Shibazakura
“The Ground Sakura”
When: Mid April - Early May
Where: Hitsujiyama Koen in Chichibu, Saitama
How: From Ueno or Tokyo station ride to Ōmiya station. Reserved seat costs ¥2800, and a non-reserved seat cost ¥1580. (Japan Rail Pass or JR East Rail Pass work) Do yourself a favor and get the reserved seats! Tickets sell out on the way back…so don’t get stranded!
My notes: It was great! The azaleas aren’t as vast as advertised but it is still an amazing sight. Shibazakura is kind of considered and obaa-san place. There are some very decent matsuri food, like huge yaki-ika. I recommend that you leave most of your stuff in the lockers by the station. It’s a very nice hike in the park so enjoy!
Footage I took from Shibazakura last year!