Oyama Station

Tokyo Station

Tsukuba Station

Yamato Station

KEN-OEXPRESSWAY

KITA-KANTOEXPRESSWAY

JR Joban Line

JOBANEXPRESSWAYJOBANEXPRESSWAY

TOHOKUEXPRESSWAY

Tsuchiura-Kita IC

Tsukuba-chuo IC

SakuragawaChikusei IC

Iwase Station

Kasama-Nishi IC

Tomobe IC

Jyoso IC

Tomobe Station

JR Mito LineJR Mito Line

JR utsunomiyaLineJR utsunomiyaLine

TsukubaExpressTsukubaExpress

Haguro Station

Makabe Gion FestivalJuly 23 to 26

Sakuragawa tourist

Information

In the city of Sakuragawa, the wild cherry trees in the mountains bear beautiful blossoms from early to late April.

The picture on the right side is Sakuragawa-no-sakura, (or the cherry trees of Sakuragawa). The cherry trees in the part of Isobe Sakuragawa Park and on the both sides of the ap-proach to Sakuragawa Isobe Inamura Shrine are designated as a national scenic beauty. And all of them are also designated as Sakuragawa-no-Sakura, a national natural treasure.

Genji-sakura Genji-sakuraShirakumo-sakura

Shirakumo-sakura

Usuke-sakura Usuke-sakuraAo-sakura Ao-sakuraAoke-sakura Aoke-sakuraUmebachi-sakuraUmebachi-sakura

Sakuragawa-nioi

Sakuragawa-nioi

Kaba-nioi Kaba-nioiHatsukasane-sakura

Hatsukasane-sakura

Hatsumi-sakuraHatsumi-sakura

Yamato-sakuraYamato-sakura

11 representativevarieties of

Sakuragawa-no-Sakura

11 representativevarieties of

Sakuragawa-no-Sakura

A remarkable festivalrepresenting Cityof Sakuragawa

A remarkable festivalrepresenting Cityof Sakuragawa

Makabe Hina Doll FestivalFebruary 4 to March 3

Cherry Blossom Festival inSakuragawa, a scenic beauty spot

mid-March to late April

‘Let’s entertain the visitors coming to Makabe despite the cold-ness!’ With the words, this festival started. It is a representative event in Sakuragawa, and over 160 houses and shops showcase their pretty hina dolls to the visitors.

Approximately for one month you can enjoy viewing various types of cherry blossoms in Sakuragawa. The main spots are Sakuragawa Isobe Inamura Shrine, Isobe Sakuragawa Park,Mt. Takamine and Amabikisan Rakuhoji Temple.

Hydrangea Festival June 10 till July 20

Amabikikannon (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) has been worshiped since ancient times and well-known for the beautiful flowers including cherry blos-soms, azaleas, tree peonies and hydran-geas. Especially the hydrangeas bloom-ing in June, the rainy season, are very popular.

This festival with a history of over 400 years takes place at Goshokomagataki Shrine. You can see 4 beautifully decorated festival cars parade on the town streets of Makabe.

Sakuragawa City Hall, Makabe branch off ice911 Makabechoiitsuka, SakuragawaIbaraki 300-4495Tel : ０２９６－５５－１１１１

The photos were pro-vided by Sakurasaku-sato Project.

ROUTE50ROUTE50

ROUTE125ROUTE125

ROUTE294ROUTE294

IBARAKI

JAPANJAPAN

Oyama Station

Tokyo Station

Tsukuba Station

Yamato Station

KEN-OEXPRESSWAY

KITA-KANTOEXPRESSWAY

JR Joban Line

JOBANEXPRESSWAYJOBANEXPRESSWAY

TOHOKUEXPRESSWAY

Tsuchiura-Kita IC

Tsukuba-chuo IC

SakuragawaChikusei IC

Iwase Station

Kasama-Nishi IC

Tomobe IC

Jyoso IC

Tomobe Station

JR Mito Line JR Mito Line

JR utsunomiyaLineJR utsunomiyaLine

TsukubaExpressTsukubaExpress

Haguro Station

Makabe Gion FestivalJuly 23 to 26

Sakuragawa tourist

Information

In the city of Sakuragawa, the wild cherry trees in the mountains bear beautiful blossoms from early to late April.

