Japan’s sakura festivals may be cancelled, but you can enjoy the blooms right here on our sunny shores at Gardens by the Bay’s Sakura Matsuri that runs until Mar 29. The fifth edition of the festival will see the Flower Dome decked out in pretty floral displays (with award-winning ones cherry and peach blossoms too), backdropped by a Japanese springtime landscape. You may have put that Japan trip on hold, but your Insta-pals won’t even realise it with all the photo opps here. Sugoi.

And just so you know, it’s not merely about sakura here. It’s about a whole cultural experience that will delight nippon-philes. There’s a plethora of cultural programmes, such as Japanese tea ceremonies, kendo demonstrations, taiko drum performances, happening here as well. Those who want to go the whole nine yards with being a tourist in their own town can even rent yukatas, or go for sakura sake tastings (additional charges apply).

If your trip to Japan during sakura season was disrupted, no thanks to Covid-19 concerns, you could be among the 500 Singapore residents to receive free tickets to the Flower Dome during the Sakura Matsuri. All you have to do is to share what your disrupted Japan trip meant to you at GBTB’s website for a chance to snag the tix. The three most compelling entries will also bag staycations at Pan Pacific Singapore and a meal, on top of the free tickets.

If you’ve been cooping yourself up at home, this may finally entice you to leave the house. Singapore residents get 50 per cent off to some of GBTB’s attractions. Standard adult rates for Singapore residents are $20 (for both Conservatories), $10 (for one Conservatory), $12 (Floral Fantasy) and $10 (Supertree Observatory). Kids aged 12 and below will also score free entry to these attractions during the March school holidays (Mar 14 to 22). On top of that, GBTB is offering complimentary parking for up to four hours. Did someone say family outing?

Now we mask, we mean, must address the elephant in the room, and why you aren’t traipsing around in Tokyo right now: Covid-19. In view of the current virus outbreak, GBTB has taken a number of precautions and has stepped up on the frequency of cleaning across the board. In addition, thermal scanners and hand sanitisers have been placed at entrances and around the attractions. And if you're still fretting over air quality and germs, the folks at GBTB will have you know that the air-chilling system in the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest is equipped with germicidal UV emitters that are similar to those used in healthcare institutions.

Sakura Matsuri runs from Mar 6 to 29, 9am-9pm daily, at Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Admission fees apply. More info at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/sakura.

Photos: Gardens by the Bay