Guida
Located in Midori-ku, Chiba City, Showa no Mori Park is a massive comprehensive park covering approximately 105.8 hectares. Part of the prefecture's natural preservation area, it maintains a rich and pristine environment. The highlight is the 101m-high observatory, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Kujukuri Plain and the Pacific Ocean horizon. The park is well-equipped with diverse recreational facilities, including a campsite, baseball fields, tennis courts, cycling paths, and walking trails, and is officially recognized as one of the '100 Best Urban Parks in Japan.'
The park preserves the Ogyumichi Ruins, a significant historical site. Discovered during construction in 1976, these ruins are designated as a Chiba Prefectural historical site. The site includes three late Kofun-period burial mounds, 14 structures from the Nara period, 75 pit dwellings, and one structure with a surrounding moat. Some theories suggest the layout of these ancient buildings shares similarities with the 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 directions.
The park is divided into five zones: Recreation, Observatory, Central Forest, Lodging/Outdoor Activities, and Sports. The ultimate highlight is the 101m observatory, providing an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. Seasonal flora also offers a changing landscape: rapeseed and cherry blossoms in March and April; azaleas and Tsutsuji in May and early June; and irises and hydrangeas in June and July. Visitors can enjoy different natural expressions depending on when they visit.
Spring (March–May) is ideal for walking among rapeseed and cherry blossoms in mild weather. Early summer (June–July) brings beautiful hydrangeas and irises, which look particularly charming after the rain. Summer is the perfect season for camping and outdoor sports. While certain areas are open 24 hours, please check in advance for specific facility usage or lodging requirements. Daytime is the best time for observing the flora and enjoying the view from the observatory.
There are plenty of ways to stay active in nature. You can enjoy cycling and walking through the extensive paths, play sports at the tennis courts or baseball fields, or experience an overnight stay at the 'Showa no Mori Forest Village.' The park is an excellent environment for family leisure and outdoor recreation.
The area surrounding the park is a lush, green residential district near Asunigaoka, leading toward central Chiba. Nearby commercial facilities like the Asunigaoka Brand New Mall allow for a pleasant day of shopping and leisure. The unique topography of the park, acting as a water divide, also makes the local river systems and terrain a point of geographical interest.
Due to the vast size of the park, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and active clothing. If you plan on camping, please bring appropriate outdoor gear. For facility usage (parking, cycling center, tennis courts, etc.), please prepare cash or electronic money. The park is barrier-free, featuring wheelchair ramps, wheelchair rentals, and accessible restrooms. While landscape photography is permitted, please respect the rules and maintain good etiquette to protect the plants and historical sites.