The picture on the right side is Sakuragawa-no-sakura, (or the cherry trees of Sakuragawa). The cherry trees in the part of Isobe Sakuragawa Park and on the both sides of the ap-proach to Sakuragawa Isobe Inamura Shrine are designated as a national scenic beauty. And all of them are also designated as Sakuragawa-no-Sakura, a national natural treasure.

Genji-sakuraGenji-sakura Shirakumo-sakura

Shirakumo-sakura

Usuke-sakuraUsuke-sakura Ao-sakuraAo-sakura Aoke-sakuraAoke-sakura Umebachi-sakuraUmebachi-sakura

Sakuragawa-nioi

Sakuragawa-nioi

Kaba-nioiKaba-nioi Hatsukasane-sakura

Hatsukasane-sakura

Hatsumi-sakuraHatsumi-sakura

Yamato-sakuraYamato-sakura

11 representativevarieties of

Sakuragawa-no-Sakura

11 representativevarieties of

Sakuragawa-no-Sakura

A remarkable festivalrepresenting Cityof Sakuragawa

A remarkable festivalrepresenting Cityof Sakuragawa

Makabe Hina Doll FestivalFebruary 4 to March 3

Cherry Blossom Festival inSakuragawa, a scenic beauty spot

mid-March to late April

‘Let’s entertain the visitors coming to Makabe despite the cold-ness!’ With the words, this festival started. It is a representative event in Sakuragawa, and over 160 houses and shops showcase their pretty hina dolls to the visitors.

Approximately for one month you can enjoy viewing various types of cherry blossoms in Sakuragawa. The main spots are Sakuragawa Isobe Inamura Shrine, Isobe Sakuragawa Park, Mt. Takamine and Amabikisan Rakuhoji Temple.

Hydrangea Festival June 10 till July 20

Amabikikannon (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) has been worshiped since ancient times and well-known for the beautiful flowers including cherry blos-soms, azaleas, tree peonies and hydran-geas. Especially the hydrangeas bloom-ing in June, the rainy season, are very popular.

This festival with a history of over 400 years takes place at Goshokomagataki Shrine. You can see 4 beautifully decorated festival cars parade on the town streets of Makabe.

Sakuragawa City Hall, Makabe branch off ice911 Makabechoiitsuka, SakuragawaIbaraki 300-4495Tel : ０２９６－５５－１１１１

The photos were pro-vided by Sakurasaku-sato Project.

ROUTE50 ROUTE50

ROUTE125ROUTE125

ROUTE294ROUTE294

IBARAKI

JAPAN JAPAN

Oyama Station

Tokyo Station

Tsukuba Station

Yamato Station

KEN-OEXPRESSWAY

KITA-KANTOEXPRESSWAY

JR Joban Line

JOBANEXPRESSWAYJOBANEXPRESSWAY

TOHOKUEXPRESSWAY

Tsuchiura-Kita IC

Tsukuba-chuo IC

SakuragawaChikusei IC

Iwase Station

Kasama-Nishi IC

Tomobe IC

Jyoso IC

Tomobe Station

JR Mito Line JR Mito Line

JR utsunomiyaLineJR utsunomiyaLine

TsukubaExpressTsukubaExpress

Haguro Station

Makabe Gion FestivalJuly 23 to 26

Sakuragawa tourist

Information

In the city of Sakuragawa, the wild cherry trees in the mountains bear beautiful blossoms from early to late April.

The picture on the right side is Sakuragawa-no-sakura, (or the cherry trees of Sakuragawa). The cherry trees in the part of Isobe Sakuragawa Park and on the both sides of the ap-proach to Sakuragawa Isobe Inamura Shrine are designated as a national scenic beauty. And all of them are also designated as Sakuragawa-no-Sakura, a national natural treasure.

