Top 10 Tips to Enjoy Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden

Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden 2019 is almost here! Slated for the last weekend of March at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, Japanese pop culture fans will be spoilt for choice with celebrity cosplayers, J-pop-inspired idol groups, Japanese street food, collectibles and merchandise, and two nights of heart-thumping anisong concerts. Admission is free!

With so much to see or do, fans need a solid plan to get the most out of the weekend! From finding your way around to getting Instagram-worthy snaps, here are our top 10 tips to enjoy Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden 2019!

#1: Take public transportation!

Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden 2019 will be held at The Meadow, which is only around 5 minutes by foot from the nearest MRT station, Bayfront Interchange. Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway. Exit and turn right to follow the Scented Walk, and cross the Meadow Bridge towards Planet (a.k.a. the giant baby!). The Meadow should be on your right.

If commuting via MRT is not an option, The Meadow is also easily accessible by car — with its own drop-off point and parking area. Look out for the first corner on the left along Marina Gardens Drive with “The Meadow” sign to turn in. For a detailed location and additional information, you can check out the official Gardens by the Bay map.

#2: Keep a copy of the schedule!

Have a copy of the event schedule on your phone, and keep yourself up to speed with the happenings at Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden 2019. Be it catching Q&As with celebrity cosplayers or performances by Singapore J-pop idol groups, you’ll be always in the thick of the action.

#3: Travel light!

Travel light for a more conducive Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden 2019! Bring only the essentials such as your wallet and your mobile phone, and perhaps your power bank, and some personal care products, so you can get around the event grounds with ease. Don’t forget your light-stick!

#4: Stay hydrated and slather on sunscreen!

Travel light, but please don’t forget to bring some water and sunscreen! With temperatures in Singapore soaring to the 30s, you need to keep yourself hydrated and wear sunscreen to prevent heatstroke and sunburn. You can also wear a hat or a UV-cut hoodie for extra protection.

#5: Don’t forget to check out Matsuri Marketplace!

Stuff yourself silly on some amazing Japanese eats — delicious ramen, award-winning gyoza, and (we kid you not) the proudly 2^nd best melonpan in the world! And check out the amazing artwork and must-have collectibles from world class artists such as Krenz (Taiwan, CH03), Loiza (Taiwan, CH04), Purrballs (Singapore, CH05), and Sakimichan (Canada, CHO1)!

#6: Bring some cold hard cash!

We love e-wallets as much as the next person — but keep in mind that the vendors at the Matsuri Marketplace at Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden 2019 only take cash. Save yourself and your friends the trouble of borrowing money on-the-spot by heading to an ATM before popping over.

#7: Take sakura selfies and more!

Make your way to the Flower Dome for amazing sakura selfies that will make your friends on social media jealous! You can also rub elbows with celebrity cosplayers MON, Thames Malerose, and Olivie & Luffy and snap fun photos as souvenirs. Admission charge to Flower Dome applies; you can purchase them ahead of time online.

#8: Use a smartphone camera trick (or two)!

Your smartphone photos don’t have to suck! If you are having trouble getting taller cherry blossom trees into the frame, flip your phone from portrait to landscape orientation. Then, use the Panorama function to pan from the bottom and work your way up — and voila! This trick also works great at the Meadow!

#9: Camp for a great spot for the anisong concert!

Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden 2019 offers free admission, so expect huge crowds at the anisong concert featuring ASCA, Ayaka Ohashi, Hachioji P / KUMONOSU [Hachioji P x HANAE], Megumi Nakajima, and ReoNa! Grab a spot close to the stage early to get the best view!

#10: Catch a late-night movie screening!

The night is still young after the concert, so don’t miss out on the free movie screenings! Whether it’s the gut-busting Crayon Shinchan The Movie: Bakumori! Kung Fu Boys -Ramen Chaos- or the tear-jerking A Silent Voice, end your day at Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden 2019 on a good note.

So consider yourself prepared, and make your way to The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay for Sakura Matsuri: Anime Garden 2019, on the 30th and 31st March! Bring your friends, your colleagues, and your entire family — admission is FREE! Have more tips to share? Let us know in the comments!