Former Sakura Clan Samurai Residences

The "Former Sakuragaoka Feudal Clan Residential Group" consists of the residences of middle-class samurai built in the late Edo period, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of the samurai of that time. There are five residences on the samurai residence street, and three of them are open to the public. You can enter the buildings and see the living rooms, hearths, baths, corridors, and other aspects of the real samurai lifestyle, which are a must-see!

Currently, three samurai residences are open to the public: the Former Kawara Family Residence, the Former Tamba Family Residence, and the Former Takei Family Residence. There are differences in size, layout, type of tatami, and construction depending on the samurai's status, so it's recommended to compare and visit each one. The admission fee is also reasonable at 250 yen for a common ticket to the three samurai residences. The Former Takei Family Residence also has exhibits, so you can learn more about history with a mini-museum feel!

Next to the Samurai Residence Street, there is a beautiful bamboo grove path called "Hiyodori Slope". It's recommended to take a walk here along with the samurai residences. The attractive atmosphere is like something out of a period drama, and surprisingly, this beautiful scenery has hardly changed since the Edo period. It's also a popular spot for taking photos, and if you wear a kimono against the bamboo grove background, you can take a photogenic and lovely picture.

Sakura City, which developed as a key point to protect the east of Edo, has a rich history. The area around the samurai residences has tourist spots such as the "Former Hotta Residence," "Sakura Juntendo Memorial Hall," and "Sakura Castle Ruins Park," making it a recommended destination for a historical journey. Among them, the "Former Hotta Residence" is known as the residence where the last lord of Sakura, "Hotta Masatomo," lived, but it's also a location that has been used in numerous dramas, commercials, and movies such as "JIN," "The Magnificent Family," and "Samurai Sentai Shinkenger"! Additionally, cosplay photography is allowed, making it popular among cosplayers and those who want to visit filming locations.

Sakura City holds an event called "Sakura Castle Town Kimono Walk" mainly on weekends from February to April each year. For around 4,000 yen, you can rent a kimono and have it dressed, allowing you to leisurely stroll through Sakura's castle town and experience the atmosphere of the Edo period! There are also benefits such as free admission to places like samurai residences and the Sakura Juntendo Memorial Hall. You can apply through the "Sakura Ichirizuka Official Website", so if you're interested, be sure to check it out!