20 Parks in Chiba worth your time

This expansive park offers natural beauty, relaxation, and seasonal festivals near Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

What it is

• Expansive 165,000 m2 park next to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
• Dedicated to nature, life, and Buddhist ideals of respect.
• Features three ponds symbolizing release and nonkilling.

What to see

• Great Pagoda of Peace at the park entrance.
• Western-style garden below the pagoda.
• Yuhi no Taki Falls splashing down a rocky face.
• Three ponds: Ryuchi, Ryuju, Monju, with a floating gazebo.
• Colorful koi carp in Ryuchi pond.
• Suikinkutsu near the Museum of Calligraphy for water sounds.

When to go

• Spring for fresh leaves and Narita Plum Tree Festival.
• Summer for cicadas.
• Autumn for bright colors and Naritasan Autumnal Leaves Festival.
• Winter for snow.
• During festivals for free koto and niko performances.
• Periodically for tea ceremonies, especially during festivals.

Getting there

• Entrance to the right of the Daihondo Hall.

Read more about Narita-san Park

A municipal park in Chiba featuring a zoo, botanical gardens, and interactive animal experiences for families and nature lovers.

What it is

• A municipal facility in Ichikawa City that opened on August 21, 1987.
• The grounds include a zoo, botanical gardens, and a dedicated rose garden.
• A nature museum and a rest house are located at the entrance area.

What to see

• Red Pandas and Sumatran Orangutans are housed within the zoo section.
• A pipe play structure called Flowing Otter allows visitors to watch otters.
• The Nakayoshi Square provides a space to touch guinea pigs and rabbits.
• A bird sanctuary called the Flying Cage exceeds one thousand square meters.
• The botanical garden displays approximately three hundred and fifty species of plants.
• A mini railway operates for visitors within the park grounds.

Getting there

• The facility is accessible by bus from Ichikawa-Ono Station.
• Private parking is available on-site for those traveling by car or bus.

Official site

www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp

Read more about Ichikawa Zoological & Botanical Garden

A multi-purpose sports complex in Chiba featuring professional stadiums and seasonal cherry blossoms along the walking paths.

What it is

• A public sports park located in the Iwasaki area of Ichihara City.
• Functions as a green buffer zone to protect against local industrial pollution.
• Features major athletic facilities with naming rights held by the ZA Corporation.
• Includes a gymnasium equipped for basketball, volleyball, and badminton.

What to see

• The Ichihara Seaside Stadium and an athletic field with a natural grass surface.
• A baseball stadium officially known as the ZA Ballpark.
• Twelve artificial grass tennis courts and a fifty meter swimming pool.
• Rows of cherry blossom trees that line the park paths.

When to go

• Early spring is the best time to view the blooming cherry blossoms.

Getting there

• Local buses run to the park from Goi Station.
• Bus transportation is also available from Anegasaki Station.

Read more about Ichihararyokuchi Sports Park

A riverside park in Chiba featuring sports facilities, natural valley terrain, and seasonal flower ponds for a relaxing outdoor break.

What it is

• A public park in Chiba City officially established in 1988.
• A recreational space situated along the banks of the Hanamigawa River.
• A multi-zone facility including sports grounds and natural water features.

What to see

• The Keiryuen zone featuring a fountain pond and natural valley terrain.
• Nakajima Pond filled with seasonal lotus, water lilies, and irises.
• A ball game zone with a natural grass soccer field.
• A park center building containing a gymnasium and training rooms.
• Two tennis courts located on the park grounds.

When to go

• Springtime to view the famous blooming cherry blossom trees.

Getting there

• Take a bus from JR Shin-Kemigawa Station to reach the park.
• Bus services are available from Keisei Yachiyodai Station.

Official site

www.city.chiba.jp

Read more about Hanashima Park

A circular prefectural park in Funabashi featuring a Japanese garden and running trails on a former naval radio site.

What it is

• A prefectural urban park in Funabashi divided into east and west sections.
• The site formerly served as a Japanese Navy radio transmission station.
• The park opened to the public on October 5, 1971.
• A circular road surrounds the entire park perimeter.

What to see

• A Japanese garden and a canal located in the western section.
• A large lawn and a dedicated running course in the eastern section.
• A pedestrian bridge that connects the east and west areas.
• The unique circular layout of the surrounding road and park boundaries.

When to go

• August for the annual 100km relay marathon event.

Getting there

• A five-minute walk from the Gyoda-Danchi bus stop.
• The park is located near Funabashi-Hoten and Tsukada train stations.

Official site

www.gyoda-p.server-shared.com

Read more about Gyōda Park

This zoo houses Japan's largest elephant herd and offers unique interactive experiences like riding on the animals' backs.

