Sakura Matsuri weekend offers over 60 events and performances that celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.
How to Have a Great Festival: Tips & Rules
Sakura Matsuri days are the Garden’s busiest. Be prepared.
- Skip the box office line! Become a member or purchase an advance ticket. Members can use the members' lane at any entrance. Advance ticket holders must select a specific entrance (see map).
- During Sakura Matsuri no tickets will be sold at the Eastern Parkway entrance. A limited number of tickets will be sold on event days at the 455 Flatbush Avenue and 990 Washington Avenue entrances. To comply with safety regulations we may have to halt ticket sales if we reach maximum capacity. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry.
- Travel light. All bags and packages will be searched by Security. Be prepared to wait in line for bag check.
- Take public transportation. Parking nearby is very limited and gridlock is likely. Travel directions ›
- Avoid peak attendance. Come early in the day or later in the afternoon.
- No outside food or beverages. Exceptions are bottled water and baby bottles only. A substantial menu of food and drink will be available at stations throughout the Garden.
- Help protect our plant collections. During the festival, some areas of the Garden are closed. Please do not pick flowers, climb trees, or walk in the planted beds. Folding chairs are not permitted.
- Cosplayers take note: Real or realistic weapons, oversized props, or props made of hard materials (e.g., wood, Plexiglas, metal) will not be allowed inside the Garden. Security reserves the right to refuse admission of any potentially hazardous props.
- Leave the wheels at home. Scooters and bikes are not permitted in the Garden, and bike racks located at each entrance fill up early. Due to festival crowds, avoid bringing a stroller.
- Drones, tripods, and commercial photography are not allowed. Photos for personal use and social sharing encouraged! See policy at bbg.org/photography.
Saturday, April 30 | Schedule
Performances: Main Stage at Cherry Esplanade
Performances: J-Lounge Stage at the Osborne Garden
Art Alley at the Osborne Garden J-Lounge
Books & Zines at the Osborne Garden J-Lounge
Workshops & Games at the Osborne Garden J-Lounge
Japanese Market at the Osborne Garden J-Lounge
Performances
Main Stage at Cherry Esplanade
- Noon–12:45 p.m.
Soh Daiko
Thunderous taiko drumming- 1:30–2:15 p.m.
Dancejapan with Sachiyo Ito
Elegant and colorful Kabuki Buyo dance- 2:30–3:15 p.m.
Samurai Sword Soul
Action-packed drama by martial arts masters- 3:30–4:15 p.m.
The Asterplace
Hi-octane J-rock meets anime themes- 4:30–5 p.m.
BBG Parasol Society Fashion Show
Featuring live music by the Hanami Ensemble
A prim and proper pageant of grand proportions.- 5:15–6 p.m.
Yuzu’s Dream: An Urban Folk Odyssey
Straight outta Nyūzen, J-pop phenomenon Yuzu is joined by choreographer and hip-hop artist Akim Funk Buddha and his Origami Dance Crew.
J-Lounge Stage at the Osborne Garden
- 11–11:15 a.m.
KuroPOP
J-pop dance party- 11:30–12:30 p.m.
The Battersby Show: Cosplay 101
Charles Battersby and special guests answer the age-old question, “Why are they dressed like that?”- 12:45–1:15 p.m.
Stand-up Comic Rio Koike
Rio’s Tokyo Magic Show comes to Brooklyn.- 1:30–1:45 p.m.
2UNE
Sunny J-pop vocal duo- 2–3 p.m.
The Battersby Show: Intermediate Cosplay Crafting
Charles Battersby and friends talk zippers versus Velcro.- 3:15–3:45 p.m.
Stand-up Comic Rio Koike
Rio’s Tokyo Magic Show comes to Brooklyn.- 4–5 p.m.
Hanagasa Odori
Flower hat procession with the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York
BBG Tea Center
- 11–11:45 a.m.
The Way of Tea
Slide lecture with Sohenryu tea master Sōkyo Shimizu
Auditorium- 12:15–1 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony
Led by tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu
Auditorium- 1:30–2:15 p.m.
The Way of Tea
Slide lecture with Sohenryu tea master Sōkyo Shimizu
Auditorium- 2:45–3:30 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony
Led by tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu
Auditorium- 4:15–4:45 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony for Families
Kids learn about the art of tea with Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu.
Auditorium
Art Alley at the Osborne Garden J-Lounge
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Rumi Hara
Ink illustrations and comic art by a Kyoto native- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Kate T. Williamson
Watercolors inspired by Japan and cherry blossoms- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Jed Henry
Illustrations blending video game characters with Edo-era art traditions- 11–11:45 a.m.
Ukiyo-e Illustration Demonstration with Jed Henry
See video game characters reimagined before your eyes- 2–2:45 p.m.
