HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Chiba Chiba Suburbs Tulips and Sakura in a Place Called Sakura - Why You'll Love the Sakura Tulip Festa in Chiba (April)
Tulips and Sakura in a Place Called Sakura - Why You'll Love the Sakura Tulip Festa in Chiba (April)

Tulips and Sakura in a Place Called Sakura - Why You'll Love the Sakura Tulip Festa in Chiba (April)

Last updated: 27 February 2025

Springtime in Japan is synonymous with stunning blooms, and one event that simply cannot be missed is the Sakura Tulip Festa, located near Tokyo. However, this will be the last festival before the venue undergoes renovations, with events on hold from summer 2025 until the end of 2028—so now is the perfect time to visit!

In the town of Sakura, just east of the capital, this festival boasts an astounding 600,000 tulips of around 100 different varieties, spreading across a picturesque landscape dominated by a magnificent Dutch-style windmill. The scene is awe-inspiring and Instagram-worthy, making it a perfect springtime destination!

Table of Contents
  1. Visit One of Japan's Most Famous Tulip Festivals - Right Near Tokyo
  2. Enjoy a Cruise Around Lake Inba-numa
  3. Rent a Bicycle & Explore the Scenic Countryside
  4. The Windmill Festival – A Dutch Cultural Experience
  5. How to Get to the Sakura Tulip Festa
  6. Recommended Flower Tours From Tokyo

Visit One of Japan's Most Famous Tulip Festivals - Right Near Tokyo

Visit One of Japan's Most Famous Tulip Festivals - Right Near Tokyo

In 1989, the "Holland Tulip Festival" was established to honor the 380th anniversary of Japan's relations with the Netherlands.

Today, the festival is known as the Sakura Tulip Festa and has grown exponentially in size over the past thirty years, featuring an impressive display of around 600,000 tulips of over 100 varieties. This makes it the most extensive flower festival in the greater Tokyo region.

Aside from the stunning floral exhibition, the festival offers an array of activities to enjoy. This year will see a Dutch street organ performance on weekends, and various playground equipment as well.

The Sakura Tulip Festa 2025 will take place from April 1 to April 20 at Sakura Furusato Square. Entry is free, making it an easily accessible and affordable spring outing for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

This year's festival features an extraordinary collection of tulips, including rare and unique varieties such as fragrant tulips, color-changing tulips, and variegated tulips.

Sakura Tulip Festa Schedule
  • Dates: March 27 - April 21, 2024
  • Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
  • Venue: Sakura Furusato Square
  • Entry free
  • Official website

Taste the Season – Local Treats at "Saranka" Shop!

Taste the Season – Local Treats at "Saranka" Shop!

At Sakura Furusato Square, you can indulge in locally made soft-serve ice cream, crafted from Sakura-produced milk and tea. It's a festival favorite and a must-try during your visit!

During the Tulip Festa, you can also purchase limited-edition "Tulip Sablé" cookies, along with Miffy-themed goods and Miffy Sablé cookies, perfect as souvenirs.

Pick Up Fresh Local Vegetables & More!

Pick Up Fresh Local Vegetables & More!

Right across from Sakura Furusato Square, the Marche Kashima farmers' market sells fresh local produce, bread made with rice flour, sweets, and even Sakura-made soft-serve ice cream.

For families, there is also a kids’ space, allowing children to play while parents relax and shop.

Enjoy a Cruise Around Lake Inba-numa

Enjoy a Cruise Around Lake Inba-numa

During festival weekends, you can take a 40-minute boat cruise on Lake Inba-numa, offering a different perspective of the breathtaking tulip fields.

Cruise dates & times
  • Dates: April 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 (Weather-dependent; schedule may change)
  • Price: Adults 1,000 yen; children 500 yen

Rent a Bicycle & Explore the Scenic Countryside

Rent a Bicycle & Explore the Scenic Countryside

For an active way to experience the beauty of Lake Inba-numa, bike rentals are available at multiple locations, including Sakura Furusato Square. Ride along the cycling paths and enjoy the stunning tulip landscapes.

Bicycle rental fees
  • Price: Standard bicycle 600 yen (1,200 yen for electric assisted bicycle)
  • Rental Locations: Sakura City Tourism Association (Keisei Sakura Station South Exit); JR Sakura Station Tourist Information Center; Sakura Furusato Square; Keisei Usui Station South Exit (Sansan Cycle); Usui Tourist Information Office (inside Lakepia Usui)

The Windmill Festival – A Dutch Cultural Experience

The Windmill Festival – A Dutch Cultural Experience

As part of the Sakura Tulip Festa 2025, the Windmill Festival will be held on April 5 and 6 at the Dutch Windmill "Leefde" in Sakura Furusato Square. Visitors can experience Dutch culture by trying on traditional wooden clogs, exploring a windmill exhibition, and participating in a coloring activity. There will also be Dutch food stalls and a windmill-themed quiz rally.

Organized by the Sakura Japan-Netherlands Association, this festival is a great way to enjoy a touch of the Netherlands while surrounded by stunning tulip fields.

With 600,000 tulips in bloom, a charming Dutch windmill, and a variety of seasonal activities, the Sakura Tulip Festa is a must-visit spring event near Tokyo. Enjoy the stunning scenery, taste local treats, cruise Lake Inba-numa, and explore Dutch culture before the festival takes a break for renovations. Admission is free, so plan your visit and make the most of this unforgettable springtime experience!

* Congestion on surrounding roads is expected on the weekend (up to 3 hours or more), so public transportation is recommended.
* As weekdays are relatively free, weekdays are recommended when visiting. Please see the Sakura City Tourism Association's website for the blooming status and the surrounding congestion status.

How to Get to the Sakura Tulip Festa

By Train & Community Bus
From Keisei Sakura Station (North Exit), take the Sakura City Community Bus (Uchigo Route, Iino Loop) and get off at "Furusato Hiroba" (Sakura Furusato Square). The fare is 200 yen.

Community Bus Timetable (Weekends & Holidays)
From Keisei Sakura Station → Furusato Square
8:34 AM → 8:41 AM
11:05 AM → 11:12 AM
1:59 PM → 2:06 PM
3:15 PM → 3:22 PM
4:20 PM → 4:27 PM
5:59 PM → 6:06 PM
From Furusato Square → Keisei Sakura Station
8:54 AM → 9:01 AM
11:25 AM → 11:32 AM
2:19 PM → 2:26 PM
3:35 PM → 3:42 PM
4:40 PM → 4:47 PM
6:19 PM → 6:26 PM
Community Bus Timetable (Weekdays)
From Keisei Sakura Station → Furusato Square
8:35 AM → 8:42 AM
11:00 AM → 11:07 AM
1:43 PM → 1:50 PM
4:40 PM → 4:47 PM
6:15 PM → 6:22 PM
From Furusato Square → Keisei Sakura Station
8:55 AM → 9:02 AM
11:20 AM → 11:27 AM
2:03 PM → 2:10 PM
5:00 PM → 5:07 PM
6:35 PM → 6:42 PM
  • Sakura Furusato Square
    佐倉ふるさと広場
    • Address 2714 Usuida, Sakura, Chiba 285-0861

Recommended Flower Tours From Tokyo

Written by:
LIVE JAPAN's editorial team
LIVE JAPAN's editorial team

LIVE JAPAN's editorial team is a multicultural mix of native editors who have lived in Japan for over five years, alongside Japanese editors with a deep passion for travel. We're devoted to sharing the wonders of Japan. From cultural insights and history to events, practical travel tips and coupons, we're here to help make your journey unforgettable!

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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