Genji-sakuraGenji-sakura Shirakumo-sakura

Shirakumo-sakura

Usuke-sakuraUsuke-sakura Ao-sakuraAo-sakura Aoke-sakuraAoke-sakura Umebachi-sakuraUmebachi-sakura

Sakuragawa-nioi

Sakuragawa-nioi

Kaba-nioiKaba-nioi Hatsukasane-sakura

Hatsukasane-sakura

Hatsumi-sakuraHatsumi-sakura

Yamato-sakuraYamato-sakura

11 representativevarieties of

Sakuragawa-no-Sakura

11 representativevarieties of

Sakuragawa-no-Sakura

A remarkable festivalrepresenting Cityof Sakuragawa

A remarkable festivalrepresenting Cityof Sakuragawa

Makabe Hina Doll FestivalFebruary 4 to March 3

Cherry Blossom Festival inSakuragawa, a scenic beauty spot

mid-March to late April

‘Let’s entertain the visitors coming to Makabe despite the cold-ness!’ With the words, this festival started. It is a representative event in Sakuragawa, and over 160 houses and shops showcase their pretty hina dolls to the visitors.

Approximately for one month you can enjoy viewing various types of cherry blossoms in Sakuragawa. The main spots are Sakuragawa Isobe Inamura Shrine, Isobe Sakuragawa Park, Mt. Takamine and Amabikisan Rakuhoji Temple.

Hydrangea Festival June 10 till July 20

Amabikikannon (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) has been worshiped since ancient times and well-known for the beautiful flowers including cherry blos-soms, azaleas, tree peonies and hydran-geas. Especially the hydrangeas bloom-ing in June, the rainy season, are very popular.

This festival with a history of over 400 years takes place at Goshokomagataki Shrine. You can see 4 beautifully decorated festival cars parade on the town streets of Makabe.

Sakuragawa City Hall, Makabe branch off ice911 Makabechoiitsuka, SakuragawaIbaraki 300-4495Tel : ０２９６－５５－１１１１

The photos were pro-vided by Sakurasaku-sato Project.

ROUTE50 ROUTE50

ROUTE125ROUTE125

ROUTE294ROUTE294

IBARAKI

JAPAN JAPAN

The Mt. Tsukuba region including City of Sakuragawa was designated as a Japanese Geopark in September 2016.

The path leading to the top of Mt. Kaba

The Minanogawa River, flowing from Mt. Tsu-kuba

The town of Makabe spreads on the west side of Makabe Castle Site, a national historic site, and the town streets were created in early days of the Edo period (1603 to 1867). Since the traces of the good old days still remain, you can see the old ware-houses and gates here.In 2010, the area was selected as a

national important traditional build-ing complex to preserve.

Makabe Town Streets

Makabe Denshoukan(a community center of folklore)

Makabe Castle Site, a national historic site

The landscape seen from the top of Mt. AmabikiIn late April, the wild azaleas are in bloom.

Sudajii (Castanopsis sieboldii) growing in the compound of Yakuoin Temple

Strolling around the TownStrolling around the Town Mountain WalkingMountain WalkingIn the north-south direction,

there is a row of mountains in Sakuragawa and various kinds of trails are available. In the season of fresh green foliage, lots of hikers are heading for mountains such as Mt. Ontake and Mt. Amabiki of which trail entrances are a short walk away from Iwase Station, and Mt. Kaba which features huge rocks and a long history of mountain worship.

Local products and craftworks from SakuragawaLocal products and craftworks from SakuragawaYuzu jamYuzu jam

Yuzu (Citrus junos)Yuzu (Citrus junos)

Kodamasuika,small-sized watermelonsKodamasuika,small-sized watermelons

Mikan (mandarin orange) pickingin Sakayori districtMikan (mandarin orange) pickingin Sakayori district

Enjoy a wide varietyof local sakeEnjoy a wide varietyof local sake

Soy Sauce & MisoSoy Sauce & Miso

Fukure-mikan(mandarin orange)and the processedgoods

Fukure-mikan(mandarin orange)and the processedgoods

This is a popular jamfeaturingsweet aroma andrefinedsweetness.

