Sakura Japanese Restaurant, a fixture on Indianapolis's north side since early 1987, will close its doors on Nov. 12, ending a run of nearly four decades at 7201 N. Keystone Ave. The restaurant's owners announced the closure in an Instagram post, saying they were unable to reach an agreement with their landlords to renew the lease.
As reported by IndyStar, Sakura is closing. The restaurant was opened by Soji Sato and his family, who named it for the Japanese word for the nation's iconic cherry blossom tree. On opening day in 1987, the menu featured sukiyaki, udon, unadon, and sushi, and the restaurant went on to serve traditional Japanese cuisine in central Indiana for nearly 40 years.
The Sato family's connection to Indianapolis dining extends beyond Sakura. The family also owned Ocean World, a sushi destination that closed after three decades at 1206 W. 86th St. Indianapolis Monthly reported that the 30-year-old sushi destination had been winding down operations before shuttering its 1206 W. 86th St. location on August 31, 2025 — a closure that preceded Sakura's own announcement by about 15 months.
What Happens to the Food Truck?
Sakura Express is described as an extension of Sakura Restaurant by WISH-TV. The station's 2023 report detailed a Japanese curry menu with beef, fried pork, fried chicken, and vegetarian options, along with catering and delivery for orders of 100 or more.
Sakura has not clarified whether Sakura Express will remain in operation once the restaurant on Keystone Avenue closes. Sakura Express's roots in the original restaurant's 1987 founding are highlighted on its own website, which states the journey began with the opening of Sakura in Indiana.
