Tsuchiura Sakura Festival, Ibaraki

#cherryblossom25 The Tsuchiura Sakura Festival is pure joy. Set along the Sakura River, the festival strings up lanterns between thousands of cherry trees, creating a pink-lit tunnel that comes alive after sunset. I went for the full experience — daytime hanami under the blossoms, sunset riverside strolls, and nighttime food stalls with sizzling yakitori and sweet sakura mochi. The river reflects the blossoms and lanterns, creating a glowing, dreamlike atmosphere. Live music, boat rides, and families laying out their blue tarps for picnics — it’s lively without being overwhelming. For my #cherryblossom25 series, I posted a time-lapse of day-to-night transformation, and it was easily one of my most interactive posts. If you want a mix of classic festival energy and sakura romance, Tsuchiura is a fantastic pick.