Private Samurai & Heritage Experience near Narita Airport

Visit the former Hotta Residence, home of Sakura’s last feudal lord’s family. Learn about Samurai lifestyle, architecture, and aesthetics during Japan’s transition to the modern era.

Tsukamoto Museum of Art Visit a private museum dedicated to Japanese swords and samurai culture. The collection features authentic Japanese swords from the Muromachi to Edo periods, along with sword mountings and related objects. Through close-up viewing, guests can appreciate the refined craftsmanship, beauty, and historical significance of Japanese sword-making in a quiet and intimate setting.

At the Sakura Samurai Residences (Bukeyashiki Street), visitors can explore former residences where samurai of the Sakura Domain lived during the Edo period, gaining insight into their daily lives, social structure, and samurai culture. The simple, functional architecture and gardens reflect the values and everyday life of the samurai, offering a more personal and approachable way to understand Japanese history. This area provides an important opportunity to connect knowledge gained at museums with the actual historic streetscape, making history tangible through a real-world setting.

Hiyodorizaka Slope (Sakura City) Take a walk along this historic slope leading toward the former Sakura Castle town. Once used by samurai during the Edo period, the path still retains its original atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery. With its stone steps and seasonal scenery, it is also a popular photo spot, offering a picturesque setting as you make your way toward Sakura Castle Park while experiencing the charm and history of the castle town.

The National Museum of Japanese History (Sakura, Chiba) is one of Japan’s leading museums for exploring the country’s history and cultural heritage in a comprehensive and experiential way. Through authentic artifacts and carefully reconstructed exhibits, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of how everyday life, society, and traditions in Japan have evolved over time. It serves as an ideal “gateway” to learning about Japanese history and culture, enriching later walks and cultural experiences with greater context and insight.