Sakura Days are almost here, and that means the opportunity to find all kinds of Japanese food and drink in one place as part of Vancouver's colourful annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
The Sakura Days Japan Fair celebrates all things Japan, from Japanese food, performances, to arts and culture, describes organizers.
Taking place at the picturesque VanDusen Botanical Garden, Sakura Days offers a full weekend of seasonal enjoyment.
While at the garden on April 9 and 10, head to the Lath House and Great Lawn to find food vendors with tempting bites and sips available for purchase. You can order up all sorts of matcha beverages, loaded hot dogs from Vancouver's iconic Japadog, stunning bento boxes from Takenaka, authentic Japanese katsu sandos from Tokyo Katsu Sando, and crave-worthy burgers from Wakwak (the food cart Vancouver used to know as simply "Burger 2.85" back in the day).
Here's the full roster of participating food vendors for this year's Sakura Days Japan Fair.
- Ichiyo's Matcha Bar: All the matcha drinks you could dream of!
- JAPADOG: Japanese-style hotdogs, poutine, yakisoba, etc.
- Jeggs: Okonomiyaki, green tea
- Koyuki Sapporo Ramen Izakaya: Authentic Miso ramen originally invented in Sapporo city in Hokkaido, known as “Ramen Kingdom."
- Takenaka: Freshly made to order temaki hand-rolled sushi on the spot and signature bento boxes
- Teppan Yaro: Comfort foods like gyoza, beef rice burger, and rice cake with red bean paste
- Teriyaki Boys: A Japanese street food trailer featuring teriyaki chicken rice bowls and more
- Tokyo Katsu Sand: The first food truck for serving “real Japanese style Katsu sando” in Vancouver
- Wakwakburger: Japanese-style burger and fries
Take note, tickets to Sakura Days Japan Fair must be purchased in advance, as there are no in-person ticket sales. Some vendors may only accept cash.
Sakura Days Japan Fair
When: April 9-10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden - 5251 Oak St, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets are $5-25 and must be purchased online in advance
