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Local Parks for Cherry Blossom Viewing

Things to Do | Visit Chiba | Latest update:2024/03/14

Every spring, people gather in parks across Japan as the sakura, cherry trees, burst into pink and white blossoms. Since hanami, cherry blossom viewing, is such a beloved yearly ritual here in Japan, the most well-known parks in Tokyo become full of visitors during the annual bloom. Luckily Chiba, just across the border from Tokyo, offers convenient locations that also tend to be less crowded, helping you enjoy the beauty of sakura while avoiding the crowds. This article introduces three local spots here in Chiba to enjoy hanami.

Aoba no Mori Park

Aoba no Mori Park is a local favorite that is easily accessed from downtown Chiba. With a mix of early and late-blooming cherry blossom trees, this park is bustling with spring energy for a comparatively longer time than other spots. The park not only has open fields for play and barbecue, but also the “sculpture square” with 19 realistic statues to enjoy. If you want variety, accessibility, and are maybe looking for some dinner or shopping after your day in the park, then this place is for you. While it is popular, it is also guaranteed to be less claustrophobic than the crowded cherry blossom spots in Tokyo.

Satomi Park

Located in Ichikawa City, which is just across the border from Tokyo, Satomi Park makes for a perfect day-trip destination from the nation’s capital. A local castle once stood here during the Warring States period, just above Tokyo Bay on the Edo River, and remnants of this history can still be observed here. The cherry blossoms are a big draw of course, and a gorgeous line of them begin right at the bus stop to lead you into the park. Over 200 individual trees make for a thrilling site, but people also come here for the regionally famous rose garden. There is also a viewpoint to give you a panoramic view of the Edo River, a sight that’s sure to contribute to your day enjoying the flowers and history here.

Funabashi H.C. Andersen Park

This park located outside Tokyo in the city of Funabashi is a local favorite, and is known for being a year-round flower viewing spot. Cherry blossom fans flock here in spring to admire the sakura trees that line the pathways leading to the park’s famous windmill. You’ll also find playscapes, animal rides, and even a mini-golf course, making it a great destination for families looking to enjoy a day out in nature. A variety of facilities around the park also sell food and refreshments, so you’re sure to find something to fit the tastes of everyone in your party.

Omigawa Joyama Park

One of the most famous spots in the northern Chiba area for flower appreciation, Omigawa Joyama Park sees visitors flocking to see each season’s spectacles. Aside from the seas of pink cherry blossoms in the spring, summer sees a bloom of hydrangeas, and autumn a stunning bloom of fragrant olives. Traces of a castle that once stood here can be seen, and many also come here for the athletic courses as well as the Seifuso Center, which is a popular spot to rent for various traditional activities like flower arranging and tea ceremonies. This is a great park to enjoy for a family looking for a fun-filled day, but also a place to have a quiet afternoon enjoying some of northern Chiba’s best nature.

Photo Courtesy of Katori City, Chiba

Sightseeing Spots

Aoba no Mori Park

With four distinct zones (recreation, nature, culture, sports) this park is a solution to a free day in your schedule. Come stroll the massive, diverse landscape and gardens, or visit the museum to learn more about Chiba.

977-1 Aobacho, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

(Buses available from JR Chiba Station, and JR Soga Station, or an 8-minute walk from Chibadera Station on the Keisei Line)

+81-43-208-1500

Accessibility

  • Handicap parking
  • Handicap toilet
  • Wheelchair rentals
  • Written communication for the hearing impaired
  • Wheelchair ramp
  • Breast-feeding room
  • Service dogs permitted

Satomi Park

Aside from the gorgeous landscapes and lush vegetation of all kinds, you can also see remnants of Japan's past in different areas of the park. Come enjoy the seasonal flowers as well as some history, and of course playtime in this park.

3-9 Konodai, Ichikawa City

(From JR Ichikawa Station or Keisei Kōnodai Station, take the bus bound for Matsudo Station or Matsudo Eigyōsho, get off at the Konodai Hospital bus stop, and walk 5 minutes.)

+81- 47-372-0062

Accessibility

  • Handicap parking
  • Handicap toilet

Funabashi H.C. Andersen Park

Funabashi City is sister cities with Odense City in Denmark, which is the birthplace of Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen, and his stories serve as this park's theme. Aside from the Dutch-style buildings, visitors can enjoy seasonal foliage and flowers, sporting and exercise areas, and family-friendly attractions like the petting zoo.

525 Kanehoricho, Funabashi City

(About 15 minutes by bus from Misaki Station on the Shin-Keisei Line. )

+81-47-457-6627

Accessibility

  • Handicap parking
  • Handicap toilet
  • Ostomate restroom
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair rentals
  • Written communication for the hearing impaired
  • Stroller rentals
  • Breast-feeding room

Omigawa Joyama Park

With playgrounds, traditional architecture, and flowering trees in all seasons, this is a special slice of easily accessible nature. Beautiful cherry blossom trees in spring are also a local favorite, and the expansive park grounds give everyone plenty of space.

4780-1 Omigawa, Katori City

(A 20-minute walk from Omigawa Station on the JR Narita Line)

+81-478-50-1232

Accessibility

  • Handicap parking
  • Handicap toilet
  • Ostomate restroom
  • Wheelchair ramp
  • Service dogs permitted
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