The mandarin orangeshave been cultivated in the Makabe district since ancient times. Shichimi-togarashi (dried red pepper) mixed with dried Fukure-mikan peelings has a good smell and it is a good table spice for various dishes.

The town of Makabe is the northern limit for mandarin orange cultivation in Japan. From mid-October to late December, the mikan gardens are open to visitors. Please enjoy the rich sweetness with sourness of Sakayori mikan.

You can buy authentic soy sauce and miso made by local breweries for a souvenir. Since the city of Sakuragawa has the source of good-quality water supply, every food prod-uct tastes great.

Benikodamasuika (red-flesh small-sized watermelon) is designated as a brand variety of growing district by Ibaraki Prefectural Government. The watermelons are highly appreciated for its sweetness and deliciousness.

Benikodamasuika (red-flesh small-sized watermelon) is designated as a brand variety of growing district by Ibaraki Prefectural Government. The watermelons are highly appreciated for its sweetness and deliciousness.

Japanese-styleConfectionsJapanese-styleConfections

Sakuragawa has lots of confectioner-owned sweet shops on the streets. Please try different kinds of sweets.

MakabeIndigo-dyeingMakabeIndigo-dyeing

Temple Bell made by Kotabe FoundryTemple Bell made by Kotabe Foundry

Stone ProductsStone Products

Makabe Stone Lantern,a traditional crafts productdesignated by the nation

Makabe Stone Lantern,a traditional crafts productdesignated by the nation

Hitachiakisoba(buckwheat)Hitachiakisoba(buckwheat)

DeliciousHigh-quality RiceDeliciousHigh-quality Rice

The mild climate and the limpid water flowing from the moun-tains grow tasty rice with sweet aroma.

The buckwheat is one of Ibaraki specialties, and Sakuragawa boasts Ibaraki’s second larg-est produce in area and harvest. In autumn, you can enjoy beautiful landscape with the white buckwheat flowers in the field.

The tradition of indigo-dyeing in Makabe has been cher-ished for a long time. You can try indigo-dyeing here. For more details, please contact Makabe Indigo-dyeing Preservation Society (TEL: 0296-55-1920).

Sakuragawa is well-known as a place providing build-ing stone such as Inada granite, Makabe granite and Haguroaonukameishi granite. The stone industry is a symbolic industry in Sakuragawa and they pro-duce grave stones, garden lanterns and recently the stone products for garden-ing and art works are sold increasingly.

In Japan there are only 7 foundries producing hanging bells for temples. Kotabe Foundry situ-ated in Makabe is the only one in the Kanto Region.

Temple-bell-shaped wind-bells are also available.

The Mt. Tsukuba region including City of Sakuragawa was designated as a Japanese Geopark in September 2016.

The path leading to the top of Mt. Kaba

The Minanogawa River, flowing from Mt. Tsu-kuba

The town of Makabe spreads on the west side of Makabe Castle Site, a national historic site, and the town streets were created in early days of the Edo period (1603 to 1867). Since the traces of the good old days still remain, you can see the old ware-houses and gates here.In 2010, the area was selected as a

national important traditional build-ing complex to preserve.

Makabe Town Streets

Makabe Denshoukan(a community center of folklore)

Makabe Castle Site, a national historic site

The landscape seen from the top of Mt. AmabikiIn late April, the wild azaleas are in bloom.

Sudajii (Castanopsis sieboldii) growing in the compound of Yakuoin Temple

Strolling around the TownStrolling around the Town Mountain WalkingMountain WalkingIn the north-south direction,

there is a row of mountains in Sakuragawa and various kinds of trails are available. In the season of fresh green foliage, lots of hikers are heading for mountains such as Mt. Ontake and Mt. Amabiki of which trail entrances are a short walk away from Iwase Station, and Mt. Kaba which features huge rocks and a long history of mountain worship.