What it is

• A zoo in Chiba Prefecture housing ten elephants, the largest number in Japan.
• Founded in 1989 and renamed in 1996, it covers approximately 3.5 hectares.
• Part of Animal Wonder Rezourt, it keeps about 70 different animal species.
• The facility employs Thai trainers to care for the resident elephant population.

What to see

• Ten elephants and approximately 350 individual animals from various species.
• Visitors can ride on the backs of elephants during their visit.

Getting there

• A free shuttle bus runs to the park from Takataki Station.
• The zoo is located near the Ichihara Tsurumai Interchange for those driving.

Official site

zounokuni.com

Read more about Ichihara Elephant Kingdom

Ōdayama Park, or 'Forest of Love', offers cherry blossoms, a tower, and a shrine.

What it is

• Ōdayama Park is also called Koi no Mori, 'Forest of Love'.
• It is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
• The park area is 9.7 hectares.
• Mount Ōdayama is 44 meters above sea level.

What to see

• Kimi Sarazu Tower stands on the mountaintop.
• Kisarazu City Local Museum Kanno Suzu is in the park.
• The former Anzai family residence is an Edo period farmhouse.
• Tachibana Shrine is dedicated to Otachibanahime.
• Chūreitō monument was built on November 15, 1954.
• Approximately 400 cherry trees are in the park.

Getting there

• It is a 15-minute walk from Kisarazu Station East Exit.

Official site

www.city.kisarazu.lg.jp

Read more about Ōdayama Park

Futtsu Park offers diverse recreation, including a jumbo pool and a tower with Fuji views.

What it is

• A prefectural urban park in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Part of Minami Boso Quasi-National Park.
• Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Urban Parks.
• Recognized for white sand and green pines.

What to see

• Meiji Centennial Observation Tower, completed in 1970.
• Tower is 21.8 meters high at its highest point.
• Tower offers one of Kanto's Top 100 Views of Fuji.
• Jumbo pool with water slides and wave pools.
• Outdoor theater for general use.
• Multi-purpose athletic field for general use.

When to go

• Campground operates from April to October.

Official site

www.cue-net.or.jp

Read more about Futtsu Park

Tokyo Disney Resort offers two unique theme parks and entertainment, perfect for a fun-filled day.

What it is

• A complex resort in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture.
• Tokyo Disneyland opened on April 15, 1983.
• Tokyo DisneySea opened on September 4, 2001.
• Oriental Land owns the resort.

What to see

• Tokyo Disneyland, the third Disney Park globally.
• Tokyo DisneySea, the first Disney Park themed to 'the sea'.
• Six Disney hotels and six official hotels.
• Ikspiari and Bon Voyage commercial facilities.
• Maihama Amphitheater, a multi-purpose hall.

Getting there

• Disney Resort Line is a monorail connecting facilities.

Address

千葉県浦安市舞浜1番地1 Map

Official site

www.tokyodisneyresort.jp

Read more about Tokyo Disney Resort

A municipal rose garden with 7,500 roses, easily accessible by train.

What it is

• A municipal rose garden in Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Opened in 1957 as part of an amusement park.
• Restored as a municipal park in May 1988.

What to see

• Approximately 12,600 square meters of garden space.
• 800 species and 7,500 roses.
• Monument to the birthplace of the Yomiuri Giants at the entrance.

When to go

• Mid-May to late June for peak bloom.
• Mid-October to mid-November for autumn bloom.

Getting there

• 7-minute walk from Keisei Main Line Yatsu Station.

Official site

www.yatsu-rosegarden.jp

Read more about Yatsu Rose Garden

Modern sports park in Chiba, home to multiple sports facilities and professional games.

What it is

• Sports park in Chiba, owned by Chiba City.
• Opened in October 2005.
• Managed by MMT Joint Venture.
• Fukuda Denshi holds naming rights for most facilities.

What to see

• Fukuda Denshi Arena stadium.
• Fukuda Denshi Square multi-purpose field.
• Fukuda Denshi Hills Court with 20 tennis courts.
• Fukuda Denshi Field, a multi-purpose ground.
• Fukuda Denshi Ground, a second multi-purpose ground.
• Fukuda Denshi Stadium, a circular baseball field.

When to go

• Home games for JEF United Ichihara Chiba.

Official site

sogasportspark.com

Read more about Soga Sports Park

Akebonoyama Park offers seasonal flower fields, a windmill, and a Japanese garden worth visiting.

What it is

• A municipal park in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Consists of Akebonoyama Park and Akebonoyama Agricultural Park.
• Agricultural Park opened in 1994.

What to see

• A windmill, one of the park's symbols.
• Seasonal flower fields, another park symbol.
• Approximately 150,000 tulips.
• Sakurayama, a cherry blossom viewing spot.
• A Japanese garden with a traditional tea house.

When to go

• Tulip Festival is held annually in mid-April.
• Agricultural Park Festival is held annually in mid-October.

