Hanami Blossom Days

This is an all day event from 10am – 4pm (Last guided tour 3pm)

Adult ticket (16yrs+) £15

Under 16 years FREE

Celebrate the start of spring! Discover Japanese art & culture amidst the breathtaking blossoming orchards.

Following last year’s sell out event, Hanami will now take place for 2 days! Celebrate cherry blossom and discover traditions, tastes, arts and culture of Japan. Sponsored by The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation. A unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture amidst the breathtaking backdrop of stunning blossoming orchards in springtime.

Our National Fruit Collection guides will be leading tours of the blossom orchards each day. Visitors will be able to bring a picnic and celebrate the start of spring as the Hanami tradition suggests.

Saturday & Sunday Highlights

• Experience an array of hands-on activities designed to give you a taste of traditional Japanese culture.

• Calligraphy Workshops: Get creative with traditional brush techniques and have a go at producing your own masterpiece.

• Taiko Drumming Workshops: Feel the rhythm and energy as you try your hand at powerful taiko drumming.

• Samurai School: Step into the shoes of a samurai and practice ancient techniques in a fun, immersive setting.

• Martial Arts: Experience the art of Karate through dynamic demonstrations and opportunities to try out the moves yourself!

• Dress in Kimono: The perfect photo opportunity! Try on beautiful kimonos and experience the elegance of Japanese attire.

• Food: Sushi Demonstrations: Learn the art of sushi making. Japanese Food Market: Savour a variety of authentic Japanese delights including wraps, Yakisoba, Katsu curry and crepes, alongside a selection refreshments including Matcha tea, Japanese beer, gin, and Sake.

• Cinema: Enjoy a curated selection of Japanese short films in our pop-up cinema.

• Ornamental Cherry Tours with Chris Lane: Learn all about cherry blossom with our expert and discover the beauty and symbolism of ornamental cherry trees.

• Guided Orchard Blossom Tours with Brogdale Collections guides are also available so you can discover more about fascinating fruit tree blossom.

• Picnic Under the Blossom: Bring a blanket and a picnic and relax with friends and family in the stunning blossom orchards.

• Japanese Plant Sale at the Brogdale Marketplace: Brogues Gate Nursery will be offering a range of beautiful Japanese Acers, while Tiddly Pomme shop will have a selection of ornamental and fruiting cherries available. The Wonky Parsnip will also be selling plants, including some unique Japanese herbs.

Saturday Specials

• Gyoza Demonstrations and Tastings: Watch the folding process in action and savour delicious gyoza.

Sunday Specials

• Origami Demonstrations: Learn the art of paper folding with live demonstrations and try your hand at creating intricate designs.

• Shamisen Performance: Experience the authentic sounds of traditional Japanese music with a live Shamisen session.

• Faversham miniature railway will be running trains through the orchards from 11.30am – 4pm, £1.50 per person.

Brogdale has a gift shop and café on site.

Brogdale has unlimited free parking & accessible toilets.

Dogs not permitted in the orchards at anytime.

To enjoy unlimited visits to Brogdale all year round (excluding festivals and events) purchase your Orchard Pass here - https://brogdalecollections.org/product/orchard-pass/