Local products and craftworks from SakuragawaLocal products and craftworks from SakuragawaYuzu jamYuzu jam

Yuzu (Citrus junos)Yuzu (Citrus junos)

Kodamasuika,small-sized watermelonsKodamasuika,small-sized watermelons

Mikan (mandarin orange) pickingin Sakayori districtMikan (mandarin orange) pickingin Sakayori district

Enjoy a wide varietyof local sakeEnjoy a wide varietyof local sake

Soy Sauce & MisoSoy Sauce & Miso

Fukure-mikan(mandarin orange)and the processedgoods

Fukure-mikan(mandarin orange)and the processedgoods

This is a popular jamfeaturingsweet aroma andrefinedsweetness.

The mandarin orangeshave been cultivated in the Makabe district since ancient times. Shichimi-togarashi (dried red pepper) mixed with dried Fukure-mikan peelings has a good smell and it is a good table spice for various dishes.

The town of Makabe is the northern limit for mandarin orange cultivation in Japan. From mid-October to late December, the mikan gardens are open to visitors. Please enjoy the rich sweetness with sourness of Sakayori mikan.

You can buy authentic soy sauce and miso made by local breweries for a souvenir. Since the city of Sakuragawa has the source of good-quality water supply, every food prod-uct tastes great.

Benikodamasuika (red-flesh small-sized watermelon) is designated as a brand variety of growing district by Ibaraki Prefectural Government. The watermelons are highly appreciated for its sweetness and deliciousness.

Benikodamasuika (red-flesh small-sized watermelon) is designated as a brand variety of growing district by Ibaraki Prefectural Government. The watermelons are highly appreciated for its sweetness and deliciousness.

Japanese-styleConfectionsJapanese-styleConfections

Sakuragawa has lots of confectioner-owned sweet shops on the streets. Please try different kinds of sweets.

MakabeIndigo-dyeingMakabeIndigo-dyeing

Temple Bell made by Kotabe FoundryTemple Bell made by Kotabe Foundry

Stone ProductsStone Products

Makabe Stone Lantern,a traditional crafts productdesignated by the nation

Makabe Stone Lantern,a traditional crafts productdesignated by the nation

Hitachiakisoba(buckwheat)Hitachiakisoba(buckwheat)

DeliciousHigh-quality RiceDeliciousHigh-quality Rice

The mild climate and the limpid water flowing from the moun-tains grow tasty rice with sweet aroma.

The buckwheat is one of Ibaraki specialties, and Sakuragawa boasts Ibaraki’s second larg-est produce in area and harvest. In autumn, you can enjoy beautiful landscape with the white buckwheat flowers in the field.

The tradition of indigo-dyeing in Makabe has been cher-ished for a long time. You can try indigo-dyeing here. For more details, please contact Makabe Indigo-dyeing Preservation Society (TEL: 0296-55-1920).

Sakuragawa is well-known as a place providing build-ing stone such as Inada granite, Makabe granite and Haguroaonukameishi granite. The stone industry is a symbolic industry in Sakuragawa and they pro-duce grave stones, garden lanterns and recently the stone products for garden-ing and art works are sold increasingly.

In Japan there are only 7 foundries producing hanging bells for temples. Kotabe Foundry situ-ated in Makabe is the only one in the Kanto Region.

Temple-bell-shaped wind-bells are also available.

The Mt. Tsukuba region including City of Sakuragawa was designated as a Japanese Geopark in September 2016.

The path leading to the top of Mt. Kaba

The Minanogawa River, flowing from Mt. Tsu-kuba

The town of Makabe spreads on the west side of Makabe Castle Site, a national historic site, and the town streets were created in early days of the Edo period (1603 to 1867). Since the traces of the good old days still remain, you can see the old ware-houses and gates here.In 2010, the area was selected as a

national important traditional build-ing complex to preserve.

