Tsuchiura Cherry Blossom Festival (Tsuchiura City)
Vibrant cherry blossoms reflecting on Tsuchiura’s history.
DATE
TIME & SCHEDULE
KEY Locations
(1) Kijo Castle Park (亀城公園), (2&3) Embankment of Sakura River & Shinkawa River, (4) Manabe Elementary School, and (5) Kasumigaura Sogo Park (霞ヶ浦総合公園)
Daily Activities (March 20 - April 12)
Daytime: Most locations are public areas open any time of day.
Nighttime Illumination: From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM each evening during the blooming period, key locations like (1) Kijo Castle Park (亀城公園), (2 & 3) Embankment of Sakura River & Shinkawa River will be lit up for night viewing.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES when Cherry Trees are in Peak Bloom
Sakura River Sightseeing Boats: 1-hour cruises operate hourly between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM from Lacus Marina.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES from March 25 to April 7
Manabe Elementary School Sakura: The school grounds will be open from March 25 to April 7 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to view its spectacular 115-year-old cherry trees
EXTRA ACTIVITIES on Main Weekend Events (April 4, 5, 11, and 12 )
Kijo Castle Park: Kitchen cars/food stalls, boat rides, and many activities are held between 11 am and 4 pm.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES on April 5
Hie Shrine: Japanese traditional horseback archery demonstration (Yabusame) from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
COST
Free Admission
* Some extra activities, such as boat rides and special workshops have a fee.
How to enjoy the Tsuchiura Cherry Blossom Festival
Picturesque scenery
Night illumination
Sakura Viewing
Japanese castle
Food stalls
Fun for solo travelers
Fun for the family
Fun for a group of friends
Enjoy 3–6 hours
🌸 Experience Tsuchiura’s Stunning 🏯 Castle and Sakura Collaboration!
Discover a breathtaking collaboration of traditional 🏯 Japanese architecture and 🌸 blooming sakura just 55 minutes from Tokyo!
Tsuchiura’s Kijo Castle Park offers iconic views where elegant castle gates are framed by 🌸 pink sakura blossoms, a photographer’s dream 📸.
Wander from the castle to the Sakuragawa riverside or relax by Lake Kasumigaura, Japan’s second-largest lake 🌊. Don’t miss the majestic 150-year-old cherry tree 🌸 or the stunning lakeside sunsets 🌅. The festive vibe includes bustling food stalls 🍡 and magical night illuminations ✨ that run for an extended period, reflecting beautifully on the water.
From scenic cycling to historic walks, this charming countryside escape is perfect for families and travelers seeking a classic spring experience! 🌸
What else to do near the Tsuchiura Cherry Blossom Festival
- History & Heritage
- Tsuchiura City Museum (in side the castle)
- Wander the Historic Merchant Street
- Outdoor Adventure
- Cycling the Ring-Ring Road
- Lake Kasumigaura Cruise
- Sakuragawa River Walk
- Food / Drink
- Festival Food Stalls (also many restaurants)
- Try Tsuchiura Lotus Root Curry
Western Style Hotel
There are many reasonable Western-style hotels in and around the city.
*Most hotels in Tsuchiura city allow you to bring your bicycle into your rooms.
Camping & Glamping Sites
There are a few camping and glamping sites outside the city.
Japanese Style Hotel
You need to stay near Mount Tsukuba for Onsen hotels (Onsen Ryokan).
Access
(How to get to the Tsuchiura Cherry Blossom Festivall in Tsuchiura City)
How to get there
Public Transport
The main area of the festival is a 10-minute walk (or a short taxi/bus ride) from JR Tsuchiura Station.
Car
The festival is just 10 minutes from the Tsuchiura-Kita IC on the Joban Expressway.
Location & Address
Address
Tne main venu is Kijo Castle Park (亀城公園)
1-12-35 Chuo, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan 300-0043
亀城公園（メイン会場）
〒300-0043 茨城県土浦市中央1丁目12-35
Access from Tokyo
By Public Transport
Via JR Tsuchiura Station (Total from Tokyo 55 min)
From Ueno Station in Tokyo, take the Express train (Hitachi or Tokiwa) on the JR Joban Line to JR Tsuchiura Station (approx. 45 mins). At JR Tsuchiura Station, the main festival area is about a 10-minute walk (or short taxi/bus ride).
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
By Car
Via Tsuchiura-Kita IC on the Joban Expressway (Approx 80min)
From Tokyo, it is an 80-minute (70 km) drive via the Joban Expressway.
Get off at Tsuchiura-Kita IC, and drive 10 minutes (approx. 4km).
Parking: Paid parking is available in the city, close to the sakura viewing spots.
*Please use a route planner such as Google maps to make sure there are no disruptions on the day you are traveling.
Contact Details (Event Organizer)
Official event page (External Link – Japanese)
Tsuchiura Tourism Instagram Page (External Link – Japanese)
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