On Thursday Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival launched! Thanks to the beautiful weather over the long weekend, the cherry trees did not disappoint. Much of Vancouver is decorated with the spectacular blooming trees. Now if this rain would just stop we could truly enjoy their beauty! But never fear, the organizing committee of Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival has a fantastic line up of events guaranteed to be a hit regardless of the weather.
We headed into downtown Vancouver mid-day Thursday for Cherry Jam Downtown and picked up our bento boxes. Four top-tier Japanese restaurants joined together to create special bento boxes in honour of the Cherry Blossom Festival. The participating restaurants were: Tojo’s, Zen Japanese Restaurant, Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro, and Toshi Sushi. For a mere $20, we received a very generous bento box filled with fantastic food. I was a big fan of the food contributed by Zen in West Vancouver; we will certainly be heading there in the near future!
Over this upcoming weekend (April 6 & 7), VanDusen Gardens in hosting more events tied to the Cherry Blossom Festival. It is Sakura Days, Japan Fair at the Gardens! You can expect to see and hear musical and dance performances, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, sample yummy food, attempt ikebana (flower arranging) and let your kids loose in the kids’ tent!
The Cherry Blossom Festival site has compiled a fantastic map for bike riders: Bike the Blossoms! On April 27th there is a guided bike tour starting at 11am; a perfect event for the entire family!
Both this weekend (April 6 & 7) and next (April 13 & 14) the festival has organized numerous educational walks focussed around the spectacular cherry blossom trees. The walks are held at Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, UBC, VanDusen Gardens, and the West End/downtown. Guaranteed you will see Vancouver in a new way after participating in one of these walks.
Spring has arrived; Vancouver’s cherry blossoms are on display. Be sure to partake in this terrific festival!