Makabe Town Streets

Makabe Denshoukan(a community center of folklore)

Makabe Castle Site, a national historic site

The landscape seen from the top of Mt. AmabikiIn late April, the wild azaleas are in bloom.

Sudajii (Castanopsis sieboldii) growing in the compound of Yakuoin Temple

Strolling around the TownStrolling around the Town Mountain WalkingMountain WalkingIn the north-south direction,

there is a row of mountains in Sakuragawa and various kinds of trails are available. In the season of fresh green foliage, lots of hikers are heading for mountains such as Mt. Ontake and Mt. Amabiki of which trail entrances are a short walk away from Iwase Station, and Mt. Kaba which features huge rocks and a long history of mountain worship.

Local products and craftworks from SakuragawaLocal products and craftworks from SakuragawaYuzu jamYuzu jam

Yuzu (Citrus junos)Yuzu (Citrus junos)

Kodamasuika,small-sized watermelonsKodamasuika,small-sized watermelons

Mikan (mandarin orange) pickingin Sakayori districtMikan (mandarin orange) pickingin Sakayori district

Enjoy a wide varietyof local sakeEnjoy a wide varietyof local sake

Soy Sauce & MisoSoy Sauce & Miso

Fukure-mikan(mandarin orange)and the processedgoods

Fukure-mikan(mandarin orange)and the processedgoods

This is a popular jamfeaturingsweet aroma andrefinedsweetness.

The mandarin orangeshave been cultivated in the Makabe district since ancient times. Shichimi-togarashi (dried red pepper) mixed with dried Fukure-mikan peelings has a good smell and it is a good table spice for various dishes.

The town of Makabe is the northern limit for mandarin orange cultivation in Japan. From mid-October to late December, the mikan gardens are open to visitors. Please enjoy the rich sweetness with sourness of Sakayori mikan.

You can buy authentic soy sauce and miso made by local breweries for a souvenir. Since the city of Sakuragawa has the source of good-quality water supply, every food prod-uct tastes great.

Benikodamasuika (red-flesh small-sized watermelon) is designated as a brand variety of growing district by Ibaraki Prefectural Government. The watermelons are highly appreciated for its sweetness and deliciousness.

Benikodamasuika (red-flesh small-sized watermelon) is designated as a brand variety of growing district by Ibaraki Prefectural Government. The watermelons are highly appreciated for its sweetness and deliciousness.

Japanese-styleConfectionsJapanese-styleConfections

Sakuragawa has lots of confectioner-owned sweet shops on the streets. Please try different kinds of sweets.

MakabeIndigo-dyeingMakabeIndigo-dyeing

Temple Bell made by Kotabe FoundryTemple Bell made by Kotabe Foundry

Stone ProductsStone Products

Makabe Stone Lantern,a traditional crafts productdesignated by the nation

Makabe Stone Lantern,a traditional crafts productdesignated by the nation

Hitachiakisoba(buckwheat)Hitachiakisoba(buckwheat)

DeliciousHigh-quality RiceDeliciousHigh-quality Rice

The mild climate and the limpid water flowing from the moun-tains grow tasty rice with sweet aroma.

The buckwheat is one of Ibaraki specialties, and Sakuragawa boasts Ibaraki’s second larg-est produce in area and harvest. In autumn, you can enjoy beautiful landscape with the white buckwheat flowers in the field.

The tradition of indigo-dyeing in Makabe has been cher-ished for a long time. You can try indigo-dyeing here. For more details, please contact Makabe Indigo-dyeing Preservation Society (TEL: 0296-55-1920).

Sakuragawa is well-known as a place providing build-ing stone such as Inada granite, Makabe granite and Haguroaonukameishi granite. The stone industry is a symbolic industry in Sakuragawa and they pro-duce grave stones, garden lanterns and recently the stone products for garden-ing and art works are sold increasingly.

In Japan there are only 7 foundries producing hanging bells for temples. Kotabe Foundry situ-ated in Makabe is the only one in the Kanto Region.

Temple-bell-shaped wind-bells are also available.