Read more about Akebono Mount Park

Toyomi Sunrise Hill Park offers close-up views of Narita Airport's B runway from a soundproof levee.

What it is

• A park in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Originally a soundproof levee near Narita Airport's B runway.
• Opened for public use on April 1, 2010.
• Name 'Shinonome no Oka' conceived by local students.

What to see

• Observation deck with views of the runway.
• Benches for resting.
• Simple toilets available.

When to go

• Open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Getting there

• Located along National Route 51.
• Accessible by Chiba Kotsu Bus.
• Free parking lot with 63 spaces.

Read more about Toyomi Sunrise Hill Park

Sodegaura Park offers Edo-period history, botanical gardens, and family fun, easily accessible for a relaxing visit.

What it is

• A large park in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture.
• It hosts two city museums.
• Features a preserved Edo period residence.

What to see

• Sodegaura City Local Museum.
• Sodegaura City Aqualine Naruhodo Museum.
• Former Shindo Family Residence, an Edo period building.
• Manyo Botanical Garden with 105 plant species.
• Iris Garden with 15,000 irises of 50 varieties.
• Observation deck with views.

Getting there

• Take a bus from JR Sodegaura Station.
• Free parking is available for cars.

Read more about Sodegaura Park

Inohana Park is a historical park with a museum, teahouse, and cherry blossoms.

What it is

• A historical park in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Located on the main part of Inohana Castle.
• Opened as a park after 1909.
• Developed as a historical park in 1959.

What to see

• About 100 Someiyoshino cherry trees.
• Chiba Municipal Folk Museum.
• Inohana-tei, a teahouse and garden.
• Cultural facilities like a library and cultural hall.
• Barrier-free ramps for wheelchair access.
• Multi-purpose restrooms.

When to go

• Chiba Castle Cherry Blossom Festival every spring.

Read more about Inohana Park

Chiba Park is an urban oasis known for its Oga lotus and historical railway remnants.

What it is

• An urban park in Chiba City.
• Established in 1946 for post-war reconstruction.
• Developed on the site of the Army's First Railway Regiment.

What to see

• Oga lotus, a famous flower.
• Remains of railway tunnels and bridge piers.
• A C-type tank saturated steam locomotive.
• Renge-tei, a museum for the Oga lotus.
• Kojitsu-tei, a tea ceremony room.

Getting there

• 600 meters northeast of JR Chiba Station.
• Adjacent to Chiba Urban Monorail Chiba-Koen Station.

Official site

www.city.chiba.jp

Read more about Chiba Park

Japan's first artificial beach and a large park with sports and leisure facilities.

What it is

• A municipal park in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Established in 1977.
• Home to Japan's first artificial beach, Inage no Hama.

What to see

• Inage no Hama, 1200m long and 200m wide.
• Kemigawa no Hama, an artificial beach about 1300m long.
• Sports facilities, museums, and leisure facilities.
• Inage Memorial Hall, opened in 1983.
• Iso no Matsubara, one of Japan's 100 Best White Sand and Green Pines.

Getting there

• Accessible by train and bus.

Read more about Inage Seaside Park

Mobara Park is a top cherry blossom spot with a museum and Kujukuri Beach views.

What it is

• An urban park in Mobara City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.
• Also selected as one of Boso's 500 Charms.

What to see

• Approximately 2850 cherry trees.
• A plum garden and a museum.
• A promenade, playground, and outdoor stage.
• View of Kujukuri Beach from Daioyama summit.
• Mobara City Museum and Local History Museum.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Mobara Station.
• Free parking is available.

Official site

www.city.mobara.chiba.jp

Read more about Mobara Park

Kashiwanoha Park offers diverse recreation, sports, and cultural experiences in a spacious green setting.

What it is

• A prefectural urban park in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Managed by the Kashiwanoha Park Management Group.
• Named in 1985 by Hirotaka Saito.
• Former site of a military base and Kashiwa Airfield.

What to see

• Spacious lawn and various tree forests.
• Colorful flower beds.
• Japanese garden with a traditional teahouse.
• Stadium, gymnasium, baseball field, and tennis courts.

When to go

• Dozens of workshops and large-scale events annually.

Official site

www.cue-net.or.jp

Read more about Kashiwanoha Park

Yatsu Museum is a nature park preserving rural Abiko, offering unique agricultural and environmental experiences.

What it is

• A nature experience park in Abiko City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Aims to revive the rural environment of Abiko.
• Established on April 17, 2002.
• Maintained by Abiko City and citizen groups.

What to see

• Eight themed areas within the park.
• Traditional agriculture and culture.

When to go

• Offers rice cultivation experiences.
• Offers animal observation experiences.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Higashi-Abiko Station.

Address

千葉県我孫子市我孫子1858 Map

Read more about Yatsu Museum