Kent BrownSakuraFest 2025
When: April 17 to May 11, 2025
Where: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Sakura Way
Ask anyone what they love most about Japan, and chances are, cherry blossoms will top the list. Personally, I make it a point to visit Japan in spring just to catch these stunning trees in full bloom.
But let’s be real, the tourist crowds during sakura season are intense. That’s why I’m so glad we Torontonians can enjoy these blooms right here at home, thanks to the ongoing SakuraFest at the JCCC.
Until May 11, this is the ultimate spot to soak in all the sakura vibes. And it’s not just about admiring the flowers (though, let’s be honest, that’s a must). The festival is packed with activities that’ll immerse you in Japanese culture.
– Photo credit: japanesecanadianculturalcentre
There’s so much going on, you might not know where to start. For the foodies out there (hi, yes, that’s me), the event’s bazaar is a dream. You’ve got traditional dishes like sushi, udon, and manju, plus plenty of unique treats to try.
The bazaar also offers plenty of souvenirs you can snag to make your visit here a lot more memorable. Just the other day, I picked up a beautiful yukata that I can’t wait to wear on my summer trip to Japan next year.
Another cool activity you should try here is their sake tasting. Not only can you sample a wide variety of sake and izakaya (Japanese traditional bar)-style snacks, but you’ll also get to see how traditional sake is made.
Ever wondered what goes well with sake? Now’s your chance to find out!
If hands-on activities are more your thing, don’t miss the kintsugi workshop, where you’ll learn how to repair broken pottery with gold. It’s all about embracing flaws and turning them into something beautiful.
And that’s just the beginning! There are also origami, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies. They even have a linocut art workshop where you can learn the traditional art of woodcut printmaking.
The kids will also have some fun during their visit here since there’s a children’s dance workshop that’s hosted by the Japanese dance group Sakuramai.
– Photo credit: japanesecanadianculturalcentre
Oh, but if you prefer a more laid-back experience, SakuraFest 2025 also presents plenty of good flicks made in the Land of the Rising Sun. Some notable examples are Red Shoes and 11 Rebels.
JCCC also has a temporary exhibit called Third Places: Japanese Canadian Sites of Gathering. As its name suggests, it features some iconic spots in Toronto where the city’s local Japanese community comes together.
So, that’s the gist of it! I could keep going, but where’s the fun in spoiling all the surprises? Just a quick tip: don’t forget to bring cash, as some shops at the bazaar aren’t set up for card payments.
Now go and make the most of SakuraFest 2025 while it lasts!
