Chiba Nanohana News (November 2024)

 Index

I. Festival and Events      

I. Festival and Events 

1) Fall Colors in Chiba

There are many places in Chiba where you can see the fall colors (maples and gingko leaves). Here are some of our recommendations!

*The peak period for fall colors depends on the weather. Please check with each facility before heading out.

1.Mihama-en Japanese Garden (Chiba City)

The garden is transformed into yellows and reds by trees such as the Japanese maple and the burning bush, well known for being one of the world’s top three fall color plants, turning red. Yukitsuri, a traditional method to protect trees from the heavy snow buildup in the northern regions, will be installed in the garden, adding to the atmosphere of this Japanese garden.

From November 16 to 24, the garden will extend its operating hours for the “Mihama-en Lantern Festival 2024 ~Garden Illumination~”. Experience a range of Japanese culture including tea ceremony, a concert featuring the koto (Japanese zither), violin, and morin khuur (Mongolian horsehead fiddle), as well as the sales of incense amidst the fantastical atmosphere created by the magnificent fall foliage, yukitsuri light installation, and display of lanterns and traditional Japanese umbrellas.

◆Seasonal traditional Japanese sweet and matcha set (tea service: ¥700, tax inclusive)

◆Koi fish feeding (¥100 a bag, tax inclusive)

 

• Peak viewing period: mid-November to early December 2024
• Light-up time: weekdays 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., weekends and public holidays 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
  *All visitors must exit the garden once when the gate closes at 5 p.m. before entering again.
• Location: 2-116 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba City (Parking available)
• Mihama-en admission (all tax inclusive): ¥100 for adults, elementary, ¥50 for elementary, junior high, and high school students
  *Those who are 65 years old and above or are disabled may enter the garden for free with proof.
  *An additional ¥200 (tax inclusive) is required for night-time entrance to see the illumination.
• Access:
  (by car) 10 minutes from the Wangan Narashino IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway
  (by train) walk 10 minutes from the south exit of Kaihin-Makuhari station (JR Keiyo line)
• Inquiries: Prefectural Makuhari Seaside Park Center TEL: 043-296-0126

2.Momiji-yama, Omachi Park (Ichikawa City)

Omachi Park in Ichikawa City comprises of wetland and slope forests. The Japanese maples that make up a good part of the slope forest and line the pathways in the park, will be the highlight of the “Momiji-yama Festival” from November 23 (Saturday) to December 8 (Sunday). Enjoy a fulfilling autumn’s day strolling through the fall foliage and drop by the nearby zoo, museum of natural history, or botanical gardens.

 

• Peak viewing period: mid-November to early December 2024
• Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m.)
• Location: 284-1, Omachi, Ichikawa City
• Cost: free
• Access: (by train) from Motoyawata station (JR Sobu line) or Ichikawa-Ono station (JR Musashino line), take the Keisei bus bound for Omachi station. Alight at Omachi (Shizen Koen Iriguchi) bus stop and walk 5 minutes.
  Walk 10 minutes from Omachi station (Hokuso Line) to the main entrance gate of Omachi Park (Nature Observatory Garden entrance).
• Inquiries: Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden TEL: 047-338-1960

3.Naritasan Park (Narita City)

As the cool autumn winds start blowing into Naritasan Park, 250 trees including Japanese maples, sawtooth oaks, Japanese oaks, and gingko trees transition into shades of reds and yellows, transforming the park into a Japanese garden reminiscent of woodblock prints. From November 9 to 24, the “25^th Naritasan Park Momiji Festival” will be held, with koto (Japanese zither), shakuhachi (Japanese vertical flute), erhu (Chinese fiddle) and other musical performances scheduled.

*The festival will proceed even with rain unless circumstances required it to be cancelled.

 

• Peak viewing period: mid-November to early December 2024
• Momiji Festival time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: 1 Narita, Narita City
• Access:
  (by car) 10 minutes from Narita IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway
  *Please note that there will be traffic restrictions in the Naritasan area during the weekend and public holiday on which the festival is being held.
  (by train) walk 10 minutes from Keisei Narita station (Keisei line) or Narita station (JR Narita line)
• Inquiries: Narita City Tourism Association TEL: 0476-22-2102

4.Shiraiwa and Yomogi Fudo Waterfall (Kamogawa City)

Known for being the most beautiful fall foliage spot in the Oku-kiyosumi area situated between Kamogawa City and Kimitsu City, the contrast between the white stone bluffs and the red fall colors creates a magnificent view in Shiraiwa. The 10-meter tall and 8-meter wide Yomogi Fudo Waterfall is located beyond Kiyosumi, past the prefectural road, through a mountain road, in a spot deep in the mountain, secluded by bamboo and Japanese cedar trees. When there is a large volume of water, the waterfall splits in to two segments, with the larger right segment known as “odaki” (male waterfall), and the smaller left segment known as “medaki” (female waterfall). Enjoy the view of the deep valley upstream and the beautiful waterfall as the leaves turn red in late autumn.

 

• Peak viewing period: late November to early December 2024
• Location: Yomogi, Kamogawa City
• Access:
  (by car) 50 km from Kimitsu IC on Tateyama Expressway
  (by train) from Awa-Amatsu station (JR Sotobo line), take a taxi or take the Shiraiwa local bus (Nitto Kotsu) bound for Kiyosumi Onsen for around 35 minutes and alight at Shiraiwabashi bus stop. (The Yomogi Fudo-taki community bus is also available.)
• Inquiries: Kamogawa City Tourism Association (Amatsu Kominato branch) TEL: 04-7095-2218

5.Lake Kameyama (Kimitsu City)

Lake Kameyama is the largest dam lake in Chiba Prefecture, which is known for having the latest fall foliage season in the Kanto region. A variety of events are scheduled for the “Kameyama Autumn Festival” which is held every autumn. During this period, the autumn leaves viewing cruises operated by the fishing boat rental shops around the lake is the most popular way to appreciate the magnificent view of the fall foliage on the shore for a unique perspective. The 25 bridges scattered across the lake also facilitate hiking and cycling. During this season, you can visit Kameyama Yasuragi-kan near the dam for visitor information. Visit Lake Kameyama and enjoy the lake, the valley, and the vibrant fall colors. *Please see the website for more details.

◆Autumn leaves viewing cruises run from 16 November 2024 (Saturday) to 8 December (Sunday).

◆Hiking event organized by JR: 16 November 2024 (Saturday) to 1 December (Sunday)

 

• Peak viewing period: late November to mid-December 2024
  * Kameyama Autumn Festival period: 1 November (Friday) to 8 December (Sunday) 2024
• Location: 8 Kyukawamata, Kawamata, Kimitsu City
• Access:
  (by car) 20 km from Kisarazu-higashi IC on the Ken-o Expressway (parking available, free of charge)
  (by train) walk 10 minutes from Kazusa-Kameyama station (JR Kururi line)
• Inquiries: Kimitsu City Tourism Association (Kameyama branch office) TEL: 0439-39-2535

 

I. Festival and Events