Sakuragawa, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kantō Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Sakuragawa is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The city of Sakuragawa was established in 2005, from the merger of the towns of Iwase (in the north), Makabe (in the south) with the village of Yamato (in the center). Iwase was formerly from Nishiibaraki District, while Makabe and Yamato were formerly from Makabe District. The percentage of the population aged over 65 was 34.3%. The total area of the city is 180.06 square km (69.52 sq mi).

Geography Located in central-western Ibaraki Prefecture, Sakuragawa is bordered by Tochigi Prefecture to the north. The city is lined by mountains along its east side, named Tomiya, Amabiki, Kaba and Ashio, from north to south. Mt. Tsukuba dominates the southern side, although it is not located within the borders of the city. The eponymous Sakuragawa River has its source in the Iwase area of the city.

Surrounding municipalities Ibaraki Prefecture • Kasama • Ishioka • Tsukuba • Chikusei; Tochigi Prefecture • Mashiko • Mooka • Motegi.

History The city of Sakuragawa was established on October 1, 2005, from the merger of the towns of Iwase (in the north), Makabe (in the south) with the village of Yamato (in the center). Iwase was formerly from Nishiibaraki District, while Makabe and Yamato were formerly from Makabe District.

Government Sakuragawa has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 18 members. Sakuragawa contributes one member to the Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Ibaraki 1st district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy The economy of Sakuragawa is primarily agricultural. Stone quarrying is also important.

Education Sakuragawa has nine public elementary schools and four public middle schools operated by the city government, and two public high schools operated by the Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education. There is also one private middle school and one private high school.

Transport: Rail JR East – Mito Line • Yamato - Iwase - Haguro

Transport: Road • Kita-Kantō Expressway – Sakuragawa-Nishi Interchange • National Route 50

Local attractions • Makabe old town with 104 buildings listed as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties • Amabiki Kannon • Makabe Doll Festival • "Tsukuba Ring-Ring Road" – a bicycle road connecting Iwase to Tsukuba along a former railway line.