Discovering Mother Farm : A Day Among the Blue Hills

I’ve chased spring blooms across Japan, but few things prepared me for the expanse of blue stretching over Mother Farm’s rolling hills. My goal was simple: capture the famous nemophila fields with my camera. The sky wasn’t perfect, but the gentle haze softened the sea of baby blue flowers, and the texture of the clouds complimented the nemophila in a way that felt almost painterly.

Walking among that ocean of petals, It became easy to understand why this spot has become a magnet for photographers, as well as both locals and day-trippers.

A short climb from the entrance is the nemophila hill. Each step reveals new shades of sky-blue blossoms, swaying with the breeze. This is the kind of place that inspires you to stop to let the scent of damp earth and fresh petals fill your senses. Mother farm’s layout ensures that you can frame that perfect wide shot: rows of blossoms sloping on the horizon, an unusual balance of pastoral charm and coastal panorama. The field is a joy to look at through the camera lens: low shots to capture the texture of the blooms, wide shots to include the horizon, and close-ups that focus on the dew-kissed petals.

As hunger set in, I made my way to the Café & Genghis Khan BBQ Farm Diner, and ordered the largest meat dish on the menu, the steak and homemade sausage platter, which may as well be their signature dish.

Each sausage popped with a bright flavor, while the steak held its juices under a crisp sear. A bottle of farm-fresh milk followed, creamy and reminiscent of childhood breakfasts, and a glass of blueberry juice; tart, vibrant, and made from berries grown just steps away. But I couldn’t help eating more of this delicious meal than I was supposed to, so I continued with a much needed post-lunch stroll while I explored a bit more around the farm.

After lunch, I settled on the hill to watch the sheep-herding demonstration. A sleek working dog darted through a large herd of sheep, guided by its handler. It was striking to see the canine enthusiasm at play; each turn and stop among a small sea of wool, choreographed by a centuries-old partnership between human and animal.

As the sheep were funneled into pens, I was allowed to enter the enclosure to photograph and pet the sheep. Being unfamiliar with farm life, I found it genuinely fascinating seeing the inner workings of a working farm.

Next, I wandered toward the dairy cattle area. Visitors cannot get close to them, but while the cows grazed in the distance, curious calves approached the fence to greet me as I walked around the area. Nearby, the petting zone offered a surprise lineup of small friends: goats, rabbits, and even some small Patagonian mara. I crouched beside one of the gentle rodents, tracing its coarse fur as it munched on lettuce.

An elderly giant tortoise ambled by, indifferent to the small crowd around it. I snapped photos, amused by how an animal so ancient could hold such a calm presence.

A short walk from the petting pens led me to the pig race track. Children cheered as pink piglets dashed down a tiny track, vying for a ribbon. One pig, notably slower, seemed content to trot at its own pace. When it finally crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted in cheers—a reminder that participation, not speed or spectacle, are what makes this fun.

Mother Farm’s design centers on ease of exploration, making farming approachable. Kids are sure to love spending a day here, with plenty of space to run and play, and opportunities to interact with animals. The camping area makes this place a perfect little getaway for both parents and kids, with plenty of opportunities for relaxed fun for all visitors.

I found this place both soothing and inspiring; the human scale of the farm keeps it approachable, and the simplicity of its attractions is refreshing. If anything, adults will appreciate the chance to enjoy an escape from the urban sprawl to recognize the charm and importance of farms in our daily life.

• Access by Train & Bus: From JR Kimitsu Station (South Exit), board the direct bus bound for Mother Farm. The ride takes approximately 35 minutes, with a one-way adult fare of 720 yen. There is also a bus available from JR Sanukimachi Station (right side of the station exit), bound for Mother Ranch Makiba Gate. The ride is about 25 minutes, and the one-way adult fare is 490 yen.
• Highway Bus (Tokyo–Mother Farm): From JR Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit, take a highway bus to Kimitsu Eki Minamiguchi and once there, transfer to the bus bound for Mother Farm. Check the website for the timetable.

• February to November: Weekends and holidays 9:00–17:00 / Weekdays 9:30–16:30
• December to January: Weekends and holidays 9:30–16:00 / Weekdays 10:00–16:00

Tips: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Also, check the farm’s website (https://www.motherfarm.co.jp/) for seasonal flower schedules.

Adults ¥1,800 (junior high school students and above); children (4–12 years old) ¥900. See website (https://www.motherfarm.co.jp/) for details on yearly passport and group discounts.