Hōkōen

Overview

Hōkōen is a flower garden and scenic spot located in Wakatamachi Hanazono, Minamibōsō City, Chiba Prefecture. This area was once an agricultural reservoir, transformed into a garden by the renowned horticulturist, Shirochō Mamiya, who painstakingly piled stones by hand. Leveraging his background as a pharmacist, Mamiya was driven by a strong desire to improve the lives of local residents through flower cultivation. Despite the economic hardships of the early Shōwa period, he succeeded in establishing flower cultivation in Anbō, clearing the mountainside with his own hands to plant trees and flowers. The early-blooming cherry blossoms planted at that time, known as "Ganjō Sakura" because they bloom on the morning of New Year's Day (lunar calendar), have become Hōkōen's signature flower. Hōkōen boasts approximately 60 Ganjō Sakura trees, along with camellias, sasanqua camellias, plum blossoms, narcissus, and other seasonal blooms, truly a haven for flowers. The abundance of cherry blossoms and plum blossoms attracts many birds, such as Japanese white-eyes and brown-eared bulbuls, making it a popular bird-watching spot. Within Hōkōen is the "Hōkōen Viewpoint," designated as one of Chiba's 100 Best Views, offering panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean coastline and flower cultivation greenhouses. The magnificent scenery will soothe your soul and create unforgettable memories. Hōkōen is a beloved place where nature and culture blend seamlessly, offering tranquility and peace of mind.