Sakura Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Sakura with this comprehensive travel guide, including top attractions, hiking/biking routes, activities, where to stay, what to eat, local culture and customs, and transportation options.


Introduction to Sakura

Sakura is a city located in the Chiba prefecture of the Kanto region in Japan. Known for its scenic views of Mount Fuji, Sakura is a great destination for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

List of Places to Visit in Sakura

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Jikitsugi-do: This temple houses a rare form of Noh theater and is a great place to experience Japanese performing arts.
  • Sakura Castle: Built in 1617, this castle was once home to the Sakura clan and is now open to the public as a museum.
  • Sakura Folklore Museum: Learn about Japanese folklore and traditions through interactive exhibits and workshops.

Natural Attractions of Sakura: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sakura Furusato Square: This plaza hosts seasonal events and has a beautiful garden showcasing Japanese cherry blossoms.
  • Momijiyama Garden: A gorgeous park with walking trails, a pond, and a variety of cherry blossom trees.
  • Kannoji Temple: This temple is located on top of a hill and offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the city of Sakura.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sakura

  • Sakura Nature Trail: This 17-kilometer trail starts at JR Sakura Station and takes you through various parks and natural attractions of the city.
  • Cycling Course: A 25-kilometer course that takes you through scenic countryside roads and various landmarks around Sakura.

Best Things to Do in Sakura: Activities and Tours

  • Sakura City Cultural Exchange Center: Participate in cultural exchange programs like tea ceremony, calligraphy, and kimono dressing.
  • Sakura City Athletic and Swimming Center: Enjoy a day of swimming and sports activities with the locals.
  • Sakura Fureai Bunkakan: Experience a traditional Japanese-style wedding ceremony and learn about the customs and traditions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sakura

Day Activities
1 Visit Jikitsugi-do, Sakura Castle, and Sakura Folklore Museum
2 Explore Sakura Furusato Square, Momijiyama Garden, and Kannoji Temple
3 Hike the Sakura Nature Trail
4 Take the Cycling Course
5 Participate in cultural exchange programs at Sakura City Cultural Exchange Center
6 Swim and play sports at Sakura City Athletic and Swimming Center
7 Attend a Japanese-style wedding ceremony at Sakura Fureai Bunkakan

Food and Drink Scene of Sakura

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kureno-Saji: Grilled eel served with rice and sweet sauce is a local delicacy.
  • Sakura Soba: Thin and firm buckwheat noodles served chilled with dipping sauce is a refreshing meal for hot days.
  • Tosa-don: A seafood bowl made with fresh seafood from the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Local Beverages

  • Sakura Sake: A traditional rice-based alcoholic drink produced in Sakura.
  • Sakura Tea: Made from locally grown tea leaves, this hot or cold beverage is perfect for any time of the day.
  • Sakura Beer: Brewed with pure water from local springs, this award-winning beer is a must-try for beer enthusiasts.

Where to Stay in Sakura: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Sunroute Plaza: A modern hotel located near Sakura Station, with easy transportation access to attractions.
  • Sakura Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse with a traditional Japanese-style interior, located near the Kannoji Temple.
  • Kazusa Hotel: A mid-range hotel with spacious rooms and great views of Mount Fuji and the city.

What to Buy in Sakura: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sakura Furusato Square: A great place to buy souvenirs like local snacks, crafts, and artwork.
  • Sakura Traditional Craft Center: Purchase local products like pottery, textiles, and glassware made by local artisans.
  • Sakura Sake Brewery: Take home a bottle or two of Sakura sake, along with other local alcoholic beverages like umeshu and shochu.

Local Culture and Customs of Sakura

  • Cherry Blossom Festival: Held annually in Sakura Furusato Square, this festival celebrates the arrival of spring and the blooming of cherry blossom trees.
  • Shinjitsu-shiki: A traditional Japanese wedding ceremony that can be experienced at Sakura Fureai Bunkakan.
  • Omotenashi: The Japanese concept of hospitality, which can be found in various hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Sakura.

Best Time to Visit Sakura

The best time to visit Sakura is during spring, from late March to early April, when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The weather is also pleasant, with temperatures in the mid-teens to low 20s Celsius (around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit).

Do’s and Don’ts of Sakura

Do:

  • Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home or a traditional-style restaurant.
  • Be respectful of Japanese traditions and customs, like bowing when greeting someone.
  • Use chopsticks correctly, and don’t stick them upright in your food.

Don’t:

  • Talk loudly on public transportation or in other public spaces like temples and museums.
  • Eat or drink while walking, as it is considered impolite.
  • Tip or bargain, as these practices are not customary in Japan.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sakura

Sakura is a relatively safe city, with low crime rates. However, as with any other tourist destination, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions like keeping your valuables secure and not leaving your belongings unattended.

Health in Sakura

Sakura has modern medical facilities and hospitals, and visitors can easily find medical assistance if needed. The tap water is safe to drink, but it is recommended to drink bottled water if you’re not used to the local water.

Getting to Sakura: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sakura

The closest airport to Sakura is Narita International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. From the airport, you can take the Narita Express train or a shuttle bus to Sakura Station.

Bus Stations Near Sakura

Sakura has a bus terminal located near the JR Sakura Station. Buses operate throughout the city and neighboring areas.

Other Options

You can also reach Sakura by train, with the JR Sobu Line connecting Sakura to Tokyo Station in about an hour.

How to Get Around in Sakura

The best way to get around Sakura is on foot, as many of the attractions are situated near each other. If you prefer public transportation, the city has a bus system that is easy to use and affordable.

Where to Go Next from Sakura: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tokyo: A bustling city with a myriad of attractions, including world-famous landmarks, museums, and entertainment districts. It’s easily accessible by train from Sakura.
  • Narita: Known for its stunning temple architecture and traditional streets, Narita is a great day trip destination from Sakura. It’s also home to Narita International Airport.
  • Chiba: Home to various theme parks, including Tokyo Disney Resort and Tokyo DisneySea, Chiba is a perfect destination for families and thrill-seekers. It’s also connected to Sakura by train.

Conclusion

Sakura is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cycling, or immersing yourself in Japanese traditions, Sakura is a destination that won’t disappoint.

Tulip Festival and windmill Tulip Festival and windmill National Museum of Japanese History National Museum of Japanese History