Tokorozawa Sakura Town: A Pop Culture Hub
Explore Japan's vibrant pop culture at Tokorozawa Sakura Town, featuring museums, anime, art, and unique architecture in Saitama Prefecture.
Tokorozawa Sakura Town, which opened in 2020, is a vibrant cultural complex in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, dedicated to celebrating Japanese pop culture. Conceptualized as a joint project between the Kadokawa Corporation and Tokorozawa City, the complex was designed by architect Kengo Kuma and has quickly become a notable destination for tourists and locals alike. The centerpiece of Sakura Town is the Kadokawa Culture Museum, an architecturally striking building clad in over 20,000 pieces of granite. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of exhibitions, including the impressive Bookshelf Theater, a towering eight-meter-high library that transforms into a projection mapping screen. The museum also houses the EJ Anime Museum, dedicated to anime and manga, and a library with a collection of light novels and comics. In addition to the museum, Tokorozawa Sakura Town features the Musashino Reiwa Shrine, also designed by Kengo Kuma, blending traditional shrine architecture with modern design. The shrine's ceiling is adorned with a phoenix mural by Yoshitaka Amano, known for his work on Final Fantasy. The complex also includes a Da Vinci Store, offering a wide selection of books and merchandise, restaurants, cafes, and event spaces that host a variety of activities, including anime events, live concerts, and food festivals. Tokorozawa Sakura Town is designed to be a place where visitors can immerse themselves in Japanese pop culture and enjoy a blend of entertainment, art, and cuisine.
Local tips
- Check the official website for event schedules and special exhibitions at the Kadokawa Culture Museum to make the most of your visit.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and during special events, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Take a stroll around the complex to discover anime-themed manhole covers and art installations.
- Enjoy local Saitama cuisine and themed dishes at the various restaurants and cafes within Sakura Town.
- Visit during the spring to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, adding an extra layer of beauty to the town.
A brief summary to Tokorozawa Sakura Town
- 3 Chome-31-3 Higashitokorozawawada, Tokorozawa, 3 Chome Higashitokorozawawada, Saitama, 359-0023, JP
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
The most convenient way to reach Tokorozawa Sakura Town is by taking the JR Musashino Line to Higashi-Tokorozawa Station. From the station, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the complex. As you exit the station, follow the signs and the stream of fellow visitors, and enjoy the anime-themed manhole covers along the way. Train fare from Tokyo Station to Higashi-Tokorozawa Station requires transfers and costs approximately ¥700-¥900 and takes about 50 minutes.
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Walking
From JR Higashi-Tokorozawa Station, Tokorozawa Sakura Town is a straightforward 10-minute walk. Exit the station and follow the main road, keeping an eye out for the anime-themed manhole covers that line the route. The path is well-marked, and you'll likely see other visitors heading in the same direction. The walk is generally flat and manageable with luggage, though a taxi is available for those who prefer not to walk. Cost: Free
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available at JR Higashi-Tokorozawa Station. The ride to Tokorozawa Sakura Town is short, typically taking only a few minutes. The estimated fare for a short taxi ride from Higashi-Tokorozawa Station to Tokorozawa Sakura Town is ¥700 - ¥900.
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Parking
If driving, Tokorozawa Sakura Town has parking available. There are multiple parking lots, including Parking Lot 1, Parking Lot 2, and Parking Lot 3. Parking fees are generally ¥200 per 30 minutes. Parking Lot 1 has a maximum fee of ¥800 for 24 hours, while Parking Lots 2 & 3 have a maximum fee of ¥600 for 24 hours on weekdays and higher on weekends. The first 30 minutes are free in all parking lots.
