Chiba Makuhari Seaside Park | Review by 王小鈞

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Chiba Makuhari Seaside Park

Amazing large park in Chiba surrounded by greenery, including “Mihamaen”, a quaint Japanese garden.

29 Sep 2026 See More

While visiting Makuhari New City, I unexpectedly came across the incredibly spacious Chiba Makuhari Seaside Park! The park’s theme is “a city park surrounded by greenery and the sea.” It consists of seven areas, A through G, and is huge. The expansive lawns make it feel especially open and relaxing as soon as you enter.

In addition to its famous large lawn and Japan’s largest floral clock, the park also has a Japanese garden and tea room with a traditional atmosphere, offering completely different scenery. There are also sports fields, children’s play areas, and other facilities nearby. It’s a great place for families with children to get outside, as well as for walking, relaxing, or spending a leisurely afternoon sitting on the grass.

There were noticeably more people when I visited on a holiday, and the entire park felt lively. It’s really rare to find such a large green space among the high-rise buildings of Makuhari New City!

Other Reviews by 王小鈞

Chiba Zoological Park

A total of 942 animals (as of the end of March 2024) of about 189 species, including mammals, birds, and fish, are kept and exhibited here. The animals are divided into various zones such as the Monkey Zone, Small Animal Zone, and Birds and Water System Zone.
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This is one of the most popular zoos in Chiba and a common destination for school field trips in Japan! You can get there directly by monorail, so it's very convenient. The zoo isn't particularly large, and about 1.5–2 hours should be just right for a leisurely stroll around. I had specifically planned to come see the animals, but it turned out to be a day when the zoo was closed. All I could do was take a photo at the entrance as a keepsake to show that “I came but didn't get in.” I'll find time to come back and see the cute animals next time!
Akebonoyama Agricultural Park

It is an agricultural park known for its flower garden with a windmill. The seasonal flowers welcome you in each season, starting with cherry blossoms and tulips in spring, then approximately 500 hydrangeas in summer.
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Akebonoyama Agricultural Park has expansive natural scenery, and the flowers change with the seasons, creating beautiful and distinctive views throughout the year.

There’s none of the noise and bustle of the city, just greenery and fields of flowers as far as the eye can see. Walking through the park with a gentle breeze feels especially relaxing. It’s not only a place to enjoy flowers, but also a great spot for a leisurely walk, taking photos, and slowly appreciating the natural beauty of the Japanese countryside.

There are different flowers to enjoy in every season. If you love plants and flowers and prefer quiet attractions, you really shouldn’t miss it.
Sawara Historic Townscape (Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)

Sawara in Katori City prospered so much through water transport using the Tone River that it was called “Edo Masari,” meaning “better than Edo.” Along the Ono River, which runs north to south through town, and the Katori Kaido road that crosses it, many wooden townhouses, kura-style merchant buildings, and Western-style buildings built from the late Edo period to the early Showa period still remain today, creating a nostalgic streetscape.
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On this visit to Sawara, I unexpectedly fell in love with this quiet little place. Strolling slowly along the Ono River, I saw old streetscapes from the Edo to Meiji periods preserved on both sides. Wooden machiya townhouses, old shops, and historic buildings stand one after another, giving the area so much character.

Sawara once prospered through transportation on the Tone River and was so thriving that it was even said to be “better than Edo.” Walking through the streets today, you can still feel traces of its former prosperity.

And compared with popular attractions in Tokyo, it’s really much quieter here! There were hardly any tourists when I visited. Walking slowly along the river and taking photos felt especially relaxing.

I really like this kind of trip, with no pressure to follow an itinerary and no need to squeeze through crowds—just walking slowly, looking around, and experiencing an old town as it really is.

Transportation is actually fairly convenient too, making it a good choice for a short trip in Chiba. It doesn’t have flashy attractions, but it has a charm that makes you want to stay a little longer. Sawara really suits people who enjoy quiet travel.