Sakura Matsuri 2018 Sunday Events - Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Sakura Matsuri 2018 Sunday Events

Sakura Matsuri 2018 Sunday Events

Festivals

Sunday, April 29, 2018 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Last Admission at 5:30 p.m.

Sakura Matsuri weekend offers nearly 60 events and performances that celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

Advance tickets recommended! Members always enter free.

Buy Tickets Become a Member

See Schedule for Saturday, April 28 

Sakura Matsuri Main Page

How to Have a Great Festival: Tips & Rules

Sakura Matsuri days are the Garden’s busiest. Be prepared.

  1. 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).
    2. A map of Sakura Matsuri entrances
  2. 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.
  3. Travel light. All bags and packages will be searched by Security. Be prepared to wait in line for bag check.
  4. Take public transportation. Parking nearby is very limited and gridlock is likely. Travel directions ›
  5. Avoid peak attendance. Come early in the day or later in the afternoon.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Drones, tripods, and commercial photography are not allowed. Photos for personal use and social sharing encouraged! See policy at bbg.org/photography.

Sunday, April 29 | Schedule

Jump to Event Type

Cherry Esplanade Stage

Show larger version of Samurai Sword Performers A group of performers in costumes and traditional Japanese dress hold swords up on a stage.
Samurai Sword Soul. Photo by Julie Markes.
Noon–12:45 p.m.

Taiko Masala
Traditional taiko drumming and martial arts, Brooklyn-style

1–1:45 p.m.

Dancejapan with Sachiyo Ito
Elegant and colorful Kabuki Buyo dance

2–2:45 p.m.

Samurai Sword Soul
Action-packed drama by martial arts masters

3–3:45 p.m.

Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY
Vibrant traditional Minbu dances

4–4:45 p.m.

The Molice
Tokyo’s indie-rockers with a retro twist

5–5:15 p.m.

J-Music Ensemble
High-octane jazz inspired by anime and video game themes

5:15–6 p.m.

Ninth Annual Sakura Matsuri Cosplay Fashion Show
With Hosts Becka Noel and Dhareza Cosplayza and original music by J-Music Ensemble
The East Coast’s premier outdoor showcase of cosplay’s finest

 

J-Lounge Stage at Osborne Garden

Show larger version of Taiko Drumming A taiko drummer performs on an outdoor stage while a crowd of people watches.
Taiko Drumming for Families. Photo by Julie Markes.
11–Noon

DJ Sashimi
Edo-era melodies meet tasty beats.

Noon–1 p.m.

Kuni Mikami & East of the Sun
Jazz-inspired renditions of traditional folk songs

1:15–2 p.m.

Rich Kameda
Classic illusions with Japanese flair

2:15–2:45 p.m.

Stand-up Comic Rio
Rio Koike’s Tokyo Magic Show comes to Brooklyn.

3–4 p.m.

Taiko Drumming for Families
A kiddie master class with Hiro Kurashima of Taiko Masala

4:15–5 p.m.

Manga with Misako Rocks!
Brooklyn’s manga maven shows you how it’s done.

 

Auditorium Stage

Show larger version of Rodrigo Rodriguez Flutist Rodrigo Rodriguez with his flute.
Rodrigo Rodriguez. Photo by Hupo.
1–2 p.m.

Shakuhachi Flute Concert
Meditative melodies from Spain’s flute virtuoso Rodrigo Rodriquez

2:45–3:30 p.m.

Sohenryu Tea Ceremony for Families
Kids learn about the art of tea with Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu.

4–4:45 p.m.

Sohenryu Tea Ceremony
Led by tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu

5:15–6 p.m.

Sohenryu Tea Ceremony
Led by tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu

 

Osborne Garden Happenings

Show larger version of Akim Funk Buddha Akim Funk Buddha wearing a gold crown woven with leaves and a colorful costume.
Akim Funk Buddha. Photo by Julie Markes.
10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Mikoshi Portable Shinto Shrine
See how mikoshi are traditionally used in Japan with the Association of Shinto Shrines.

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Urban Tea Terrarium
Featuring Akim Funk Buddha and the Bonsai Lab Dancers

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

CosplayNYC
Meet the community of zine creators.

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Rumi Hara
Ink illustrations and comic art by a Kyoto native

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.

 

J-Lounge Game Stop at Osborne Garden

Show larger version of People Playing Go People sitting at tables playing the game of go outdoors.
Game of Go with the Brooklyn Go Club. Photo by Mike Ratliff.
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

 

Japanese Market at Osborne Garden

Show larger version of Sushi Designs A group of people show off pillows made to look like sushi.
Sushi Designs New York. Photo by Julie Markes.
10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Kokeshi Dolls
Handcrafted wooden dolls presented by Kyoohoo of northern Japan

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Community Bookstore
An exciting array of Japanese reads

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Minamoto Kitchoan Wagashi
Seasonal Japanese confections and treats

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Royce’ Chocolate
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.

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.

J-Fashion Accessories
Handcrafted kawaii adornments by Un-Re Designs

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Vintage Kimonos
Fashions straight from Japan by YokoDana Kimono

 

Breathtaking Bonsai, Traditional Arts & Torii Tours

Show larger version of Taro Origami Man with large pieces of origami.
Origami by Taro Yaguchi.
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.

Origami Atelier
Taro’s Origami Studio presents an evocative array of paper animals and flowers.
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

Noon–4 p.m.

Colossal Creatures: Giant Origami
An exceptional demonstration by Tokyo’s paper-folding pro Taro Yaguchi.
Rotunda

 

Kid Stuff

Show larger version of Child in cut out photo A child's head appears between chopsticks in a large cutout.
Kid Stuff. Photo by Julie Markes.
10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Samurai Selfie
Pose in your favorite warrior cutouts.
Osborne Garden

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

You Look Radishing!
Pose as a daikon radish.
Osborne Garden

11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Tea-Making Workshop for Kids
Create your own herbal tea bag to take home (ages 4 and up).
Discovery Garden

1–5 p.m.

Vaudeville Origami
Fold along with Jeremy Aaron Horland in this one-of-a-kind workshop.
Fragrance Garden

2–2:30 p.m.

Sohenryu Tea Ceremony for Families
Kids learn about the art of tea with Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu.
Auditorium

3–4 p.m.

Taiko Drumming for Families
A kiddie master class with Hiro Kurashima of Taiko Masala
J-Lounge Stage at Osborne Garden

 

All events held rain or shine. Valid membership or ticket required for entrance. There are no free hours or reciprocal admissions on festival days.

Advance tickets recommended! Members always enter free.

Buy Tickets Become a Member

See schedule for Saturday, April 28

Sakura Matsuri Main Page

Support Provided by

Major Sponsor
BMW logo

Image, top of page: Julie Markes