On last Sunday, I visited Sakura Morning Cruise north of Tokyo in neighboring Saitama Prefecture. It is held every 1st Sunday of the month and started in September 2010. This car meet (although the name mentions a cruise, there isn't any touring or group driving) is one of the largest monthly car meets near Tokyo, with 200-300 cars from around the region participating.
One of the largest car meets near Tokyo
Last Sunday, I visited Sakura Morning Cruise in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo. It is held every 1st Sunday of the month and this month marked the 150th occasion since it first started in September 2010.
This car meet (although the name mentions a cruise, there isn't any touring or group driving) is one of the largest monthly car meets near Tokyo, with 200-300 cars from around the region participating. Although well-known in Japanese car culture circles, it is still unknown outside of Japan and very few tourists visit. if you are looking for a car event off the beaten path and near Tokyo, you can't miss Sakura Morning Cruise.
Location & Travel
The meet is held at the Gongendo No. 4 Park parking lot in Satte City, about 50 minutes by car from Tokyo. I met up with fellow GR Yaris owner Alf and Mazda Roadster owner Lele at Hasuda Service Area, an expressway rest stop along the Tohoku Expressway. We then met up with Sodo Moto in his Lupo Cup Car.
Types of cars
Sakura Morning Cruise is officially a pre-1980 non-modded car meet, but a wide variety of cars congregate: modern JDMs like R35 GT-Rs, Mk.5 Supras, a rare S660 Neo Classic, classic JDMs like R32s, Hakosukas, two-stroke kei cars from the 60s/70s, a rally replica 240Z, old/modern Euros like Abarths, Alfa Romeos, Porsches, Aston Martins and a lovingly maintained Lancia Delta Integrale, USDMs including a Mooneyes-esque 1940 Ford Pickup, and many more!
Hints & Tips
- The organizers have a donation can in a tent near the entrance to the meet area. Please make sure to donate at least 200JPY per person.
- The owners are very friendly and enjoy talking about cars!
- The event starts at 8:30am and ends at noon. Cars start leaving around 10:30 am. Peak time is around 10am.
- The meet is cancelled in case of rain or due to special events such as the cherry blossom festival in early April (although the cherry blossom festival itself may be worth going to). Check the organizer website.
- It is extremely hot in summer months with very little shade. I recommend bringing a parasol and drink plenty of fluids.
- There are vending machines and toilets next to the meet area. There is also a convenience store across the street.
- Not too many stanced/slammed cars. I recommend going to one of the big car concours held near Tokyo.
We headed to Mt. Tsukuba after Sakura Morning Cruise for some touge driving. Part 2 to follow soon!
ps. If you live in the US and are interested in importing a car from Japan, Sodo Moto is your man!
