have you covered. Head over to the gorgeous Jurong Lake Park where it is common for seasonal flowering trees to be planted. This month, the trumpet trees are in full bloom with beautiful pink flowers.

Thanks to its sheer size and development, Jurong Lake Park also boasts many Instagram-spots around the part for the perfect shot. In fact, because these trees are planted, there are actually some perfectly placed trees that will give you outstanding photos. 

(Related:5 Popular Houseplants on Instagram and Where You Can Get Them in Singapore

Tatler Asia
Sakura featuring Hello Kitty at Gardens By The Bay (Image: Gardens By The Bay)
Above Sakura featuring Hello Kitty at Gardens By The Bay (Image: Gardens By The Bay)

5. Gardens By The Bay

Gardens By The Bay is well known for bringing in seasonal flowers and festivals into their Flower Dome. This year, they have gone all out with a sakura festival that will feature Hello Kitty from March 1 to April 11. It is also the only place in Singapore currently that you can experience authentic cherry blossoms. 

Visitors can walk through traditional torii gates in the Flower Dome where they will be transported to Japan. Be awed by the cherry blossoms as well as peach blossoms on show. You will also get to see Japanese red-crowned cranes in the exhibit. 

If you are a fan of Hello Kitty, you will be thrilled to see life-sized statues and topiaries of her as she takes you through the flowers and even guides you to find the perfect spot for a traditional outdoor tea ceremony. 

(Related: How The Landscape Architects Behind Gardens By The Bay Connect Architecture To Nature)

Topics