Showa No Mori Park

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Cost

free

Attractions > Other Cities and Areas > Nature > Chiba

About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees

Showa No Mori Park near Chiba, category - Other Attractions

About

Showa No Mori Park is a very large park in the middle of Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is probably most famous for the amount of Cherry Trees it has and is very popular and beautiful during Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing Season). The park has a few expansive green grass areas that are empty on most days but become full if not packed with families on weekends and holidays. There is a bike trail that loops around the park and you can bring your own or rent a bike at the park (200 yen for two hours but on busy days they may be out). Various trails through the forest criss-cross the park leading to lakes, swamp-like areas and bamboo forests. There are also tennis courts (small fee) and a couple shops to grab some snacks or a cool drink.

One of the best things about the park are the two "Roller Slides", long slides for kids (although adults ride down too) that uses rollers instead of slick steal. Note that you SHOULD buy a "roller slide" sit-on thingy or your butt will get sore (buy one at one of the little shops in the middle of the park). One of the Roller Slides is easy to find as it is in the middle of the park but the other one is down the hill near the lake on the East side of the park, a bit of a walk down and then back up a hill.

Showa No Mori is NOT a destination a tourist or traveler to Japan would specifically target to visit.... it's just a park like you would find in any country of the world. There is no Japanese culture, nothing really cool to see... it's just a park. Furthermore Showa No Mori is quite "out-of-the-way" that takes a 30 min. walk from the nearest station or a rental car to get there. However... if your in the area and feel like a day at the park, especially during Cherry Blossom Season or Koi Nobori Season (Carp Flying Days), Showa No Mori Park can be a relaxing and fun place to walk around and take little adventures. Walk you will, the park is huge, hilly and "things to see" are far apart. Note that in the summer the mosquito (bring mosquito repellent) will be out... along with the occasional snake if you walk near the wet areas.