Written by TC Team
Coinciding with cherry blossom season, the annual Sakura Historical Festival (known as Sakura Jidai Festival, jidai means “era”) invites visitors to experience a bygone time.
What to expect
The Sakura Jidai Festival brings history to life with a variety of events, performances, and hands-on activities. Visitors can watch traditional martial arts demonstrations, lively taiko drumming, and dance parades. Street performers recreate Edo-period entertainment with tricks and storytelling.
There are typically a variety of interactive experiences, like trying on samurai armor, crafting bamboo lanterns, practicing your aim with shuriken (ninja star) throwing and falconry demonstrations.
Schedule 2025
In 2025, the Sakura Jidai Festival will take the form of Shinmachi Market, a one-day event on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Sakura Shinmachi Street Area.
The market will feature a mix of traditional performances, a craft and shopping area, a book street, and a food festival with local and guest vendors. There will be a dance parade from 10 a.m.
There will also be a couple of related events on Sunday, March 16, at Sakura Castle Ruins Park. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. approximately 320 dancers from across Chiba Prefecture will perform dynamic Yosakoi Soran routines, blending traditional Japanese dance with modern music and movements. Meanwhile, Time Travel Street is designed to be a journey through Japan’s history with period-specific music, fashion, and exhibits.
How to get there
The festival is located a 10-minute walk from the south exit of Keisei Sakura Station or a 20-minute walk from the north exit of JR Sakura Station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
