Guide
Located in Midori-ku, Chiba City, Showa-no-Mori Park is a massive comprehensive park spanning approximately 105.8 hectares. Parts of the park are designated as the Prefectural Kujukuri Natural Park, ensuring a preserved and rich natural environment. A standout feature is the observatory at an altitude of 101m, which offers a panoramic view of the Kujukuri Plain and the vast Pacific Ocean horizon. The park is highly developed for recreation, featuring a campsite, baseball fields, tennis courts, cycling paths, and walking trails. It has even been selected as one of the "100 Best Urban Parks in Japan."
The park preserves the Ogiumichi Ruins, a significant historical site. These ruins were discovered during preliminary surveys in 1976 during park development and are designated as a historical site of Chiba Prefecture. The site includes three burial mounds (kofun) from the late Kofun period, as well as 14 post-hole building structures from the Nara and Heian periods, 75 pit-dwelling structures, and one structure with a surrounding moat. Some theories suggest the layout of these buildings resembles the structures found at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka, making it a vital location for understanding ancient history. Geographically, the park sits on a watershed, where rainwater naturally divides into three different directions.
The park is divided into five distinct zones: Recreation, Observatory, Central Forest, Lodging/Outdoor Activities, and Sports. The ultimate highlight is the 101m-high observatory, providing a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean beyond the Kujukuri Plain. The seasonal botanical displays are also a major draw. Visitors can enjoy rapeseed blossoms and cherry blossoms in March and April, azaleas and satsuki in May and early June, and irises and hydrangeas in June and July. In the summer, water lilies also bloom, offering a different landscape depending on your visit.
Spring (March–May) is ideal for walking to see rapeseed blossoms, cherry blossoms, and azaleas in a mild climate. Early summer (June–July) is beautiful for viewing hydrangeas and irises, especially after the rain. Summer is the perfect season for camping, outdoor activities, and sports. While some areas of the park are open 24 hours, please check in advance for specific facility usage times and accommodation bookings. Daytime is the best time for observing the flora and enjoying the views from the observatory.
There are plenty of ways to stay active in nature. You can enjoy cycling and walking through the scenic paths, play sports at the tennis courts or baseball fields, or experience an overnight stay at the campsite. The "Showa-no-Mori Forest Village" is specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts, offering facilities for camping, group training, and retreats. It is an ideal environment for family leisure and nature-based recreation.
The area surrounding the park is a lush, green residential district including Asumigaoka, leading toward central Chiba City. Nearby commercial facilities like Asumigaoka Brand New Mall allow visitors to combine a day of park leisure with local shopping and strolling. The park's unique topography as a watershed also makes the surrounding river geography quite interesting for those interested in local geography.
Due to the vast size of the park, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and athletic clothing. If you plan on camping or outdoor activities, please bring appropriate gear. Regarding payments, please prepare cash or electronic money for facility fees (parking, cycling center, baseball fields, tennis courts, etc.). The park is well-equipped for accessibility, featuring wheelchair ramps, wheelchair rentals, and accessible restrooms. While general landscape photography is permitted, please follow local etiquette and respect the historical sites and natural environment.