A sakura experience without the crowds (Photo: Shift/CC By SA 3.0)

Joseki Historical Park Sakura Festival

A secret sakura spot in Ibaraki Prefecture

A sakura experience without the crowds (Photo: Shift/CC By SA 3.0)
Kim Bergström   - 1 min read

There are plenty of well-known, heavily trafficked sakura spots across Japan, but some of the best opportunities to enjoy these beautiful springtime blooms are off the beaten path. Ibaraki's Joseki Historical Park is a wonderful place to enjoy cherry blossom season, but it seems to be almost exclusively known about by local residents.

The park has a number of walking paths through it, and plenty of benches for visitors to simply sit down, relax, and appreciate the scenery in front of them. If you want a sakura spot without the crowds, this park delivers the goods.

The official dates for the festival will be confirmed on the city website closer to spring, but plan for late March to early April.

Admission to the event is free of charge.

Getting there

The Joseki Historical Park can be accessed within around 50 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway's Sano Fujioka IC via Route 50. Free on-site parking is available for around 40 vehicles.

For those who are utilizing public transport, the park is around a 10 minute taxi ride (or just under 30 minutes on foot) from Yuki Station, which is served by the JR Mito Line.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