We bring you the latest spots around Makuharitoyosuna Station and the charms of the waterfront area! Take a trip around Makuhari New City, where pleasant sea breezes blow

Be soothed by the cute friends you will make at the zoo Futa calls home

We have come to Chiba Zoological Park, where Futa, a red panda that once caused a sensation with his two-legged upright stance, lives. Statues of Futa, Chi Chi, and their children await near the red panda house.

The park is divided into six areas, including the Plains Zone, Small Animal Zone, and Monkey Zone. There are about 470 animals across 100 species living here. There are five red panda exhibit areas, with each individual red panda on display. The photo shows Futa on his 21st birthday in July 2024.

Here is Futa sleeping peacefully in a house. Despite being the oldest panda leader in the country, his sleeping face is so cute.

Feel soothed by the animals in the Dream Petting Zone

Located in a corner of the park is the Petting Zoo Village, a spot where visitors can feed, touch, and interact with the animals. First, we purchased feed and had fun feeding the animals.

Here is Candy, the alpaca looking at us with a sullen expression.

The sheep Kurosuke, Kuromame, and Kuromitsu are siblings. They really enjoyed the on-a-stick feed.

The Fluffy Touch Area is only open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Feel the warmth of life by gently petting the rabbits and guinea pigs (admission is 300 yen per person).

You can also feed the smaller guinea pigs (100 yen per piece). Their little chewing mouths are an irresistible sight.

The Petting Zoo Village has attractions such as a kids' park and a carousel, which are very popular with children. And if you get hungry, you can enjoy a barbecue on the lawn (reservation required).

Horseback riding (800 yen per person) lets visitors ride on the backs of horses as they trot along. Although there are age and height restrictions, pony rides and parent-child horseback rides can also be enjoyed.

Focus placed on the breeding and conservation of the endangered western gorilla

The western gorilla is listed as an endangered species whose numbers continue to decline. There are 20 such gorillas in Japan, six of which can be found at the Chiba Zoological Park. Various attempts are being made to breed the animals, such as making the exhibition space closer to their natural environment.

Various original goods are available at the shop. The Red Panda Cut-Out Cookies for 650 yen are crispy handmade cookies made with flour produced in Chiba Prefecture. Kompeito candy, which comes in a yellow tin with animal designs prints on it, is 660 yen. And don't miss the 660 yen acrylic stand released to commemorate Futa's 20th birthday.

Focused on local Chiba production for local Chiba consumption, this Italian restaurant offers a glimpse into the hidden potential of Chiba-grown ingredients

An Italian trattoria & bar using fresh ingredients—pushing local Chiba production for local Chiba consumption—from Boso, Chiba Prefecture. On the first floor, you can enjoy a business lunch starting at 1,100 yen. And on the second floor, you can enjoy a more relaxed multi-course lunch.
The second flour multi-course PLANZO A lunch, priced at 2,640 yen, includes an assortment of appetizers, pasta, homemade focaccia, assorted desserts, and a drink. You can choose from three types of pasta, including the Vongole Rosso with a clam tomato sauce.

The PLANZO B lunch, priced at 3,630 yen, includes a meat or fish dish, while the PLANZO C lunch, priced at 4,400 yen, is more extravagant and includes both. This is the Sautéed Chiba Red Seabream with Balsamic Vinegar Sauce, just one example of the daily fish dishes.

Here is the Chiba Chicken and Turnip Cream Stew, one example of the daily meat dishes. Chicken grilled to medium perfection and vegetables shipped directly from contracted farmers add color to the dish.

Relax on the sofa seating found on the second floor. The pasta and a la carte dishes are generous and satisfying.

This Italian restaurant, located in a standalone house, is just five minutes from the station. In the evening, you can enjoy small plates and wine together at the bar on the first floor.

Climb aboard and have fun watching and learning on this factory boat tour!

Chiba Port K’s Harbor is a facility that includes a waiting area for passenger ships, a cafe, and a diving shop. Immediately in front of K’s Harbor is the Passenger Pier. In operation is the Chiba Port Sightseeing Boat, a cruise ship that tours around Chiba Port. After registering at the counter, we head out onto the waters of Chiba Port!

The first thing that came into view were the Nihon Silo grain wharf and large silos. Dotted along the route are container terminals, food complexes, and oil terminals for jet fuel for Narita Airport, making this a popular ride that offers a tour of various factories.

The Chiba Port Tower, rising up 125 m, has come into view.

On board, an audio guide provides information on the history of Chiba Port and the rules of the sea. The enormous cargo ships coming and going in the harbor are another impressive sight!

The ship is air-conditioned, making it comfortable on both hot and cold days. We recommend going out on the covered deck to feel the sea breeze.

Enormous container ships docking can also be seen. Huge gantry cranes unload large containers.

