Makabe Hina Doll Festival

Sakuragawa City

Western Ibaraki

Festivals/Events

In Japan, hina dolls were traditionally displayed to celebrate Girl's Day in early March. Locals started the Makabe Hina Doll Festival to encourage visitors to the historic town during the colder winter months.
During the festival, residents and businesses create elaborate displays of traditional hina dolls in their homes and shops. Visitors are free to enter to see these magnificent displays. Many of the dolls have been passed down through families for generations.
The historic area of Makabe is also home to warehouses known as "kura" and streets lined with traditional townhouses. Visitors can truly feel transported back in time during the festival.

Information

Address: Makabecho, Sakuragawa City
Access: By public transport: From Iwase Station on the JR Mito Line, take a bus bound for Makabe Station (around 25 minutes). Alternatively, from Shimodate Station on the JR Mito Line, take a bus bound for Makabe Station (around 30 minutes).
By car: Exit the Kita-Kanto Expresswy at Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC and drive 20 minutes on Route 50 and Route 41. Alternatively, on the Joban Expressway, exit the expressway at Tsuchiura-Kita IC and drive 50 minutes on Route 125 and Route 41.
Business Hours: Hours
Early February to early March
Many shops in the area are closed on Wednesdays. It is recommended to visit on other days.
Website: http://www.kankou-sakuragawa.jp/page/page001025.html
Contact: Sakuragawa City Tourism Division
TEL: 0296-55-1111

Map

See More Visit

Shimotsuma City

Western Ibaraki

Kokai River Park & Poppy Fields

This riverside is split into fours zones: the Nature Observation Zone, Sports Zone, Nature Center, and Flower Zone.
The Kokai River is famous for fields of poppies that bloom from mid-May onwards. Over two million poppies fill the park with color. This striking sight is paired with the stunning backdrop of Mount Tsukuba.
There is also a range of activities, such as golfing and cycling, available around the park.

Parks/Nature

Sakuragawa City

Western Ibaraki

Nishioka Brewery

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Tsukuba, this brewery was founded in 1782. The area has long been known for its high-quality rice and pure natural spring water, which continues to be used in Nishioka's sake brewing. Nishioka Brewery also uses its traditional buildings to host various cultural events.

Traditional Crafts/Sake Breweries

Chikusei City

Western Ibaraki

Raifuku Brewery

Established in 1716, Raifuku Brewery produces ten varieties of sake using rice suitable for brewing and yeast made from flowers. In addition to their most popular sake, the eponymous Raifuku, the brewery produces sake for export and liqueurs brewed using local ingredients.

Traditional Crafts/Sake Breweries

View All

Read More About Ibaraki

Close to Tokyo! 9 Magnificent Cherry Blossom Spots in Ibaraki

There are many attractions in Ibaraki Prefecture, near Tokyo, including Kairakuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. In Ibaraki, you will find many cherry blossom spots!

This article introduces nine prominent cherry blossom spots in Ibaraki from those in the city with convenient access to places in the mountains where you can embrace nature!

Ibaraki’s Top 8 Fall Foliage Spots: Enjoy Splendid Views Near Tokyo

Ibaraki Prefecture, accessible by day trip from Tokyo, is a famous destination for autumn foliage.

This article introduces eight splendid autumn foliage spots in Ibaraki―from popular attractions like Hitachi Seaside Park and Fukuroda Falls to Ryujin Suspension Bridge, where adventure seekers can experience a 100-meter-high bungee jump.

Architecture Tour in Sakai, Ibaraki: 6 Works by Renowned Architect Kengo Kuma

Sakai, a town in Ibaraki Prefecture, is home to six buildings designed by world-famous architect Kengo Kuma. In this charming town, you can tour these amazing locations while enjoying local food and art.

View All