Former Residence of Lord Hotta

The former residence and garden of Lord Hotta were built in 1890 by the last lord of the Sakura domain, Masatomo Hotta. The former residence and some of the buildings are registered as Japan's important cultural property as they are one of the valuable Daimyo houses built in the Meiji period that remains in good condition. Anyone including those who visit for the first time can easily enjoy the residence, as a free guided tour is available on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. In addition, several Japanese culture hands-on activities are available such as dressing in a kimono, zazen meditation and tea ceremony (fee-based and reservation in advance required).

The vestiges unique to a castle town of the Edo period remain throughout the city of Sakura. Sakura Castle Park where ruins of the castle can be found is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. The National Museum of Japanese History adjacent to the park is the only museum in the country dedicated to Japanese history and culture from ancient times. Other must-see sites include one of the biggest remaining samurai residences in Kanto where you can have a glimpse of a samurai's lifestyle, Hiyodori hill surrounded by bamboo trees that samurai used to walk and the Makata shrine.