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

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

Last updated: 3 April 2024

Springtime in Japan is synonymous with stunning blooms, and one event that simply cannot be missed is the annual Sakura Tulip Festa, located near Tokyo.

Nestled in the town of Sakura just east of the capital, this festival boasts an astounding 700,000 vibrant tulips, enveloping a magnificent Dutch-style windmill. The scene is awe-inspiring and Instagram-worthy, sure to make your friends green with envy!

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 700,000 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.

Taste the season - 'Saranka' Soft Cream!

Taste the season - 'Saranka' Soft Cream!

At the Sakura Furusato Square, enjoy a cone filled with a special treat: soft-serve ice cream! Made with milk and tea locally produced in Sakura, it's a popular hit.

Plus, during the Tulip Festa, 'Tulip Sable' cookies will be available for a limited time - along with Miffy Sable cookies and assorted Miffy branded merchandise!

Local Japanese vegetables, products and more!

Across from Sakura Furusato Square, a farmers market - 'Marche Kashima' - will be retailing a variety of local souvenirs, sweets, freshly baked bread, vegetables, and more. You can also enjoy relaxing with a snack in the sunroom - we recommend the 'TKG', steamed rice covered with a fresh egg! It's a very Japanese-style tradition you're sure to enjoy.

Sakura Tulip Festa: A family-friendly Japanese festival for all ages!

Sakura Tulip Festa: A family-friendly Japanese festival for all ages!

A nursing room will also be available at the very family-friendly festa - peace of mind for folks with babies or small children. Plus at Marche Kashima, a kids' space will be set up, letting kids enjoy playing with each other while the adults relax.

Enjoy a cruise around Lake Inba-numa!

Enjoy a cruise around Lake Inba-numa!

A sightseeing boat tour will be ready to show you around Lake Inba-numa. Cruises take around 40 minutes.

Cruise dates & times
  • Dates: March 30-31; April 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 (*Schedule may change depending on weather)
  • Price: Adults 1,000 yen; children 500 yen

Other activities at Sakura Tulip Festa: Rental Cycles!

Other activities at Sakura Tulip Festa: Rental Cycles!

Bicycle rentals will also be available. You can rent a two-seater tandem bike or a rare Dutch bike! It's a perfect way of seeing the sights along the cycling paths around Lake Inba-numa.

Bicycle rental fees
  • Price: Standard bicycle 600 yen (*1,200 yen for electric assisted bicycle; prices from April 1)

During the weekends throughout the event period, Miffy, created by the Dutch children's book author Dick Bruna, will appear in the tulip fields. If you find her, be sure to take a commemorative photo with the Dutch windmill!

Enjoy the 2024 Sakura Tulip Festa at Sakura Furusato Square!

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

* 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.

  • Sakura Furusato Square
    佐倉ふるさと広場
    • Address 2714 Usuida, Sakura, Chiba 285-0861
    • Nearest Station Access to Sakura Furusato Square
      ・Shuttle bus
      Keisei Sakura Station North Exit Rotary - 'Osamu Furusato Plaza (Tulip venue)'
      ・From Keisei Sakura Station 9:15 AM - 3:35 PM
      ・Arriving from 9:35 AM to 5 PM
      * Runs once at 35 minutes after the hour on weekdays, with two additional runs per hour on weekends
      * Sakura City community bus (ride fee: 260 yen) also operates from Keisei Sakura Station north exit.

      ・On foot
      40 minutes from Keisei Sakura Station or Keisei Usui Station

Recommended flower tours from Tokyo

*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.

Share this article.

 
Search