Ukiyo-e Illustration Demonstration with Jed Henry
See video game characters reimagined before your eyes
Books & Zines at the Osborne Garden J-Lounge
- 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
CosplayNYC Magazine
Meet zine creators and get some cosplay tips.- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Community Bookstore Sakura Shop
Sakura bookworms can pick up the latest reads from our featured authors.
Book Signings
- 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Kensuke Okabayashi
Manga for Dummies- 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Kate T. Williamson
A Year in Japan- 1–3 p.m.
April Vollmer
Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop, A Modern Guide to an Ancient Art- 3–5 p.m.
Rumi Hara
The Return of Japanese Wolves- 3–5 p.m.
Abby Denson
Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen- 4–5 p.m.
Misako Rocks!
Rock and Roll Love
Workshops & Games at the Osborne Garden J-Lounge
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
J-Lounge Manga Journal
Sketch your favorite Sakura sightings.- Noon–12:45 p.m.
Manga Drawing with Misako Rocks!
Join the manga maven in a hands-on workshop (ages 6 and up).- 1–5 p.m.
Shogi Chess
Learn this ancient game from the masters of the New York Shogi Club.
J-Lounge Game Stop- 1–5 p.m.
The Game of Go
Challenge the pros from the Brooklyn Go Club.
J-Lounge Game Stop- 1:15–2 p.m.
Manga Drawing with Misako Rocks!
Join the manga maven in a hands-on workshop (ages 6 and up).- 3–3:45 p.m.
Manga Drawing with Misako Rocks!
Join the manga maven in a hands-on workshop (ages 6 and up).
Japanese Market at the Osborne Garden J-Lounge
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Minamoto Kitchoan Wagashi Shop
Seasonal Japanese confections and treats- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Royce’ Chocolate Shop
Chocolate and maccha from Hokkaido, Japan- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sushi Pillows
Whimsical plush creations by Sushi Designs New York- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tenugui Wraps
Decorative cotton cloths by Wuhao Tenugui Art- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ito En Fine Teas
Sencha from Japan’s largest green tea distributor- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Togei Kyoshitsu Ceramics
Functional and elegant pottery- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Raaka Chocolate
Small-batch chocolates inspired by Japanese culinary traditions- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tabi Socks, Ninja Boots, and Geta Shoes
Japanese footwear from Greentea Design- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
J-Fashion Accessories
Handcrafted kawaii adornments by Un-Re Designs- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Community Bookstore Sakura Shop
An array of Japanese reads- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wall Scrolls
Brush paintings from Greentea Design- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Vintage Kimonos
Fashions straight from Japan by YokoDana Kimono- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
J-Collabo Gallery Shop
Japanese beauty products and unique imported gifts
Breathtaking Bonsai, Traditional Arts & Torii Tours
- 10 a.m.–Noon
Japanese Garden Stroll
A guided tour of BBG’s cloud-pruned trees, torii gate, and coy koi
Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Mataro Ningyo Doll Museum
A rare peek at the Kimekomi Doll Club’s private collection
Rotunda- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibit
The art of Japanese flower arranging on display
Rotunda- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum
Enjoy the Garden’s world-class collection of teeny trees.
Steinhardt Conservatory- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Bonsai Basics
Consult the aficionados from the Friends of Bonsai club.
Steinhardt Conservatory- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friends of Bonsai’s Living Sculpture Exhibit
A display by Brooklyn’s own bonsai club
Steinhardt Conservatory- 1–2 p.m.
Sogetsu Ikebana Demonstration
Flower arranging with Yoko Ikura and Shoko Iwata
Members’ Room
Kid Stuff
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
J-Lounge Manga Journal
Sketch your favorite Sakura sightings.
Osborne Garden- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Samurai Selfie
Pose in your favorite warrior cutouts.
Osborne Garden- 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bamboo Insect Hotel Crafting
Build lodging for your tiny buggy guests (ages 4 and up).
Discovery Garden- Noon–12:45 p.m.
Manga Drawing with Misako Rocks!
Join the manga maven in a hands-on workshop (ages 6 and up).
Osborne Garden- 1–5 p.m.
Vaudeville Origami
Fold along with Jeremy Aaron Horland in this one-of-a-kind workshop.
Osborne Garden- 1:15–2 p.m.
Manga Drawing with Misako Rocks!
Join the manga maven in a hands-on workshop (ages 6 and up).
Osborne Garden- 3–3:45 p.m.
Manga Drawing with Misako Rocks!
Join the manga maven in a hands-on workshop (ages 6 and up).
Osborne Garden- 4:15–4:45 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony for Families
Kids learn about the art of tea with Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu
Auditorium
Become a Member Buy Advance Tickets
Support Provided by
Lead Sponsor, Japanese Garden Centennial
The Freeman Foundation
Major Sponsor, Japanese Garden Centennial
Sponsor, Japanese Garden Centennial
JCC Fund of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York
Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas)
Sony Corporation of America
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas Foundation