The Mt. Tsukuba region including City of Sakuragawa was designated as a Japanese Geopark in September 2016.

The path leading to the top of Mt. Kaba

The Minanogawa River, flowing from Mt. Tsu-kuba

The town of Makabe spreads on the west side of Makabe Castle Site, a national historic site, and the town streets were created in early days of the Edo period (1603 to 1867). Since the traces of the good old days still remain, you can see the old ware-houses and gates here.In 2010, the area was selected as a

national important traditional build-ing complex to preserve.

Makabe Town Streets

Makabe Denshoukan(a community center of folklore)

Makabe Castle Site, a national historic site

The landscape seen from the top of Mt. AmabikiIn late April, the wild azaleas are in bloom.

Sudajii (Castanopsis sieboldii) growing in the compound of Yakuoin Temple

Strolling around the TownStrolling around the Town Mountain WalkingMountain WalkingIn the north-south direction,

there is a row of mountains in Sakuragawa and various kinds of trails are available. In the season of fresh green foliage, lots of hikers are heading for mountains such as Mt. Ontake and Mt. Amabiki of which trail entrances are a short walk away from Iwase Station, and Mt. Kaba which features huge rocks and a long history of mountain worship.

Local products and craftworks from SakuragawaLocal products and craftworks from SakuragawaYuzu jamYuzu jam

Yuzu (Citrus junos)Yuzu (Citrus junos)

Kodamasuika,small-sized watermelonsKodamasuika,small-sized watermelons

Mikan (mandarin orange) pickingin Sakayori districtMikan (mandarin orange) pickingin Sakayori district

Enjoy a wide varietyof local sakeEnjoy a wide varietyof local sake

Soy Sauce & MisoSoy Sauce & Miso

Fukure-mikan(mandarin orange)and the processedgoods

Fukure-mikan(mandarin orange)and the processedgoods

This is a popular jamfeaturingsweet aroma andrefinedsweetness.

The mandarin orangeshave been cultivated in the Makabe district since ancient times. Shichimi-togarashi (dried red pepper) mixed with dried Fukure-mikan peelings has a good smell and it is a good table spice for various dishes.

The town of Makabe is the northern limit for mandarin orange cultivation in Japan. From mid-October to late December, the mikan gardens are open to visitors. Please enjoy the rich sweetness with sourness of Sakayori mikan.

You can buy authentic soy sauce and miso made by local breweries for a souvenir. Since the city of Sakuragawa has the source of good-quality water supply, every food prod-uct tastes great.

Benikodamasuika (red-flesh small-sized watermelon) is designated as a brand variety of growing district by Ibaraki Prefectural Government. The watermelons are highly appreciated for its sweetness and deliciousness.

Benikodamasuika (red-flesh small-sized watermelon) is designated as a brand variety of growing district by Ibaraki Prefectural Government. The watermelons are highly appreciated for its sweetness and deliciousness.

Japanese-styleConfectionsJapanese-styleConfections

Sakuragawa has lots of confectioner-owned sweet shops on the streets. Please try different kinds of sweets.

MakabeIndigo-dyeingMakabeIndigo-dyeing

Temple Bell made by Kotabe FoundryTemple Bell made by Kotabe Foundry

Stone ProductsStone Products

Makabe Stone Lantern,a traditional crafts productdesignated by the nation

Makabe Stone Lantern,a traditional crafts productdesignated by the nation

Hitachiakisoba(buckwheat)Hitachiakisoba(buckwheat)

DeliciousHigh-quality RiceDeliciousHigh-quality Rice

The mild climate and the limpid water flowing from the moun-tains grow tasty rice with sweet aroma.

The buckwheat is one of Ibaraki specialties, and Sakuragawa boasts Ibaraki’s second larg-est produce in area and harvest. In autumn, you can enjoy beautiful landscape with the white buckwheat flowers in the field.

The tradition of indigo-dyeing in Makabe has been cher-ished for a long time. You can try indigo-dyeing here. For more details, please contact Makabe Indigo-dyeing Preservation Society (TEL: 0296-55-1920).