These gantry cranes are unique; they look like standing giraffes. Another attractive feature is that you can compare various types of cranes, also known as wooden horses or giraffes.

The JFE Steel East Japan Works, which can be seen at the end of the tour, is a symbolic view of the Keiyo Industrial Zone. The Factory Night View Cruise operates from April to November, offering flare stacks from the chimneys and futuristic views of the illuminated buildings.

Harbor views from two observation floors

The Chiba Port Park was established in 1986 in the birthplace of Chiba Port to commemorate the five million residents of Chiba Prefecture. The Chiba Port Tower, the symbol of Chiba Port, rises above the park.

The spacious 28.3 hectare site features a grassy lawn, tennis courts, water plaza, and other facilities. It is a great place to take a stroll or jog and enjoy the sea breeze. In summer, it is a popular spot for children to play in the water.

After enjoying a walk along the seaside, we made our way to Chiba Port Tower which rises in the center of the park. The 125-meter-high tower, covered with half-mirror glass, has observation decks on the second and fourth floors, each providing an excellent spot to view Chiba Port and the city of Chiba.

Pledge your eternal love as you enjoy the romantic view

The observation floor on the second floor, 105 meters above the ground, has been selected as a so-called sacred place for lovers. The Sunset Promenade includes a heart monument and a fence with symbolic padlocks. Commemorate your visit as a couple and pledge your love to each other.

The 4th floor is the View Promenade observation floor. Located 113 meters above the ground, this floor offers an exhilarating view of the surrounding areas, including Makuhari New City, the Keihin Industrial Zone, the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, and Tokyo Skytree.

We also saw the Chiba Port Sightseeing Boat route. Below to the southeast is the outdoor stage in the Port Park and a row of warehouses on the pier beyond.

The Port Shop on the first floor offers a variety of specialty products from various parts of Chiba Prefecture, as well as goods and confections featuring the mascots Poto-kun and Chiba-kun.
The photo shows the Poto-kun GOLD EGG (350 yen for 2 pieces, 700 yen for 4 pieces). Peeling off the golden shell reveals a well-seasoned smoked egg. These can be stored at room temperature, making them a great souvenir.

Chiba-kun 3P Caramels are 702 yen. The set includes three boxes of seven large caramels each. The caramels come in milk, chocolate, and strawberry flavors.

We took the soft-serve ice cream made of 100% milk from Chiba Prefecture that we bought at the Port Shop to go and took a commemorative photo in front of the flower beds. Sometimes there are food stalls set up in front of the entrance on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. These sell different dishes as well as vegetables.

Enjoy American-style barbecue in comfort at the plaza in front of the station

In March 2024, a barbecue spot opened in the Toyosuna Umikaze Plaza, which stretches out front of Makuharitoyosuna Station. Here, visitors can enjoy the outdoors without the need to bring their own tools. The close proximity to the station makes it a convenient place to meet up! Enjoy barbecue to the fullest in the comfort of the outdoors.

All courses include all-you-can-drink soft drinks. And if you want to order alcoholic drinks, we recommend adding the all-you-can-drink plan starting at 1,500 yen for 90 minutes. There is a wide variety of alcoholic drinks available, from Corona and Budweiser to cocktails, sours, wine, and highballs.

Draft beer is poured directly from beer servers, so the foam is excellent.

“Cheers!” we say with our ice cold beers. Some areas are covered, which is great because you can barbecue without worrying about the weather.

The very satisfying barbecue menu includes vegetables and snacks

The Standard BBQ plan is 4,000 yen and comes with all-you-can-drink soft drinks. The plan includes a wide variety of items, including aged bone-in pork, marinated jerk chicken, frankfurter sausages, grilled vegetables, edamame, coleslaw, and more.

The Standard BBQ plan can even be ordered without a reservation! Please feel free to contact the shop for group reservations and events!

Reasonable plans to suit any number of people and for any purpose are also available, such as the Student-Only BBQ Set for 2,800 yen and the Buy Meat at Costco and BBQ Plan for 1,800 yen. Picnic sets for take-out are also available. Enjoy an outdoor lunch or dinner while admiring the green grassy lawn.

The new Premier brand hotel provides a higher level of quality and comfort

In March 2024, a new base opened in a location just a one-minute walk from JR Makuharitoyosuna Station! It is the first of six Premier brand hotels to open in Japan. The concept is to be a hotel that provides visitors with a higher level of quality and comfort, one where visitors can feel fulfilled in their body and mind. New services and facilities have been introduced to provide a more comfortable accommodation experience.

This stylish 11-story hotel is a one-minute walk to AEON MALL, making shopping convenient, and provides easy access to events at ZOZO Marine Stadium and Makuhari Messe.

The interior design of the hotel is based on the concept of UMIKAZE, creating an open space where you can feel the pleasant sea breezes blowing as you approach the hotel from the station.

