Best cherry blossom spots: Matsudo City's Sakuradori

The Joban train line, originating at Shinagawa Station, carries travelers from hyper-urban areas of suburban Tokyo to rural landscapes in Ibaraki Prefecture as far as Tsuchiura Station. I suggest you stop at the stations within Matsudo City along the line to take in spectacular hanami or cherry blossom viewing spots in Matsudo City. One spot I highly recommend is Mabashi Station on the Joban local line, and the gateway to one of Japan’s treasures, a celebrated cherry blossom road.

Mabashi Station’s cherry trees are a welcome sight for commuters, with a canopy of pink and white blossoms at the west exit of the station.

A flurry of blushing pink blossoms at Mabashi Station

Also, you’ll see here a hillock with pines, stones, and an expanse of grass that is evocative of the landscape at a historical spot in the city, the Tojo-tei house and garden near Matsudo Station.

The manicured garden evokes a teahouse landscape in front of the cherry trees

But walk a little further east of Mabashi Station and cross Route 6 to Sakuradori, the road that leads to the Tokiwadaira neighborhood. This road, Tokiwadaira Sakuradori, is designated as a 日本の道100選, Nihon no Michi Hakusen, or top 100 roads, by Japan’s Ministry of Construction. In spring, the road is flanked by mature cherry trees creating a meandering tunnel of pink blossoms. The designation was determined by the popularity with local people and the beauty of the scenery. It’s well worth a visit in spring.

Tokiwadaira Sakuradori, designated as one of Japan's top 100 roads

The blossoms are celebrated in the Tokiwadaira Sakura Matsuri, a two-day festival that falls on March 25th and 26th this year. The festival opens at 11 a.m. each day and one of the specialties in the city is dance. Hula, traditional Nihon Buyo, breakdance, and even belly dance groups take part. Another big part of the festivities is music with performances by ensembles from the city’s elementary and junior high schools.

The long way to enjoy the blossoms at their peak is from Mabashi Station, walking the cherry tree-lined street. Before the festival, the route is a busy thoroughfare, so watch out for traffic.

Note that there is no parking available during the festival. To take in the event rather than the long trek from Mabashi Station, I recommend a leisurely visit via Goko Station on the Shinkeisei line which puts you at the southern end of the festival route and then returning via Tokiwadaira Station.