Takekurabe Plaza, Sakai

Takekurabe Plaza is a multipurpose leisure facility located in the Takeda area of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, situated in the easternmost mountainous region of the city. The plaza serves as a central attraction in this quiet mountain village that covers approximately 5,000 hectares of forest and natural landscape. The area is characterized by the Takeda River flowing nearby and traditional countryside townscapes that have been preserved over centuries.

The plaza's primary significance lies in its spectacular display of weeping cherry trees, with over 100 to 150 trees that bloom spectacularly from mid to late April. This seasonal event attracts approximately 70,000 visitors annually during the Takeda no Sato Weeping Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival features evening illuminations that transform the cascading blossoms into a magical nighttime spectacle. Weekend craft markets add to the festive atmosphere during the blooming period. The Takeda area as a whole is working toward becoming "a village with 1,000 cherry blossoms," with approximately 800 weeping cherry trees planted throughout the township.

Visitors can explore the plaza's landmark twin waterwheels, among the largest in the Hokuriku region, measuring 8 meters and 5 meters in diameter. A chime hut, designed with input from local high school students, plays music every hour and half hour. The on-site Takedaya direct sales store offers seasonal mountain produce unique to the Takeda area. The plaza provides free camping facilities surrounded by nature, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring or the refreshing riverside environment in summer.

Takekurabe Plaza is located just a 3-minute walk from Maruoka Onsen Takekurabe hot spring resort. The site can be reached in approximately 15 minutes by car from the Maruoka Interchange of the Hokuriku Expressway. From Fukui City center, the journey takes around 50 minutes by car. The plaza is closed during the snowy season from December to March. Entry to the plaza itself is free, making it an accessible destination for experiencing rural Fukui's natural beauty and seasonal celebrations.