Sakura Matsuri

Every year The Brooklyn Botanical Garden celebrates the kick off the spring season by this so-called event, Sakura Matsuri. It’s a festival hosted by Japanese in lieu of the blooming of cherry blossoms which was also the main attraction that you can find in the botanical garden. It’s a 2-day event usually held at the end of April wherein the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

I’ve been really wanting to go to the festival but life always gets in the way hence, I wasn’t able to do so for the past years.

When I read about it in an article telling the dates for this year’s festival, I hastily texted Ronnel (aka the boyfriend aka the best photographer) to come with me and witness this beautiful event. The good thing is that he’s addicted anything related to Japan so I was 101% sure that he’ll have fun watching it.

The entrance fee is $30 each and just in case you plan to visit next year make sure that you arrive early because the queue fills up really fast. I was too happy that we ended up choosing the first day of the event because the weather was glorious.

Aside from the feel good weather that we had that day, I was fascinated how the other goers were dressed as Japanese dolls, anime characters, and some were even wearing kimonos (Japanese traditional clothing) for some added “feels” during the event. I felt like I was shifted in Japan real quick spending only $3.00 train ride.

There was also a band that gloriously performed that day. They were singing Japanese songs and mind you, I did’t understand a single thing but totally enjoyed the whole performance. The girl was a badass in drumming and the guy was a talented vocalist/guitarist. There were only two people performing but I feel like I was listening to five people owning the stage. That was pure talent up there.

I totally enjoyed the whole event. The only thing that disappointed me was the expensive bento box meal that costs $20 each so I settled in a $5 beef hotdog. Other than that everything was absolutely splendid.

And oh! Before I forget the main reason of the event were the sakura trees (cherry blossoms) which were perfectly placed right near the entrance. They served as the shades for the goers and the petals that were blown by the wind served as grasses which can make dramatic photos for your Instagram.