Self check-in machines have been introduced to facilitate the process. And if needed, hotel staff can provide assistance remotely.

A free drink service and a wide variety of amenities are available in the lobby. A variety of skin care products such as toner, milky lotion, and packs are also available.

There are even several types of bath salts for guests. Choose your favorite scent to relax with.

A soothing space with a full range of items for relaxing

There are four types of rooms, including the Superior Single and Superior Twin. Natural light pours in through the large windows, and you can relax on the generously sized 120–140 cm-wide Simmons beds. Rooms come with relaxation drinks, massage cushions, and chocolate snacks to help you get a better night’s sleep.

All guest rooms are equipped with a bathroom featuring a separate washing area. Guest rooms also feature shower heads by Refa, hair dryers and air purifiers by Dyson, and other higher-grade items. Relax and let your body feel refreshed after a long day.

Enjoy the local flavors of Chiba Prefecture at the morning buffet

After a restful night's sleep, breakfast is served at Guest Lounge Umikaze on the first floor of the hotel.

The morning buffet features about 70 Japanese and Western dishes, including dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients such as Chiba-grown Koshihikari rice, rice cooked with sweet potatoes, and homemade clam chowder full of clams.

Sangayaki (left), fresh from the grill, is a local dish from Chiba Prefecture, in which namero, a minced fish dish, is served hot. Here, fish paste is added to the thickener to create a fluffy texture.

Tori Chanko Nabe, a chicken stew, is made with soy sauce malt and soy sauce from Chiba Prefecture. The broth from the chicken and vegetables is harmonized with the umami flavor of the soy sauce malt. This is a very filling and satisfying dish that will warm your soul.

And if you want a lighter breakfast, we recommend the crepes and pancakes. Pancakes are served with fresh whipped cream and fruit sauce.

Let the vitamins from breakfast recharge you for the second day of our trip.

A garden with roses from all over the world, including rare varieties associated with the imperial household

This 12,600 m2 site is home to a lush rose garden with 7,500 rose plants (800 varieties) from all over the world. The best time to visit is in spring—from mid-May to mid-June—and in the fall—from mid-October to mid-November.

The garden includes an imperial household section, a celebrity section, and an English rose section. Visitors can see a variety of roses based on each theme. Statues of goddesses by sculptors such as the Statue of Flora and White Costume dot the garden and enhance the beauty of the roses.

Rose Urara is characterized by its beautiful multi-layered petals and vivid colors.

The 50-meter-long, 4-meter-wide Climbing Rose Arch is a spot where visitors can stroll in the sunlight filtering through the leaves. You will be surrounded by colorful roses up to your head (the roses on the Climbing Rose Arch only bloom in spring), and on windy days rose petals will rain down on you.

The best spot for photos is in front of the Climbing Rose Arch. This spot overlooks the park's central fountain and administrative building.

The park is equipped with ramps so that visitors with strollers or wheelchairs can easily access the park. Look for the Rose 50 Narashino in bloom, the Narashino City rose created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the city's incorporation.

The lush garden offers more than just roses

The fountains create movement in contrast to the stillness of the roses. The stream in the center of the garden provides a varied landscape similar to an English garden.

In addition to roses, the garden is also home to tropical plants, western daffodils, bell tree dahlias, and Christmas roses. Flowers can be seen year-round. Near the entrance, you can also see a monument to the birthplace of the Yomiuri Giants, as the garden is located on the site of the Yatsuyuen Stadium where the All-Japan team was organized and practiced in 1934.

Rose petals floating in the floating flower fountain look and smell spectacular.

An oasis in Makuhari New City where each block offers its own unique atmosphere

Located in the center of Makuhari New City, this urban park is based on the concept of a city park offering greenery and the sea. The park itself is divided into three areas, providing a place for all residents to relax. Block A is located in the northernmost part of the park and features a fountain. Block B features a large grassy lawn. And Block C is home to a Japanese garden.

We head to Mihamaen, a Japanese garden found in Block C with a pond perfect for strolling around. This Japanese garden was created to express traditional Japanese culture and to be accessible to all. The pond is surrounded by boat landings, sandy beaches, small islands, and bridges, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Shorai-tei, a tea house in a corner of the garden, is a Sukiya-zukuri tea house made from Kitayama cedar found in Kyoto. Take a break and enjoy a cup of matcha green tea and seasonal sweets for 700 yen (9:00 to 16:30, tickets sold until 16:00).

On our visit, we enjoyed matcha green tea with a traditional sculpted sweet featuring a Japanese iris design. Enjoy the changing sweets available every time you visit.

Seasonal flowers such as hydrangeas and Japanese irises in early summer and lotus flowers later in summer add color to Mihamaen. The Mihamaen Lantern Festival is held in November. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic sight of illuminated lanterns and Japanese umbrellas in the evening.

Block B is a meeting point for people and a space for play and relaxation.

