In spring, beautiful cherry blossoms bloom in full bloom, enveloping the entire city in a festive atmosphere. In Chiba Prefecture, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of places, including historic parks, around castles, and in the midst of vast natural surroundings.

So this time, we will introduce 5 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Chiba. We will also introduce surrounding tourist spots, so you can enjoy Chiba's unique gourmet food and shopping along with the cherry blossoms.

Izumi Natural Park

Izumi Nature Park in Chiba City is a lush park that makes use of the natural terrain and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots." Approximately 1,500 cherry trees are in full bloom within the park, and you can enjoy more than 20 varieties of cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Oshimazakura.

The highlights are the spacious grassland and the flower viewing area. You can spend the whole day relaxing here, spreading out your lunch and relaxing, or enjoying a hike. Don't miss the thrilling athletic facility "Forest Adventure" located within the park. This is a hidden gem where you can enjoy nature and activities to the fullest.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

108 Noro-cho, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City

Access methods

Take the bus bound for "Narito Station" or "Nakano Sosha Yard" from bus stop number 10 at the East Exit Bus Terminal of JR Chiba Station (about 45 minutes). Get off at "Izumi Park Entrance" and walk for about 10 minutes.

Inohana Park

Inohana Park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot where you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between Chiba Castle (Chiba Municipal Museum) and the cherry blossoms. Approximately 90 Somei-yoshino cherry trees decorate the area around the castle, and the Chiba Castle Sakura Festival is held when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. During the festival, the park is bustling with nighttime illuminations of the cherry blossoms, food stalls, and street performances.

There are many historical stone monuments and statues in the park, so you can feel history and nature while you stroll through it. At the tea shop "Inohana-tei," we recommend gazing at the cherry blossoms while enjoying the specialty "Inohana dango." This is a spot where you can enjoy the spring while feeling the history and culture.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

1-6 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Access methods

About 10 minutes walk from JR Hon-Chiba Station.

From JR Chiba Station, take the Keisei Bus bound for University Hospital (approximately 10 minutes), get off at the Local Museum/Chiba Prefectural Cultural Center stop, and walk for approximately 2 minutes.

Shimizu Park

Shimizu Park, chosen as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," is one of the Kanto region's leading cherry blossom spots, with about 2,000 cherry trees of about 50 varieties in full bloom. The park is decorated with a variety of cherry trees, including Somei-Yoshino, weeping cherry, and Oshima cherry. In particular, the "Kohatsu no Sakura," a famous tree over 100 years old, is loved as a vital tree.

The vast grounds are lined with long rows of cherry blossom trees and a grassy plaza, where you can enjoy a leisurely cherry blossom viewing. There are also plenty of facilities, such as field athletics, a campsite, and a pony ranch. It's a fascinating spot where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing and activities in the great outdoors, and it's more than you can enjoy in just one day.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

906 Shimizu, Noda City

Access methods

About 10 minutes walk from the west exit of Shimizu Park Station on the Tobu Noda Line.

Mobara Park

Mobara Park, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in the Kanto region. Approximately 2,850 cherry trees are in full bloom, and the beauty of the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees that adorn the area around Lake Benten is particularly impressive.

During the Mobara Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held during the peak cherry blossom season, the temple is lit up at night, creating a fantastic scene with the vermilion Bentendo and the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The park has a walking path, allowing you to stroll around and enjoy the seasonal nature. There is also a playground and a lawn area, making it perfect for families. This is a cherry blossom viewing spot where you can spend the whole day relaxing, picnicking during the day and gazing at the illuminated cherry blossoms at night.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

1325-1 Takashi, Mobara City

Access methods

Take the bus from JR Mobara Station heading towards Chonan (about 7 minutes), get off at the Mobaraji bus stop, and walk for about 5 minutes.

Shiroyama Park

Shiroyama Park, which spreads across the hills of Tateyama City, is a historic town that was once the castle of the Sengoku warlord Satomi clan. It is also known as the setting for the novel "Nansō Satomi Hakkenden," and in the spring, about 500 cherry trees bloom in full glory. Starting with Kawazuzakura in late February, the blossoms continue in a relay with Kanhizakura, Somei-yoshino, and Yaezakura, allowing you to enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a long period of time.

Within the park, you can enjoy a stroll while immersed in history and culture, including the Tateyama Castle (Hakkenden Museum), a Japanese garden, and the teahouse "Gangetsuan." In April, about 6,000 azaleas bloom, creating a gorgeous sight. From the castle tower, you can get a panoramic view of Tateyama Bay, making it a hidden gem where you can enjoy both flowers and a spectacular view.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late February to mid-April

location

362 Tateyama, Tateyama City

Access methods

From JR Uchibo Line "Tateyama Station", take the JR Bus Kanto "Towards Sunosaki" or the Nitto Bus "To Tateyama Air Corps" (approximately 10 minutes) and get off at Shiroyama Park.

Other tourist destinations in Chiba Prefecture

Katori Shrine

Katori Shrine in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, is the head shrine of about 400 Katori shrines across the country and is one of the Kanto region's leading power spots. It is counted as one of the "Three Eastern Shrines" along with Kashima Shrine and Ikisu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture, and is a historic shrine said to have been founded in 600 BC.

The enshrined deity, Futsunushi no Okami, is revered as a war god and is said to grant good luck in victory and ward off misfortune. Within the grounds, valuable cultural assets remain, including the main hall built by the Tokugawa Shogunate and the beautiful vermilion-painted tower gate. On the approach to the shrine, you can enjoy the sacred atmosphere while sampling the famous "yaku-otoshi dango" (dumplings that will remove bad luck).

Futtsu Coast

"Futtsu Coast" is the earliest spot in Tokyo Bay where you can enjoy clam digging. It is known for its clean seawater and plump clams. The clam digging season lasts from March to August every year, and it is crowded with families and tourists.

The facility is also complete, with free parking for about 1,200 cars, a rest area, a shell washing area, and seawater for removing sand. In addition, Futtsu Park is adjacent, where you can enjoy activities such as swimming, camping, and tennis. It is an attractive spot that is easily accessible from the city center and can be enjoyed all day long.

Mother Farm

Mother Farm, located in Shikanoyama, Chiba Prefecture, is a popular spot where you can interact with animals while enjoying the spectacular views of Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji. A variety of animals live here, including sheep, cows, goats, alpacas, and capybaras, and fun events such as the "Grand Sheep Parade," milking experiences, and piglet races are held every day.

The farm also offers delicious gourmet food, especially the Genghis Khan and rich soft serve ice cream. In spring, rape blossoms and petunias bloom, and you can also enjoy strawberry picking. There are also plenty of activities available, such as bungee jumping and zip lining. There is also a glamping facility, so you can relax and stay overnight in the great outdoors.

summary

Chiba has many attractive spots where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of landscapes, such as historic parks, around castles, and in the vast natural surroundings. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll under the cherry blossoms during the day, and enjoying the fantastical illuminated scenery at night.

Additionally, the surrounding tourist destinations offer plenty of gourmet food and shopping that you can only find in Chiba. Why not enjoy the cherry blossoms and the charms of Chiba to the fullest this spring?