Sakuragawa is well-known as a place providing build-ing stone such as Inada granite, Makabe granite and Haguroaonukameishi granite. The stone industry is a symbolic industry in Sakuragawa and they pro-duce grave stones, garden lanterns and recently the stone products for garden-ing and art works are sold increasingly.

In Japan there are only 7 foundries producing hanging bells for temples. Kotabe Foundry situ-ated in Makabe is the only one in the Kanto Region.

Temple-bell-shaped wind-bells are also available.

Oyama Station

Tokyo Station

Tsukuba Station

Yamato Station

KEN-OEXPRESSWAY

KITA-KANTOEXPRESSWAY

JR Joban Line

JOBANEXPRESSWAYJOBANEXPRESSWAY

TOHOKUEXPRESSWAY

Tsuchiura-Kita IC

Tsukuba-chuo IC

SakuragawaChikusei IC

Iwase Station

Kasama-Nishi IC

Tomobe IC

Jyoso IC

Tomobe Station

JR Mito LineJR Mito Line

JR utsunomiyaLineJR utsunomiyaLine

TsukubaExpressTsukubaExpress

Haguro Station

Makabe Gion FestivalJuly 23 to 26

Sakuragawa tourist

Information

In the city of Sakuragawa, the wild cherry trees in the mountains bear beautiful blossoms from early to late April.

The picture on the right side is Sakuragawa-no-sakura, (or the cherry trees of Sakuragawa). The cherry trees in the part of Isobe Sakuragawa Park and on the both sides of the ap-proach to Sakuragawa Isobe Inamura Shrine are designated as a national scenic beauty. And all of them are also designated as Sakuragawa-no-Sakura, a national natural treasure.

Genji-sakura Genji-sakuraShirakumo-sakura

Shirakumo-sakura

Usuke-sakura Usuke-sakuraAo-sakura Ao-sakuraAoke-sakura Aoke-sakuraUmebachi-sakuraUmebachi-sakura

Sakuragawa-nioi

Sakuragawa-nioi

Kaba-nioi Kaba-nioiHatsukasane-sakura

Hatsukasane-sakura

Hatsumi-sakuraHatsumi-sakura

Yamato-sakuraYamato-sakura

11 representativevarieties of

Sakuragawa-no-Sakura

11 representativevarieties of

Sakuragawa-no-Sakura

A remarkable festivalrepresenting Cityof Sakuragawa

A remarkable festivalrepresenting Cityof Sakuragawa

Makabe Hina Doll FestivalFebruary 4 to March 3

Cherry Blossom Festival inSakuragawa, a scenic beauty spot

mid-March to late April

‘Let’s entertain the visitors coming to Makabe despite the cold-ness!’ With the words, this festival started. It is a representative event in Sakuragawa, and over 160 houses and shops showcase their pretty hina dolls to the visitors.

Approximately for one month you can enjoy viewing various types of cherry blossoms in Sakuragawa. The main spots are Sakuragawa Isobe Inamura Shrine, Isobe Sakuragawa Park,Mt. Takamine and Amabikisan Rakuhoji Temple.

Hydrangea Festival June 10 till July 20

Amabikikannon (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) has been worshiped since ancient times and well-known for the beautiful flowers including cherry blos-soms, azaleas, tree peonies and hydran-geas. Especially the hydrangeas bloom-ing in June, the rainy season, are very popular.

This festival with a history of over 400 years takes place at Goshokomagataki Shrine. You can see 4 beautifully decorated festival cars parade on the town streets of Makabe.

Sakuragawa City Hall, Makabe branch off ice911 Makabechoiitsuka, SakuragawaIbaraki 300-4495Tel : ０２９６－５５－１１１１

The photos were pro-vided by Sakurasaku-sato Project.

ROUTE50ROUTE50

ROUTE125ROUTE125

ROUTE294ROUTE294

IBARAKI

JAPANJAPAN