We found the unique hat-shaped pergola at the main lawn in Block B! The roof over the benches is in the shape of a straw hat.

Upon closer inspection, we discovered that there is a large dragonfly perched on the hat.

The 20-meter-diameter Flower Clock is located in one corner of the large lawn. Mini concerts, crafts, acorn picking, and other nature-related events are held on the main lawn during the Autumn Festival in October.

A shopping mall directly connected to the station, with attractive facilities continuing to open!

AEON MALL Makuhari New City is one of the largest shopping malls in Japan, where the hottest specialty stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities are gathered in four malls: Ekimae Mall, Grand Mall, Active Mall, and Pet Mall.
Large-scale renovations began in the spring of 2023, and approximately 120 stores, or about 1/3 of the total, are currently being renovated! Specialty stores for kids & families and lifestyle stores are springing up one after another. On our visit, we explored the Ekimae Mall, which is connected directly to the station.

The Ekimae Mall features a number of ethical lifestyle specialty stores and popular restaurants. The rooftop Sky Park Plaza on the third floor has a new playground surrounded by greenery and circular benches, making it a comfortable space for everyone.

Fountains and beaches for playing in the water are very popular with children. A fountain show featuring light, water, and sound is held at different times of the day.

The soap bubble show, held every 30 minutes, is a great time for adults and children to spend in comfort after a long day of shopping and a great space when waiting to meet up with someone.

There’s even cast-iron pan cuisine to excite the five senses! Try and savor all the unique dishes

Located on the third floor of the Ekimae Mall, Gochiso Park is a huge food court with approximately 600 seats. Dishes from eight unique restaurants are gathered here in this open space where visitors can enjoy meals and sweets.

Opened in March 2024, Nabeyaki Gohan Shirokujichu features crispy and aromatic okoge (scorched rice) cooked in hot cast-iron pans heated to 220 °C. The menu offers 12 different types of meat and seafood dishes, which can be further customized by adding your favorite toppings! The photo shows the Hot & Savory Pork Kimchi Nabeyaki Gohan for 880 yen.

While the cast-iron pan is still hot, stir the mixture with a spoon, making sure to mix from the bottom. Enjoy the sizzling sound and the fragrant aroma... Before you know it, crispy okoge will form as you stir the dish, making this one that can truly be enjoyed with all five senses. After tasting the okoge plain, pour the special broth over the okoge and enjoy it chazuke-style.

The Salmon & Scallop Butter Soy Sauce Nabeyaki Gohan is 980 yen. Made with salmon and Japanese baking scallops, the aromatic butter soy sauce and seafood will whet your appetite.

During the summer months, innovative menu items that utilize cast-iron pans also show their faces. The Crackling Ice Blue Hawaii for 480 yen, served in a chilled cast-iron pan, is a new type of sweet featuring refreshing blue shaved ice topped with yellow peaches, berries, and even crackling candy.

Authentic Taiwanese sweets & tapioca drinks are also available for take-out

Bull Pulu, located in Gochiso Park, boasts large brown sugar-flavored tapioca pearls imported directly from Taiwan, as well as rich, aromatic milk tea made from an original blend of tea leaves. Menu items are also available for takeout, so feel free to take your order and cool down at a bench in the adjacent Sky Park.

From left to right are the popular Brown Sugar Tiger Milk Tea for 500 yen, Blue Lagoon for 450 yen, and Milk Tea for 420 yen (all size medium). Tapioca pearls can be switched to nata de coco. The Blue Lagoon features a refreshing blue curaçao + lemon flavor. You can also taste authentic Taiwanese sweets such as Taiwanese sponge cake and the much-talked-about tofu pudding!

Find gems from local producers at this market in front of the station

Waku Waku Hiroba, which opened on the first floor of the Ekimae Mall, is a farmer’s market shop that connects local producers with customers. The store is filled with fresh vegetables and fruit, handmade bento boxes, bread, Japanese and Western sweets, and other items that cannot be found anywhere else.

Chinese steamed buns from MitsuketaPanDa, a popular bakery in Makuhari. The Panda Dan-chan Chinese bean bun (left) and the Strawberry Rabbit bun (right) are both 356 yen. They may look cute, but these are authentic filled Chinese steamed buns made with fluffy dough containing soy milk & soy pulp. Look, they come with Pan-chan keychains!
Another item is Hoshinone Chiffon's brown rice flour chiffon cake for 324 yen, which is made without additives, essences, or leavening agents.

Local producers deliver their products directly to the shop, meaning every product is fresh. It is great to see that everything is so affordable.
The names of the producers are listed on most products, including the vegetables, fruit, bento boxes, bread, and Japanese and Western sweets. There are also more than 1,000 special ingredients and seasonings from all over Japan! We encourage you to try incorporating these hidden gems—the producer’s commitment to quality so clear—into your own meals.