Sakura(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For a peaceful retreat, stay at Sawara Garden Inn, nestled beside the Sawara Castle Ruins Park. This boutique ryokan offers private gardens, traditional tatami rooms with futon bedding, and some units feature an open-air onsen bath. Enjoy morning tea amid cherry blossoms and evening strolls along the Sawara River Path. The hotel also provides a "Spring & Starlight Couple Package" with dinner and commemorative gifts. Ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking tranquility away from urban noise, it blends serenity with cultural charm.

The Sawara Station area is ideal for first-time visitors, offering easy access to public transit like the Keisei Line, which reaches Tokyo in just 40 minutes. Hotels such as Keisei Sawara Hotel and Hotel Sunroute Plaza Sawara provide free shuttle services to major attractions. Within walking distance are Sawara Castle Ruins, Omiya Shrine, and the lively Sawara Shopping Street, where you can sample local specialties like Sawara-yaki and Mizugame Dango. The area balances convenience, safety, and authentic local flavor—perfect for independent travelers.

Must-try experiences include the Sawara Castle Festival (held annually in August), featuring samurai processions, taiko drumming, and craft markets. Participate in a Sawara Pottery Workshop to create your own handmade Sawara-yaki ceramic dish. At Omiya Shrine, take part in the Senbon Sakura Prayer Ritual, symbolizing good fortune. These activities blend history, craftsmanship, and spirituality, offering deep insight into Sawara’s heritage and community spirit.

Yes, visit Sawara Garden Inn for a truly romantic stay. Located near Sawara Castle Ruins Park, this intimate inn features private garden courtyards, tatami rooms with sliding shoji screens, and some guest rooms with outdoor hot spring baths. Enjoy a sunset dinner on the veranda, then stroll hand-in-hand along the Sawara River Promenade under soft lantern light. The inn’s "Cherry Blossom & Night Sky Couples Package" includes a special meal and keepsake—a perfect escape for couples seeking intimacy and beauty.

Don’t miss Edogawa Sea Urchin Donburi, a rich bowl of fresh sea urchin over sushi rice. Try Sawara-yaki, a hearty stew served in handmade ceramic bowls with chicken, tofu, and yam. And savor Mizugame Dango, sweet mochi dumplings filled with red bean paste, dusted with sugar—available only in summer. Sample these dishes at Sawara Station Market or stalls near Omiya Shrine, paired with a cup of Chiba Green Tea for a true taste of local culture.

Begin at Sawara Castle Ruins Park, where a 1.5-kilometer walking path circles the ancient stone walls and moat, with informative plaques detailing Edo-period history. Continue south along the Sawara River Greenway, flanked by cherry and maple trees—ideal for seasonal walks. In winter, explore the serene bamboo grove near Omiya Shrine, with its moss-covered stones and red torii gate. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and stop at rest areas for picnic snacks. These trails offer both physical activity and deep connection to nature.

In spring (March–April), enjoy the Sawara Cherry Blossom Festival with flower-viewing parties and night illuminations. Summer brings the Sawara Castle Festival in August, featuring fire dances, samurai parades, and fireworks. Autumn (October) hosts the Harvest Festival at Omiya Shrine, showcasing local produce and crafts. In winter (December), the Sawara Winter Lantern Festival lights up riverbanks and shrines with warm glow. These events celebrate tradition, community, and seasonal beauty—perfect for visitors wanting immersive cultural experiences.

Capture the iconic red torii gate at Omiya Shrine framed by ancient ginkgo trees—especially stunning in autumn. The Sawara Castle Ruins offer dramatic views of stone foundations and moat reflections, ideal for sunrise photography. Along the Sawara River Path, long wooden bridges and reeds create poetic compositions. Don’t overlook the retro train mural at Sawara Station or the lantern-lit alleyways of old town—perfect for candid street shots. Bring a wide-angle lens and tripod for golden hour magic.

Start with a morning visit to Sawara Castle Ruins Park and the Sawara Museum to learn local history. Grab lunch at Sawara Station Market—try Edogawa Sea Urchin Donburi and Mizugame Dango. In the afternoon, walk through Omiya Shrine and relax along the Sawara River Greenway. Return to the city center for a sunset view from Sawara Garden Inn’s terrace. End your day at the evening market, sampling grilled skewers and fried fish. All locations are accessible via foot or Keisei Line—efficient and scenic.

Yes, Sawara City is highly accessible. From Sawara Station, the Keisei Line connects directly to central Tokyo in just 40 minutes, with trains every 10–15 minutes. Transfer to the Narita Sky Access Line for direct service to Narita Airport or Tokyo Station. Local buses serve key sites like Sawara Castle Ruins and Omiya Shrine. Its strategic location makes it an excellent base for travelers who want both urban convenience and peaceful countryside charm.