Girls performing at Sakura Days Japanese Fair

We are introducing a brand new series of Photo Essays! Have a look at amazing Photo Sets all shot by talented photographers. Explore the vibe of the city, its hidden treasures, explore Vancouver! This time, let's have a look at Vancouver through the lens of Kevin Eng!

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

The Incredible Transformation of Vancouver in Spring

Vancouver’s parks were in the spotlight for the last couple of days thanks to the more than 55 varieties of cherry blossom trees that have turned our city into a wonderful sea of pink and white. For the full list of activities and festivals happening all over the city during April, read this article about the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. There is still time to visit some of the remaining events, so don’t hesitate too long!

Maybe you’re asking yourself how so many of these beautiful trees originally from Japan ended up in our city. The Japanese Cherry (Prunus serrulata), which is also known by the name sakura, is a traditional icon in Japanese culture that symbolizes clouds (because of the resemblance when in full bloom) and is an enduring metaphor for life. The cherry blossom trees were gifted to the City of Vancouver in the 1930s to honour the Japanese-Canadian soldiers who fought bravely in World War I and symbolize the enduring friendship between Japan and Canada. Each year when the spring comes, The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival remembers these events and celebrates the beauty of the sakura trees. Vancouver is proud to host an impressive collection of about 40,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees that are scattered in its many parks, alleys, and streets.

Sakura Days Japanese Fair

This year, The Sakura Days Japan Fair was held on April 6 and 7 in the VanDusen Botanical Garden, and visitors immersed themselves in modern and traditional Japanese culture, arts, cuisine, and business. Luckily, the weather was cooperating, so everyone was soaked in some sun, enjoying the festive atmosphere and delicious Japanese food and sake while watching traditional Japanese performances such as taiko drumming, martial arts, and koto (Japanese harp). An important part of the festival is encouraging visitors to learn about Japanese culture first-hand — everyone had the opportunity to take part in a tea ceremony, learn about ikebana (flower arranging), origami, haiku, and calligraphy and to see how it feels to be dressed in the beautiful and authentic yukata.

Visitors were encouraged to try everything themselves!

The festivities in VanDusen Botanical Garden

Girls dressed in traditional Japanese clothing enjoying a moment between performances.

The Cherry Blossom trees look like from a fairy tale when they are in full bloom

BC Bonsai Society had a presentation on how to take care of your bonsai trees

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Meet the Photographer

Kevin Eng

Kevin's passion for photography has encouraged others to see the splendor and beauty of nature right at their doorstep, as he captures the sights of the day, and colors and mystery of world while it sleeps. Many of the subjects of his work are based locally in his hometown in Vancouver, B.C, where he first discovered his fascination with night photography. Kevin is a currently working as a music teacher, music director for his church, and landscape photographer.