The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre will host its 30th Sakura Matsuri – Cherry Blossom Festival – on Saturday 28th September, 2019. The Garden will open at 8.30am with the entertainment and demonstrations kicking off at 10am.
The festival is a celebration of Japanese Culture and is a major event on the tourism calendar in Cowra. Last year’s event attracted around 2,500 visitors to the Garden and had Cowra’s accommodation providers fully booked well in advance of the date.
On the main stage will be Wadaiko Rindo, the Taiko Drummers, who provide outstanding performances full of energy and rhythm, Sydney Sakura Choir and Japanese Soprano, Misako Piper, will delight the crowd with their songs. Junko Hirabayashi will perform traditional Japanese dance while the local dance group, Torsion Youth Choreographic Ensemble will show off their skills in modern dance styles. Mat Rouse and the Battodo team will provide an exciting display of Japanese Sword technique.
The Aikido Club of Senshu University will be visiting from Japan to demonstrate their expertise in the martial arts. Representatives from the Australian Sumo Federation will also show their strength and athleticism in the wrestling ring while local clubs, Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts and Cowra Martial Arts Group will show their skills.
There will be a free jumping castle, fairy floss and face painting for the children. A vast array of Stall holders will market their wares with a wide variety of food stalls, art, craft, gifts, jewellery, clothing and homewares available.