Sakura City, located in the north-central region of Chiba Prefecture, Japan, has a population of approximately 165,000 people. It is a city that blends historical culture with modern urban functionality. Since it was designated as a city in 1954, Sakura has become known as an "International Tourism Model District" thanks to its rich historical heritage and cultural background. Its well-preserved castle town streetscape has been recognized as part of Japan Heritage.
Historically, Sakura has long been a key transportation hub. One important route was the Sakura Kaidō, which connected Edo (Tokyo), Sakura Castle, and Naritasan Shinshōji Temple. During the feudal period, Sakura flourished as a castle town under the Sakura Domain and served as a military stronghold. Today, remnants of Sakura Castle and samurai residences still showcase the historical charm of the area, making them major tourist attractions. The National Museum of Japanese History, located in the city, further enriches Sakura’s identity as a cultural center by offering extensive historical learning resources.
During the Edo period, Sakura was also a notable hub for Western medicine in Japan, particularly through the activities of Sakura Juntendō, a leading institution in Rangaku (Dutch studies). This earned it the nickname "Nagasaki of the West, Sakura of the East."
In more recent times, Sakura City has undergone significant urbanization, especially with the development of large residential areas such as Yukarigaoka. It has gradually transformed into a satellite city within the Tokyo metropolitan area. During Japan’s land price boom, the commuter belt of Tokyo expanded up to 50 kilometers from the city center, attracting many residents to settle in Sakura and commute into Tokyo. According to the 2010 national census, 20.4% of Sakura’s residents commuted to Tokyo’s special wards, positioning the city as a vital part of both the Tokyo and Narita metropolitan zones.
