Things to do in Kuki – Nearby Tokyo Interview
Nearby Tokyo talks to Kuki city’s local tourist office about things to do in the area, including their famous lantern festival as well as their Iris, lavender and cosmos flowers.
Ichikai Shibazakura Festival (Ichikai Town)
芝ざくらまつり (市貝町）
Where Pink, Purple, and White Bloom: Discover Ichikai's Shibazakura
Last updated by Angus M
on March 28, 2025
The organizers have confirmed that this event is GOING ahead.
DATE
2025
: 30th March (Sun) to 30th April (Wed)
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2025-03-28
TIME & SCHEDULE
Peak blooms are expected around 13th April.
Open everyday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Gate is open 24 hours (but staffed only from 9 am to 4 pm)
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2025-03-28
COST
Entry: 500 yen per person
*Free for 12 years (elementary school children) or younger and younger.
*Parking is Free (recommended to come by car)
Cash only
*Information last checked on 2025-03-28
How to enjoy the Ichikai Shibazakura Festival
Picturesque scenery
(Insta worthy!)
Fun for the family
Romantic Date
Fun for a group of friends
Girl's Day Out
Enjoy for 2 hours
🌸 Be prepared for a pink and purple panoramic paradise! ✨
🌸🌼 Each April, after the Sakura season in Tokyo, Ichikai Town Shibazakura Park in Tochigi prefecture transforms into a breathtaking carpet of vibrant pink moss phlox called Shibazakura (moss sakura)! 🌸 Come and stroll through the park painted in dazzling shades, from delicate baby pink to bold magenta. 💖
💜 The Ichikai Shibazakura Festival is a truly unique sight, and if you like flowers, don’t miss the chance to wander through this unforgettable floral wonderland! ✨ You’ll be glad you experienced this springtime beauty!
What else to do near the Ichikai Shibazakura Festival
- Eat
- Enjoy a BBQ at Michinoeki Haga
- Buy a bottle of wine at Kusaka Vineyards
- Culture
- Visit Mushae no sato Ohata to see Traditional Samurai Flags
- Visit the Rekishi Minzoku Shiryokan (rural history museum) to see how people lived here
- Attractions
- Many Golf Courses near
Michinoeki Haga
Take a break and enjoy a BBQ at Michinoeki Haga! This rest area has hassle-free BBQ and an Onsen (Hot Spring) as well as a restaurant, bakery, a local produce shop as well as a play area for children.
Places to EAT in Haga & Ichikai Towns
Places to STAY in Haga & Ichikai Towns
Camp Sites
There are quite a few camping and glamping sites a short drive from the Ichikai Shibazakura Festival.
Hotel (Western style)
There are not many western style hotels in the area so it is best to stay in Utsunomiya City if you are looking for a Western style hotel.
Farm Stay
There are a few farms stays in the area.
Access
(How to get to the Ichikai Shibazakura Festival in Ichikai Town)
How to get there
Public Transport
15 min by Car or Taxi from JR Karasuyama Station (2hr 15min from Tokyo).
Car
2 hrs 45 min drive from Tokyo.
Location & Address
Address
Ichikaimachi Shibazakura Park
市貝町芝ざくら公園
614-1 Miage, Ichikai Town, Tsuga District, Tochigi Pref. Japan
栃木県芳賀郡市貝町大字見上 614-1
Access from Tokyo
By Public Transport
Via JR Utsunomiya Station (Total from Tokyo 2 hrs 45min)
Take the Shinkansen (Bullet train) from Tokyo to JR Utsunomiya Station. At Utsunomiya Station, change to the Karasuyama Line and get off the train at Karasuyama Station (last stop). Take a taxi from Karasuyama Station (15-20 min by taxi).
Alternatively, you can hire a car from Utsunomiya Station (about 45min drive from JR Utsunomiya Station)
*If possible, we recommend driving as it would be easier to get around!
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
By Car
Via Utsunomiya-Kaminokawa IC on Kitakanto Expressway (2hrs 45min)
From Tokyo, it takes approximately 2 hours (120 km) via the Tohoku Expressway and Kitakanto Expressway. At Tochigi-Tsuga Junction, change to the Kitakanto Expressway towards Mito, get off at Utsunomiya-Kaminokawa IC on the Kitakanto Expressway, and drive 45 min.
Parking: There are a few large (free) parking lots near the park, but spaces fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving early in the morning.
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
Contact Details (Event Organizer)
For information about this event, please contact the Ichikai Town (Kanko-shinko-ka) directly.
Tel: +81 (0)285-68-3483
Websites
Official event page (External Link – Japanese)
PDF Leaflet (External Link – Japanese)
Email (External Link – Japanese)
Disclaimer: NearbyTokyo.com strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information by researching and contacting event organizers. All information on the page is provided in good faith. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, reliability, or availability of any information found here. Readers are encouraged to verify any information with official sources.
