The O-Hanami Festival at the Nikkei Centre in Burnaby is an annual celebration of Japanese culture that takes place every Spring.
The celebration is centered around the traditional Japanese custom of Hanami, which means “flower viewing”. This festival celebrates Japanese culture with performances, catered lunches, and more.
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Month of O-Hanami 2024
This year’s event will be bigger than ever. Instead of a one day festival, Nikkei Centre will be having a series of events all month long. There will be a variety of shows, workshops, and even a Sakura themed Bento Lunch even you can join.
The Month of O-Hanami offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Visitors can expect live activities featuring both traditional and contemporary Japanese styles throughout the month.
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Event Line up
Friday, April 5th
- Bonsai Spring Sale & Show: 12-5pm – Free admission
Saturday, April 6th
- Catered Sakura Bento: $28+GST (order details below)
- Bonsai Spring Sale & Show: 10am-5pm – Free admission
- Shogi Meetups: 10am-12pm – $5 for admission
- Aikido Showcase: 12:30-1pm – Free admission
- *Public Tea Ceremonies: 1-3pm – $15+GST
Saturday, April 13th
- *Sakura Temari Workshops: 10am – 12:30pm & 2-4:30 pm – $35+GST
- Iaido Showcase: 11-11:30am – Free admission
Saturday, April 20th
- Anime Evolution’s Harumatsuri: 10am – 6pm – $20 for admission
Saturday, April 27th
- *Sogetsu Ikebana: 10am- 12pm – $40+GST
- Kimono Dressing Demo: 12-12:30 pm – Free admission
- The Art of Furoshiki: 2-3pm – $10 drop in fee
- *Kengido: 5-6:60 pm – $20 +GST
Sunday, April 28th
- *Sakura-themed Kumikō (Incense Ceremonies): 11am – 12:30pm & 2:30-4pm – $35 +GST
- Sakura-mochi/Wagashi workshops: 11am-12:30pm & 2:30-4pm – $35+GST
- *Cherry Blossoms in the Visual, Poetic, and Performing Arts of Japan by Maiko Behr: 1-2pm – Free admission
*Tickets for pre-registered workshops are limited. It is recommended to book your ticket(s) early to avoid disappointment. You can do so online here.
The following workshops do not require pre-registration. Drop-in and join:
- KIZUNA Japanese Arts & Crafts – Weekly on Saturday mornings from 9:20-10:20am
- Shogi Meetups – Sat, April 6 (10am-12pm~)
- The Art of Furoshiki – Sat, April 27 (2pm-3pm)
- Cherry Blossoms in the Visual, Poetic, and Performing Arts of Japan – Sun, April 28 (1pm-2pm
Catered Sakura Bento
Nikkei Centre is offering a special cherry blossom themed lunch box crafted in partnership with the Robert Nimi Nikkei Home. By purchasing the Sakura Bento, you will be supporting both the Nikkei Home and the Nikkei Centre.
Menu: Gomoku Chirasizushi (mixed rice), Karaage chicken, Tamago yaki (egg omelet), Deep fried prawn, Tsukune (chicken & beef meatball), Nishime (stewed vegetables: bamboo shoot, carrot, shiitake, konnyaku, taro), Tsukemono (pickles), Sakura-mochi (seasonal dessert made for cherry blossom viewing).
How to order: Pre-orders start March 19. Call during office hours 10am-5pm. 604.777.7000. Sakura Bento will be available for pick up from 12:00-2:00pm, on Saturday, April 6.
Cost: $28+GST
