Five stops from JR Chiba Station on the Sobu Main Line or Narita Line, I arrived at JR Sakura Station. Sakura offers a spot to enjoy a bamboo grove—no need to go all the way to Arashiyama for bamboo photos. The day after my first full-frame DSLR, the Nikon D750, arrived from Yodobashi.com, I headed out to give it a test run.
Aside from the bamboo grove, there are samurai residences and Sakura Castle Park, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. To avoid trying to see too much, I focused this trip on the bamboo grove and the castle park.
After exiting from the north exit of JR Sakura Station, I stopped by the tourist information center to pick up a map. Following the walking route on the map, I passed through the sculpture street near the station and eventually came upon a sloping path.
Climbing Yakushi Slope brings you to Samurai House Street, where you can enter the samurai houses for a fee. Following the road along Samurai House Street, you’ll eventually arrive at Hiyodori Slope, home to the bamboo grove.
Perhaps by chance, it was sparsely crowded—a photogenic spot perfect for capturing photos. Since it had rained, the path was a bit muddy, so I carefully made my way down the steps, watching for slippery spots.
Halfway down, there’s a wall decorated with the character for “samurai” made of bamboo, as well as a bamboo bench where you can rest if needed.
Leaving Hiyodori Slope, I continued along the map’s walking route. Just before the civic gymnasium, another slope appears, and climbing it and turning left leads you to the remains of the Otemon Gate.
Next to the gate are Sakura Middle School and Sakura East High School, with the Sakura Castle Park Center housing a “Top 100 Castles of Japan” stamp. Following the path, you can enter Sakura Castle Park.
The sight of scattered Fugenzo cherry blossoms is stunning.
A solitary tree stands proudly, evoking the charm of a classic “what’s this tree?” (Hitachi’s commercial) scene.
As you move further into the park, you’ll reach the National Museum of Japanese History. Exiting through the museum brings you to Route 296; turning right leads you toward Keisei-Sakura Station.
Sakura, with its photogenic bamboo grove, is an easily accessible gem in Kanto. If you’re in the mood for bamboo photography, it’s a convenient choice. From Tokyo, the Sobu Line Rapid or the Limited Express Shiosai are convenient options.
